[Mike Halliday]

Anyone any experience of these machines?

Bought one of eBay but can't seem to get any foam to the brush, I have taken of the case and looked at the pipes and I don't think it is pulling solution out of the tank, the pipe is not blocked as I have blown through it and it is clear.

Any ideas?

[Robin Ray]

If its a diaphragm pump the diaphragm may be perforated? maybe

[Graeme Brown]

The  pump might be airlocked.  stick the pressure hose  in a suction hose turn both on and cover the end of the suction hose with your hand. Five seconds should do it. A very wise man told me about this when my shurflo diaphragm pump airlocked. Worked a treat. Remember to take off any quick connectors or valves that would stop the flow.

[petermaybury]

Mike these are good machines but they do take some time to get used of. the foam is generated by a solenoid that uses the vac motor to pressurise the tank. the switch on the handle operates a solenoid that uses the airflow to drive the solution to the tank to put the solution through a foam media and thus drives the foam to the head. if there is no foam coming through you either.  have to check that the solenoid is working. There should be a loud click and you should hear, a firm click as the magnetic field sends the plastic mushroom up to divert the airflow. Mike  it would be better for you to give me a call as this would turn into a very long post. I do know these machines very well as I used them for about 20 years. If you give me a call I will talk you through the way to diagnose the problem. these machines are very good for cleaning leather . My number is 07788621555. It might be worth you calling host von schrader to see if you can get a user manual for the machine, if not you could get an exploded part diagram for the machine which might help you understand how the machine operates. Give me a call when you are by the machine and we will find the problem.
regards

Peter

[Mike Halliday]

Thanks peter, what time would be good to call you ? Working 10-12 & 2:30 - 4 today, or any evening next week.

Only paid £150 for it so I'm quite willing to play around with it to get it too work, bought it for ( like you say) cleaning leather . I often get looks from customers when cleaning leather when all  I bring into the house is a bucket and some white towels , using a machine to clean leather might look better & it might do a better job

[davep]

I used to use mine for leather but you cant really see what's going on under the brushes as far as any topcoat being damaged.   Aside from that they are really good on leathers.

[Mike Halliday]

Peter, you found the problem just with your answer!!!

I listened for the solenoid to activate and nothing so I thought that was the problem so I checked the wiring everything seemed fine no breakages but the hose was not all the way into the housing which I saw earlier  but the brush was turning so I though that how far it went in, but I pushed it hard and in went in another 1/4 of an inch which must have completed the circuit to the solenoid  now you hear it ' pop' and foam is going to the head