Magnum 850 Smoke machine - low/no smoke output

[Sparx]

We use a Magnum 850 smoke machine, which has been used ever since I started working at the venue - and probably far before that aswell, which has suddenly decided that it's had enough.

 

It no longer pumps smoke out at the rate which it used to, it's more of a "dribble" - the kind you'd get from a lit cigarette, and the smoke that comes out of the machine has a "burnt" smell to it. It will start up fine and heat, the ready led will come on, yet when you press the button on the remote it just dribbles out. The machine has an audible "click" vibration about every 750ms when the button is pressed. I have tried to get it to feed water through the machine, but I am reluctant to continually hold the button in case there is a blockage somewhere and I am just going to burn the pump motor out. Once the button has been pressed, it is a while (5 minutes), till the machine stops dribbling smoke out, like the pressure is building up.

 

Any ideas? I will take the case off and have a nose round and check the components when I get a chance, although I imagine it will be replacement parts time unless I can clean any blockages out myself?

 

Thanks,

 

Sparx

[law99]

Is the audible "click" the pump kicking over or the solenoid opening? I would guess that either the solenoid or pump has gone. Check both of them are working.

 

If both of them are working correctly try and pump some distilled water with a small amount of diluted white vinegar through (I think its white vinegar.. can someone confirm)?

[Sparx]

Is the audible "click" the pump kicking over or the solenoid opening? I would guess that either the solenoid or pump has gone. Check both of them are working.

 

If both of them are working correctly try and pump some distilled water with a small amount of diluted white vinegar through (I think its white vinegar.. can someone confirm)?

 

Yeah, I've heard of the white vinegar + distilled water mix to clear it out, although I think its far gone past that. The heads above me have decided they will get the company which is fixing the lights to take a look at it. I would hazard a guess the cheap (soundlab) smoke fluid is the cause, although im surprised it stopped so abruptly!