smoke machines not working

[jamlucas]

hello

 

please help,

I have two acme HP-5d smoke machines, both of which don't work, they just make a loud noise, as if the pump is trying to pump out but isn't, they both seem to be getting warm, and I have tried flushing them with vinegar and water, I don't know whether its the fluid I used, I got bought some HQ power smoke fluid, and I'm guessing its the cheapest stuff there is. I would like to try and fix them myself, but don't really know what the problem is to fix.

 

Thank You

[Ynot]

Do you regularly flush them through with distilled water (with or without the vinegar)?

If not and the machines have been left unused for a while, they may well be gummed up completely - in which case you arer likely looking at replacement parts...

 

And the fluid you use really should be one that's stipulated by the manufacturer.

[stuart.thompson]

You must use fluid that is supplied from the manufactorers for your smoke machines. All fluid is designed the burn at a certain temperature depended on the manufactorer.

 

Putting fluid in a machine from a different manufactorer can cause the fluid to be burning too low or too high and in the long run this can knacker your smoke machine. Most common fault this causes is a residue being left in the the heat exchanger which over time will block up the copper pipe in the heat exchanger which means a new heat exchanger in the smoke machine which can be costly.

[timsabre]

You must use fluid that is supplied from the manufactorers for your smoke machines. All fluid is designed the burn at a certain temperature depended on the manufactorer.

 

Putting fluid in a machine from a different manufactorer can cause the fluid to be burning too low or too high and in the long run this can knacker your smoke machine. Most common fault this causes is a residue being left in the the heat exchanger which over time will block up the copper pipe in the heat exchanger which means a new heat exchanger in the smoke machine which can be costly.

 

This is true for more upmarket machines like Jem/Martin but we are talking about Acme machines here, I doubt they specify or supply fluid.

 

 

It could be a clogged block or it could be a knackered pump.

I would try pulling the output pipe off the pump and see if it's pumping through. If not, replace the pump. If it is, the block is be clogged, chuck machine in the bin.

[KevinE]

Most of these chinese (or Taiwanese!) machines are known for having short lives. You won't find many people with elderly ones still working. Landfill!!

[David A]

Acme is one of the best makes at the low end, break the union at the output of the pump and see if fluid comes out, this can bleed the pump if there is an air lock, if nothing comes out then the pump needs changing, I buy pumps off UK Ebay, if fluid gets though then the block may be blocked, have you cleared the nozzle? they often block up.I have used cheap fluid in Acme machines it's all pretty well the same.

http://chemistry.about.com/od/howthingswor...emachines_3.htm