Tank and System Cleanout

Check washer solution levels daily and keep solution clean using filtration and oil removal systems.


Special Attention should be given to pump intake screens, solution headers, and blow-off headers to be certain they are free from sediment, scale, hard water salt development, and grit.


RECOMMENDED TANK AND WASHER CLEANOUT PROCEDURE:



  1. Turn off automatic water fill supply
  2. Remove and clean nozzles and filters. Note: Take note of the direction spray angles in relationship to the flow of parts in machine. Most fan pattern nozzles will have slit or indented line to show angle of spray.
  3. Add a 10-15% concentration of Hurriclean Tank Purge to existing chemistry in tanks.
  4. Heat solution to 160°F, or highest level attainable.
  5. Run pumps with heated solution for 4-8 hours.
  6. Pump and / or drain solution from tanks.
  7. Remove shed sheets. There are 1-3 flat metal sheets below the conveyor that cover the tanks in most machines. These are the shed sheets and cause the solution and chips to run through the chip baskets and then back into the respective tanks.
  8. The shed sheets have a ¼-20 stainless steel bolt in one corner. Removal of this bolt will allow the sheets to be moved forward or backwards to give access to the inside of the tanks. Indentation shows angle of spray Solution shed sheets Bolt shown
  9. With the shed sheets slid back or forward, remove sludge, debris, and sediment from tank bottom and sides. Access to the inside of machines and tanks is through the shed sheets and the marine cleanout doors located on the side of the machine. The marine cleanout door must be removed to correctly clean the machine and will help in the removal of heavy dirt and chips. For door removal, unscrew center bolt on round doors, or remove pins on rectangular doors. Care must be taken not to tear or otherwise damage the gaskets on the door when removing them from machine side. Torn or damaged seals will require repair or replacement before machine can be refilled and used.
  10. Using a power wash unit, completely clean the interior of the machine starting at the top and moving down. Make sure that the solution level floats and rod; heater elements, auto-fill valve, wash headers, and blow-off headers are clean. Check that all corners and areas that can catch dirt and grime are cleaned completely.
  11. Completely clean oil Extractor or Suparator® if used.
  12. Completely clean and flush tank of all dirt and dirty solution.
  13. Remove and clean pump inlet screen and chip basket.
  14. Clean outside of machine of dirt and grime.
  15. Inspect all interior and exterior components for damaged or missing parts. If any are found, record sizes or any identification numbers so they can be ordered and replaced.
  16. Replace shed sheets and marine cleanout doors. Make sure that the marine cleanout door gaskets are clean and not torn before installing on machine. Doors are replaced in reverse order from how they were removed. Interior of wash area& wash headers Electric heater elements Solution level float Blow-off headers Pump screen & chip basket
  17. Replace pump inlet screen and chip baskets. Insure chip basket is correctly locked in place.
  18. Replace all nozzles that were removed from the wash and rinse headers. Make sure all nozzles are correctly aimed and the angle from part travel direction is correct.
  19. Refill tanks and titrate with correct chemicals for optimal cleaning of parts, and to prevent rust.
  20. Unlock controls and turn on heat.
  21. Observe operation of machine heating. CAUTION! Some chemicals will foam when pumps are turned on until operating temperature is reached.
  22. Run pump and observe pressure gauge readings. There should be no more than 10-15 PSI difference between before filter and after filter. If there is, remove the old filter and install a new filter.
  23. After solution has reached temperature, check for correct spray pattern on parts moving through the machine. We have found that a piece of Lexan the size of the wash door will allow you to remove the door and see if the spray is correct. When it is correct, replace the door on the machine.