Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Why isn't my sprayer spraying?

  2. How do I winterize my sprayer?

Why isn't my sprayer spraying?

  1. Have you gone through the General Instructions page in the User Guide that came with your sprayer? If not click the link above to view.

  2. Have you checked your strainer? If not, check strainer for blockages.

  3. Have you recently refilled your tank? If so, your sprayer could be under a vapor lock. To remove vapor lock, simply remove the red hose that leads up to the manifold. Lay this hose on the ground and pull the rope (for gas) or bump the PTO to remove air from the system.

How do I winterize my sprayer?

1. Prevent Freeze Damage by Draining your System - One of the easiest problems to avoid is freeze damage. Simply drain your system - tank, hoses, pump, strainers, etc. Be sure that you loosen check valve diaphragms to ensure more complete drainage. This simple task will protect your equipment from damage caused by freezing.

2. Flush Pump After Use - One of the most common causes for faulty pump performance is "gumming" or corrosion inside the pump. This can be avoided by flushing the pump with a solution that will chemically neutralize the liquid that was pumped. Most residues remaining in the pump will dissolve, leaving the inside of the pump clean for the next use. Flushing is also a good practice for the entire system.

3. Use Antifreeze to Prevent Corrosion - After draining your system and cleaning the pump as directed above, flush with a 50% solution of permanent-type automobile antifreeze (Prestone, Zerex, etc.) containing a rust inhibitor. Plug the ports of the pump to keep out air during storage. This process will coat and protect your spraying components from corrosion.

4. Don't Forget About the Spray Tips - Even though they are one of the smallest parts on a sprayer, spray tips also need to be winterized. Remove spray tips and tip strainers and rinse in water. Tips made of corrosion-prone (metal) materials can be sprayed with a light-weight oil (WD-40 or similar oils). Once dry, store spray tips and strainers in a container to avoid damage from dust and outdoor elements.

Updated:
Wednesday July 05, 2006 11:01 AM -0400