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Maintenance During/After Spraying
Periodically close the suction line valve and check the line strainer and clean the screen. Stop the engine and shut off the valve
near the strainer. Remove the bowl and screen portions of the strainer and wash them free from all impurities. You may also drain
the tank by uncoupling the suction line near the strainer. Open the valve and pour the contents into another container. Read the
chemical label for disposal instructions.
Proper care and maintenance will keep your pump wear at a minimum and will keep it running smoothly and trouble
-
free for a
long time and prolong the life of your sprayer.
Change the engine oil per the engine manufacturer
’
s specifications. Oil changes in the pump should be done after each 200 hours
of use or at least once a season. To fill the pump with oil, pour oil slowly into the sight tube while slowly turning the pump shaft.
Turning the pump shaft purges all of the air from the crankcase. Use SAE 30 motor oil.
Refer to the pump and motor owners manuals for their respective replacement parts and service recommendations.
After use, fill the sprayer tank part way with water. Start the sprayer and allow the water to pump through the entire plumbing
system and nozzles. Drain and then refill half full with plain water, add the recommended amount of good quality tank cleaner
such as FIMCO Sprayer Tank Neutralizer and Cleaner. (If no tank cleaner is available, you may substitute dish soap for this step,
about 1
-
2 oz. per gallon). But a neutralizer/cleaner should be used to thoroughly clean the system. Turn sprayer on and circulate
through system for 15 minutes and then spray out through handgun nozzle (and boom nozzles if applicable). Refill tank half way
with clean water and repeat. Follow the chemical manufacturer
’
s disposal instructions of all wash or rinsing water.
For the boom (if applicable) remove the tips and screens from the nozzle assemblies. Wash these items out thoroughly. Blow the
orifice clean and dry. If the orifice remains clogged, clean it with a fine bristle (NOT WIRE) brush or with a toothpick. Do not
damage the orifice. Water rinse and dry the tips before storing.
Follow the chemical manufacturer
’
s instructions on disposal of all waste water from the sprayer.
Tank Care & Maintenance
Warning:
Do not use the tank as a container for fuel oils, kerosene, gasoline or any other petroleum distillate product. All
polyolefins are softened and permeated by such products. In an enclosed area the vaporization of these materials from the outside
surface of the tank could create a dangerous condition.
The tank should not be used as a pressure vessel nor used with chemicals or solutions having a weight of more than 12 pounds per
gallon.
Store the tank in a dry dark place when not in use. Storage out of sunlight will prolong the life of the tank.
Do not drop, strike or kick the tank, especially at low temperatures. Tanks become brittle and are subject to cracking at
temperatures below 20° Fahrenheit.
Always flush the tank with water and a neutralizing agent at the end of each use, to prevent contamination of solutions.
Winter Storage
Prepare the sprayer for end
-
of
-
season storage by draining all water out of your sprayer, paying special attention to the pump,
handgun and valve(s). These items are especially prone to damage from chemicals and freezing weather.
The sprayer should be winterized before storage by pumping a solution of automotive antifreeze (containing a rust inhibitor)
through the entire plumbing system. This antifreeze solution should remain in the plumbing system during the winter months.
When spring time comes and you are preparing your sprayer for the spray season, rinse the entire plumbing system out, clearing
the lines of the antifreeze solution. Dispose of antifreeze and flush water properly.
Proper care and maintenance will prolong the life of your sprayer.
It is nearly impossible to drain all of the water from the sprayer and any trapped water can freeze in cold weather and damage
parts of the sprayer. Pumping the antifreeze through the system will displace the water and help prevent this damage.
