Hi all.
Recently run into an issue where our Welch 2052C-02 4 headed diaphragm pump suddenly stopped reaching adequate vacuum pressure. When diagnosing, have also discovered the pump getting extremely hot with little run time.
We have inspected the PEEK valves to ensure they were shiny side down, and that all seems to be correct. We have a replacement kit on the way, but looking for any other possible solutions in the mean time. We’ve read about oil flushes or others cleaning the pump with clean ethanol flushes. Just curious if anyone has had any luck with those steps.
Thanks in advance!
We’ve had issues like this in the past and occasionally the problem has boiled down to the diaphragm being contaminated. If you pull the heads apart to the diaphragm wipe them off with a lint free rag that has a little solvent (we use 200 proof ethanol) and make sure the edges of the diaphragm are super clean and reassemble. After that we like to due an ultimate pressure test on just the pump to ensure it doesn’t need a deeper servicing right then and there. Definitely perform a full service once you get the kit, but this method has helped us keep machines running at decent vacuums while waiting for rebuild kits. Good luck!
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likely have a torn diaphragm need a spanner bit to pull them off. they like to tear where they rub up on the plate.
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I’ve certainly cleaned up diaphragm pumps that had inhaled hash with a quick flush with “party solvent”(EtOH), but if you’re thinking of flushing the OIL you’ve got ahold of the wrong end of the schtick…the whole point of a diaphragm pump is that it is oil free.
If it’s suddenly not sucking, either you’ve lost a diaphragm or a check valve…
Appreciate the help everyone!
Waiting on the service kit to arrive to replace the diaphragm
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