Sprayer Sprayer pump stops after 2-3 seconds

[TxFig]

I acquired a sprayer from an estate sale that looks like it was literally never used. I would really like to get working. My plan is to put it in the FEL and power it from the tractor battery. When I connect the clips to the battery and flip the switch, the pump runs for only 2-3 seconds (at most) and then cuts off. If I try the power switch immediately after that, nothing at all happens... if I wait a day or two and try the switch, the pump will again run for 2-3 seconds.

The sprayer is a FIMCO



The pump is a Shurflo model 8000-541-236.



I've searched the interwebs (including this forum) and haven't found a mention of a similar type of problem. Any advice on how to get this thing running?

[CBW1999]

I don't believe anything is wrong with the pump.
It looks like a "pressure" demand pump which will only run until the pressure hits the set point. As you spray and the pressure drops below the lower set point, it will kick in long enough to bring the pressure back up. When it kicks on it should make that "pulsing" sound like when you first turn it on.

It only pressurizes the hose to the wand, not the tank. On that note, check all the hoses to make sure no crud is in there. There should be a strainer/filter on the pick up hose in the tank, take apart anything servicable on the wand as well and look for clogs.

I had a similar set up I was going to use in the FEL bucket but, for my needs need a bigger tank.

[Gary Fowler]

That is the way it is supposed to work. The pump runs till it builds up to a preset pressure (60 PSI) then it stops till you pull the trigger on the wand. Push the handle on the wand and see if it will keep running. I could be that the pressure sensor is freezing up. I had an electric pressure washer like that once. It just wouldnt come back on if you allowed the pressure to build up and the autoshut off shut it down. It worked good as long as you kept spraying. I have one like it but never tore into it, BUT I suspect that there is a pressure regulator behind those 2 screws on top of the pump. You might remove that little cover and see if the contacts are corroded.

[rockinmywaypa]

do you see that little square block on top of the motor with the wires hanging out, that is a pressure switch. When pressure builds up it shuts off until you use the wand to spray and then it turns the pump back on. It's a cheaper way of avoiding bypass valves and all the stuff you'd find on bigger agricultural sprayers. Try it again and cycle through using the wand to see if it makes a difference.

[CBW1999]

I just sent you a PM about an owners manual- found that i had the fimco site book marked

FIMCO Manuals

It should come up at the "old style tank" section. If you can find a number on your unit great- but I think it is the lg 15 ec.

[scollins]

I acquired a sprayer from an estate sale that looks like it was literally never used. I would really like to get working. My plan is to put it in the FEL and power it from the tractor battery. When I connect the clips to the battery and flip the switch, the pump runs for only 2-3 seconds (at most) and then cuts off. If I try the power switch immediately after that, nothing at all happens... if I wait a day or two and try the switch, the pump will again run for 2-3 seconds.

The sprayer is a FIMCO



The pump is a Shurflo model 8000-541-236.



I've searched the interwebs (including this forum) and haven't found a mention of a similar type of problem. Any advice on how to get this thing running?

Having a photo of the tank and model number helps.

What yu most likely could have:
1. A sprayer wand nozzle and discharge hose system with a clogged nozzle, kinked hose, maybe a piece of plastic in the wand from the factory, or some other obstruction that is causing the unit to shut off. Remove the spray wand from the hose, turn on the pump and see what happens. Blow out the hose and wand with compressed air. Check for a clogged or kinked suction line. There could be a chunk of plastic caught up there from where the tank was molded.

2. If everything is clear of obstructions and kinks, the likely cause is a defective or improperly adjusted pressure switch. Tighten for pressure and loosen if the pump will not shut off. You can get replacement pressure switches at a rural farm supply or tractor supply store were they sell the Fimco sprayers. Caution - lots of tiny parts and springs, so take apart on a clean concrete floor instead of out on the lawn (like I did).

Here is the link to the pump owners manual from Shurflo:
http://legacy.shurflo.com/pdf/indust...00-541-236.pdf

You can pull up the replacement parts list from this web site link:
Lawn and Garden Pump

Here is the link to the factory manual for what I think is your model sprayer unit;

http://fimcoindustries.com/images/ma...-EC(FM817).pdf

If you want, check out the download center at fimcoindustries.com

Let us know what you find.

SC

The pump is a "demand" type diaphram pump that, once switched on, is designed (if operating and adjusted properly) to switch "ON" wen the nozzle is opened and "OFF" as soon as you close the nozzle.
It does this via a pressure switch with a screw and a little spring in it. Although the pumps are "supposed" to be factory set, I have always had to tweak mine. When I got mine, the pump would rapidly cycle on and off, so with the nozzle open, I had to tighten the screw until the unit would run without cycling.

[TxFig]

Where is that pic of Capt Picard face planting into the palm of his hand.

Yeah - that's me.


Thanks everyone.

[murphy1244]

[rockinmywaypa]

It takes a big man to admit something like that.

[scollins]

Where is that pic of Capt Picard face planting into the palm of his hand.

Yeah - that's me.


Thanks everyone.

did you get it to work?

SC