Smoke and snow machine pump maintenance.

Рет қаралды 76,278

10 жыл бұрын

Many of the generic Chinese effects machine brands like Antari and Soundlab use a standard solenoid pump to feed the liquids into the effects units. In the case of a smoke machine the pump will be pushing the liquid into a heater block, while in the case of snow or foam machines it will be delivered to the blower head.
The pumps are notorious for gunking up over time if dirty liquid is used or if they are stored for very long periods of time. This video shows how to disassemble one of the most common small solenoid pumps for cleaning, although many larger solenoid pumps are very similar. Be aware that these things have spring loaded plungers that will happily scatter the entire contents of the pump into random corners of your workshop, so disassemble with care.
I should also mention that a common problem with smoke machines is blockage of the heater block, and if that happens then even a fully functioning pump will not be able to push liquid into it. (it usually requires a new block or complete new machine.)
For snow machines there are only two components. The pump and the blower. The most common fault is the unit running and blowing air out the front as normal, but no snow. It's inevitably the pump that has seized due to the intense degreasing effect of snow fluid which is basically diluted detergent. Snow fluid can also go rather yucky in storage so there's a good chance that cleaning the pump will get it working again.
The solenoid pumps work by driving a small piston/plunger back and forth in a cylinder with a one-way valve on the plunger and cylinder outlet. This means that for every excursion of the plunger a fairly precise amount of liquid will be pushed through the pump. The solenoids are often mains voltage and usually have a diode in series with them so they operate in distinct pulses on one half of the mains sinewave.
Cleaning the pumps involves careful disassembly as shown in the video and equally careful cleaning of the components by rinsing them in a bowl of warm water. If you wash them at a sink then put the plug in so you don't lose components down the drain.
Don't get the solenoid body itself excessively wet as it may penetrate into the windings inside. Careful consideration should be given before applying any form of oil to the assembly. The components are all designed to operate in the pumped liquid so any lubricant could contaminate the fluid as it goes through.
Always unplug the machines from the mains supply before doing anything inside them. Many have exposed mains voltage connections on contacts or circuit boards.
If all else fails, these pumps are so common that you can often find them on ebay if you search for "smoke machine pump".

Пікірлер: 80

@stikee2003 8 ай бұрын

Thanks Clive , just repaired an old sound lab snow machine , found the pump was seized , remembered watching this video , so a quick search , dismantled the pump, cleaned off the corrosion with some scotchbrite, back together and working - cheers

@kieronsimm9562 Жыл бұрын

What a guy, I got myself into trouble by stripping it down after 6 pints then couldn't put it back together😅. Thank god I stumbled across this video.

@mpapahronis 11 ай бұрын

Cannot thank you enough, Clive! This exact pump was in my Pelonis dehumidifier here in the US. It was less than a year old and was leaking on the floor. The pump was stuck, and your take-apart-put-back-together diagrams gave me the info I needed to clean and reassemble. Problem seems to be solved. You saved me like $200 by repairing, and kept it out of the landfill. Thanks!

@IPTQ81UR Жыл бұрын

Thanks Clive. I've followed your videos for some time now but didn't dream that the help I needed on this project would actually come from yourself (from nine years ago no less). I will continue to follow your vids and who knows, you might pop up out of the blue to help me again. Greatly appreciated.

@lc-sc9oo 6 жыл бұрын

Our hazer just went down before a show. Followed this and it was back up and running in 20 minuted. Amazing... TY!!!

@MontclairsLair 7 жыл бұрын

Thanks for this video. I refer to it every Halloween if my fog machines have issues. Appreciate the breakdown and drawing.

@PootaurStuff 7 жыл бұрын

I am so happy that you took the time to make this video and post it. My sister has a fog machine that she needs repaired immediately for Halloween tonight. Last night I worked on it without any luck of getting it working. After watching your video I have determined that someone else has taken the pump apart and got the parts back in incorrectly. Just like when I took it apart, pieces sprung out. Now that I know the order, I am about to put it back together the correct way! Thank you very much for the assistance!!! One thing for sure, KZfaq is the GREATEST learning tool ever invented. Anything broke I find a video to watch, repair the item, and save myself a lot of money!. Thank you very much for the contribution. Excellent video!!! I can't thank you enough.

@PootaurStuff 7 жыл бұрын

I disassembled the pump and found that it had a broken spring. I took some stiff wire, a guitar string, and fabricated a spring of same diameter and length. I used my ultrasonic cleaner to clean all of the parts, then used a folded up pipe cleaner to polish up the cylinder. Next I put the assemble all back together. It seems like maybe my brother-in-law might have taken it apart and got the parts in the wrong order. I was so pleased when I fired up the unit and it worked!!! I fogged up my house in a matter of minutes to the point where I could barely see anything, and took pictures to send to my sister. Her and her husband will be delighted to be able to use both of their machines tonight for Halloween! Thank you very much!

@TheIdeaLounge 5 жыл бұрын

This was so incredibly helpful!! THANK YOU!!

@Hj4a 6 жыл бұрын

This was incredibly helpful. Thank you so much, my good man.

@DesTestimonials 9 жыл бұрын

Thank you for this excellent video / guide.

@hendry6997 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the excellent video

@peewee3ie 10 жыл бұрын

Thank you for the video of the pump strip down. It also show there is not much to the pump at all.

@thomasmarshall8695 7 жыл бұрын

can I use.my fog machine for a snow machine?

@ghanshyamthakur7026 6 жыл бұрын

Thank u very much to u , your video is to much help full for me. I am repaired my smoke machine with the help of your video. Again thanks a lot.

@Levyzenger1 6 жыл бұрын

Thanks man! I wanted to know the structure of that part of my fog machine! Like😉

@seannot-telling9806 6 жыл бұрын

That little pump is so simple. You will never guess what showed up as the sponsored ad. Fog and snow machine pumps.

@nathancumerbatch2980 3 жыл бұрын

Video really helped me out went to bed after 1 this morning

@haywardhaunter2620 9 ай бұрын

(1) Watch video. (2) Disassemble pump and clean it out. (3) Attempt to put it back together and get confused. (4) Watch video again and discover your pump has a very similar yet different set of parts than bigclive's. Using the terms from bigclive's diagram, mine has no distinct cylinder nor valve. The cylinder seems to be integral to the elbow-shaped outlet. The noise suppression o-ring's inner diameter is larger than the outer diameter of the cylinder retaining washer, and is nearly indistinguishable from the larger seal. Maybe I'll try to find a replacement pump. Unfortunately, the ones I've seen so far all use a smaller diameter input hose and output tube (like many of the 400 Watt fog machines I've looked inside). Despite all this, I still appreciate the video!

@haywardhaunter2620 9 ай бұрын

I finally got mine back together. In my case, the "cylinder" is metal and is an integral part of the solenoid assembly. Instead of one larger rubber seal as shown in the diagram, this has two. Once is flat like a washer and the other is rounded like a donut. They have approximately the same inner diameter, and they slip over the end of the integrated cylinder (though I no longer remember in which order). There is no removable spring valve. The elbow shaped outlet pipe (which is all metal on mine) also functions as a one-way check valve, which seems to serve the same function as the spring valve shown in the diagram. The input and output tube diameters are a little larger than I've seen in other machines. All that was pointless. I found nothing gunking up the pump, and it still doesn't run, not even once the machine heats up.

@MrBerelex 3 жыл бұрын

Грамотно! Молодец, мужик!

@21cresidente 5 жыл бұрын

Cheers.... trying this weekend

@johnyjohnnysilva7021 6 жыл бұрын

muito obrigado amigo vc sabe realmente fazer seu trabalhho parabens que deus lhe proteja sempre pq vc e uma pessoa boa que ajuda outras pessoas parabens pelo video abraço

@bellhops1 6 жыл бұрын

Super clear video! I have a H2Ox5 steam cleaner which appears to have a similar pump which may be clogged with hard water salts but so might the steam chamber. I'd like to test the pump separately having removed it. Is this possible without connecting tubes to simulate the working load or can I test it 'dry'? Might I test its function with air pressure? I'm attempting to mend this machine for a friend and hate to be beaten. Thanks.

@skylara702 4 жыл бұрын

Just saved me $60, thanks!

@markfothebeast 6 жыл бұрын

So what is being said is that the motor (solenoid) agitates the pistons movement? Also, I noticed on two old fog machine motors that the piston spring needed a bit of stretching. This seemed to help a lot.

@imac786 4 жыл бұрын

> thanks Clive excellent vid

@PootaurStuff 7 жыл бұрын

Let me give some tips... 1. Blow air backwards through the filter that goes in the fog juice, you can do this by blowing air with your mouth. Also wipe the screen off with a tooth brush. 2. Use a long thin wire, or pipe cleaner, and shove it in the rubber hose between the container holding the juice and the pump. Make sure to disconnect the hose. This will clean out the hose from end to end. 3. Re-attaching the hose is a total pain in the butt so widen the tip of the hose with a Phillips screwdriver, or even a nail that is larger than the inside diameter of the hose. Stretch the hose wide, and once you pull the screwdriver or nail out, quickly push the it on the filter, then do the same for the end that goes to the pump. Last of all, put a tie-wrap on the pump end of the hose. 4. Before disassembling the pump, put a towel down to catch flying parts, pull loose or else you will be on your hands and knees for quite some time trying to find parts. Pull everything apart VERY slowly!!! 5. Check the spring in the very back of the pump. Use tweezers to pull it out. Like on my machine, the spring was broke. I had no springs in my junk parts. I made one! I used guitar wire and wrapped it on a screwdriver shaft. On the screw driver, I used one that was a slightly less diameter, and wrapped it around the shaft using the same distance between windings, then cut it to same length as the original spring. 6. Use a pipe cleaner or rag to clean the cylinder where all the parts slide in. 7. Put all parts disassembled into an ultrasonic cleaner. I used dish soap for the cleaner. Run the cleaner for about 5 or more cycles. Use a magnifying glass and closely inspect all parts for any build up. 8. Blow air through the PLUNGER VALVE (shown in the video). Do NOT try to remove the spring!!! 9. After reassembling parts back on the motor, use the large bolt looking thing to adjust the spring tension. Screw outward to release a bit of pressure on the spring. When the voltage is applied to the motor you should hear it very well. If you don't hear anything, screw the big bold all the way in, and gradually back it out. One can also start with the bolt almost fully out, and turn a quarter turn in until the motor can be heard. 10. Make sure to be EXTREMELY careful when working with AC power connected!!! Use rubber gloves and insulated tools, and do NOT drop tools or accidentally come in contact with any electrical contacts. Wipe out any spilled fog juice, it is highly conductive. Make a mistake on safety you will most likely DIE from electrocution. I'm an electronics technician/teacher so I don't have a problem with live circuits, but ALWAYS follow safety rules and precautions. If you are uncomfortable working on live circuits do NOT work on it, get someone else to do it!!! You screw up, this might be your last day to be alive!!! 11. Before starting up the machine after all this work, prime the pump! I used a syringe loaded with juice. Pull the filter loose, shove the end of the syringe on the tube, and slowly fill the pump and tube with the machine on and running. Once you have fog blowing out for about 30 seconds, stop the machine, put the filter back on, put the filter back in the juice, and do NOT let air bubbles in the line. Pinch off the line while putting the filter back on. Keep it pinched until the filter is back and submersed in the juice! I hope this gives everyone a bit of insight on the techniques I used to fix my machine! The machine works so great now that I fogged out a 30 x 24 foot room in less than a minute!

@TheEulerID 5 жыл бұрын

One little tip is when electrically testing some of these pumps, they contain an internal diode, so make sure the meter is on the diode test setting and try it both ways round. Until I did that I thought the pump had gone open circuit.

@passionuende106 4 жыл бұрын

восхитительно , среди десятков видео от русских "мастеров" ни одного адекватного ответа не нашел, а тут даже схему нарисовали . спасибо =)

@lindsayoneil1045 6 жыл бұрын

Thanks Man!!!!!!

@dennisyoung4631 Жыл бұрын

I have wondered about using these things to pump common petroleum-based oils, e.g. lighter weight gear oils in machines, or automatic transmission fluid for bandsaws (as a source of lube for the blade.) The volume of fluid needed is modest, about 50 cc per minute or so.

@bigclivedotcom Жыл бұрын

This style of pump is commonly used as a fuel pump like the pulsed DC ones used with diesel heaters. The oil would need to be well filtered though.

@johnrose2251 8 жыл бұрын

Very informative, thank you! Can you suggest where I might be able to source a new one though?

@bigclivedotcom 8 жыл бұрын

+john rose (TPRC) If it's a high profile machine then from one of the distributors. If it's a cheapie then from ebay. Make sure it's definitely the pump that's faulty though. A very common issue with smoke machines is a blocked heater block, which is not usually repairable.

@CyberlightFG 7 жыл бұрын

bigclivedotcom I had a broken spring and coil in my Antari so I replaced the pump with a high quality fluid-o-tech but it's not easy because it doesn't fit mechanically. It is much more quiet now with a lot more pressure and for that reason it was worth the money and work. On my machine, I could screw out the heater outlet from the front to clean it. Did not work at first try, but works now. There was some burned fluid inside clogging inlet and outlet.

@RabeaHussain 5 жыл бұрын

hi, how can i make a circuit board that would start a second pump once the first fails ?

@puddleglum3306 Жыл бұрын

Your hands look so young.

@studerje 6 ай бұрын

Just found this video and used the steps to revive 2 Froggy’s Fog 650W snow machines. Thank you!

@randystark918 3 жыл бұрын

How bout if you remove the spring valve so that the fluid will just go straight to the heating component? What could possibly happen?

@guyflorack 10 ай бұрын

Same question here. The rubber head of the spring valve seems to be blocking the flow.

@notajp 6 жыл бұрын

Any idea what to do for a pump that won’t pump when the fitting is screwed in all the way, but will work when the fitting is loosened about one turn? I have had the pump apart and cleaned everything. I was careful to reassemble exactly as it came apart (just as you show here), but still will only work when the fitting is loosened. It’s like the piston is not free to move when the whole thing is assembled properly. Can’t figure this one out.

@bigclivedotcom 6 жыл бұрын

Most common suspect is a swollen up o-ring around the pump plunger. When tighened down it may be gripping the plunger. I found it quite hard to find an exact replacement.

@mrburns366 5 жыл бұрын

I'm looking for a tiny 12v 50HZ pump that goes in a "Power Tiny" fog machine. I can tell that the problem is the rubber check valve isn't working anymore. I think it's swollen in size. I'm thinking about source an external check valve to go inline with it and see it that will make it work again.

@bigclivedotcom 5 жыл бұрын

It's unusual that the pump is 12V. Is it pulsed or does it run continuously when active? It may be able to be stripped and cleaned. Check out this video. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/j-BlgLNom6vZipc.html

@kuznee 5 жыл бұрын

I accidentally tore off wires from my pump (coil), is there any way to solder it back on solenoid coil or i'll have to buy a new pump?

@bigclivedotcom 5 жыл бұрын

If the wires pulled completely out you'll need a new pump.

@briandodds 7 жыл бұрын

What do I do what the rubber bit of the outlet valve has swollen to the point that is no longer moves?

@bigclivedotcom 7 жыл бұрын

The most common swelling component is the o-ring round the piston. You can sometimes cheat a repair by slicing out a very tiny slice of the o-ring so it closes in further, but a replacement is a better option if you can get one. Other bits could be shaved similarly with a very sharp Stanley/Exacto knife, but it's a bit unpredictable if it will be a long lasting fix.

@mrsl0305 5 жыл бұрын

Hi! I have a question how do I know what is wrong with my snow blower? I only used it once left a little snow liquid inside and stored it away for about 6 years like that. I took it out of the box and turned it on. the blower works fine.and it blows hot air, but no snow is coming out. So I cleaned it like you said, which didn't have that much gunk in it. Then I put it back together carefully tried again and it still isn't blowing out snow. What do you think it is?

@bigclivedotcom 5 жыл бұрын

The pumps usually fail. Check the pipes are all clear and that the pump itself doesn't have a blockage, particularly the type with a right angled metal pipe. Even though the pump may be humming the cylinder can get stuck in the O-ring if it has swollen up over time.

@mrsl0305 5 жыл бұрын

bigclivedotcom Yes! I have a metal L shaped pipe that connects to the hose with a tierap and to the pump. All of the other components look like yours. So how can I tell if the cylinder had swollen up (where in the cylinder do I look) Is that something I can physically see? If it is swollen does that mean I have to get a new cylinder or replace the whole pump assembly? Thanks!

@bigclivedotcom 5 жыл бұрын

@@mrsl0305 These pumps often block at the right angle bend. Check it's clear with a bit of him wire. The plunger should move in and out of the cylinder with low friction. If the O-ring has swollen it may be gripping the piston too hard when compressed. Unless you can find an identically sized new O-ring it might be faster and cheaper to replace the pump.

@mrsl0305 5 жыл бұрын

bigclivedotcom Omg! It works! I thought I was going to have to throw the snow blower away and have to spend on a new one! So I checked the L shaped metal tubing ( I blew on it) and it was clear. I checked the rubber washers and they seemed ok. Then I opened the pump from the tank side, there is a filter on one side and a tiny pin hole on the other side of the pump. You were right there was more gunk in there. So I clean that part out and this time it worked? Thank you for guiding me through this, you are the only one with a detail video it helped me ALOT!!! If it wasn't for you and your replies, I would have thrown it out. BIG THANKS!!

@drkastenbrot 8 жыл бұрын

Good to know. I had my fog machine sitting for quite long and now its just not pumping properly. So im just gonna clean that.

@bigclivedotcom 8 жыл бұрын

+drkastenbrot If it has the same pump then also check for a corrosion blockage at the right angle section. I've had two block up solid and need reamered with a pointy thing.

@BodasyEventosRohiDj Жыл бұрын

Buenas tardes Tengo una duda, una bomba usada con todas las piezas puestas y en su orden, suena al energízarla pero no chupa líquido; Cual puede ser el problema. Gracias

@bigclivedotcom Жыл бұрын

Puede estar bloqueado o si es una máquina de humo su bloque calentador puede estar bloqueado.

@BodasyEventosRohiDj Жыл бұрын

@@bigclivedotcom gracias

@DavidTorres-cv5bj 8 жыл бұрын

any suggestion where I can buy a fog machine pump. I cant find it and I really need it. thank you

@bigclivedotcom 8 жыл бұрын

+David Torres Try ebay. But they tend to be quite expensive in relation to the cost of a cheap machine.

@PootaurStuff 7 жыл бұрын

You will find the pumps on ebay for $18 to $46. The URL is www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_odkw=smoke+machine+pump&_sop=15&_osacat=0&_from=R40&_trksid=p2045573.m570.l1313.TR0.TRC0.H0.TRS0&_nkw=smoke+machine+pump&_sacat=0 The pumps come from China, so if you are in a big hurry it will take 3 to 6 weeks for it to come in.

@izzzzzz6 2 жыл бұрын

the diode?

@johnrose2251 8 жыл бұрын

Thanks Clive. I bought the machine as "not working" and took the pump apart and fixed it now but just want to replace it in case it goes again. It's identical to the one on your video but cannot locate it anywhere- can you point me to a supplier if you know of one? Thank you.

@bigclivedotcom 8 жыл бұрын

Have you tried searching for smoke machine pump on eBay?

@johnrose2251 8 жыл бұрын

+bigclivedotcom I have searched everywhere- there obviously is a supplier somewhere though.

@brocktechnology 6 жыл бұрын

I realize this is more 'how to' than 'how it works' but I'm left wondering what makes the pump cycle?

@bigclivedotcom 6 жыл бұрын

+brocktechnology There is usually a diode in series so that it is energised on one half of the mains waveform. So they typically run at 50 or 60 pulses a second.

@markfothebeast 6 жыл бұрын

Do you mean what makes the piston move? I'm thinking it is agitated in the piston bore in the center of the motor.

@fredges 6 жыл бұрын

Magnets. Magnets move the piston back and forth. The liquid never comes into contact with the magnets or electrical bits.

@martindowney7915 5 жыл бұрын

@@bigclivedotcomI've got same pump in a shark steam mop, but the transistor that that's switching it has gone bang and I'm unable to read the number on itClive, could you please suggest what to replace it with, fet or npn. It seems to be switching output diodes to the neutral (or at least it will do when I've replaced the tray) I'm not sure if the solenoid is any good either, it's got a high resistance 1.5meg.if you can offer me any help mate that would be great. Thanks Martin.

@GadgetBoy 8 жыл бұрын

Cold day? :-P

@JustinVodden 5 жыл бұрын

hey there hive mind (Clive-hive?) (Clive-mind?), anyone have tips for cleaning out a clogged heating element? many thanks and happy tinkering!

@bigclivedotcom 5 жыл бұрын

Once it's fully clogged you're screwed. You may be able to get a new heater block. It's a good idea to routinely flush smoke machines through with some white vinegar diluted with distilled water to descale the pipe. Do it outdoors and then flush through with plain distilled water before loading new smoke fluid.

@JustinVodden 5 жыл бұрын

@@bigclivedotcom that is the procedure I have used in the past. sometimes it works sometimes, eh, less so. thanks for the reply!

@JustinVodden 5 жыл бұрын

I have bought and used $1000 USD machines and $100 UDS machines and they all broke down at some point. I am leaning toward in the future just getting the cheapest that fills the need and is built well enough to last the show. no need to spend extra on fancier versions with features that i will not use, just more to break down and the more expensive units do not seem to have any better a shelf life, at least once you are above the level of the ones sold in department stores for halloween. thanks again for the original vid and the reply.

@mrsl0305 5 жыл бұрын

Oh and the pump seems to be working because it's making noice and after I had it on for about 3 mins, it was warming up.

@user-jl7er1dk3e 5 жыл бұрын

so i need to turn it on for 3 minutes?

@gatoalarco8403 4 ай бұрын

I need help, I have the same product, but I think I had some problem putting it together, because it has no power, the jet is very weak. Please, if you could support me, I really appreciate it.

@bigclivedotcom 4 ай бұрын

If it's a smoke machine then a common failure other than the pump is the pipe going through the heater block getting blocked up with deposits.