Replacing an Ulka pump
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- Posts: 6
- Joined: 13 years ago
Hey Guys-
So I just replaced the vibratory pump on my La Valentina. It was very straight forward, but I feel like there is something I missed. Now when I switch it on, it does not draw any water and the pump just makes a humming sound like it is struggling. I tried opening the steam valve and that did nothing. Is there some kind of priming I am supposed to do; could I have crossed some wires? I was not able to find any good pictures or instructions on how to do this correctly. As of now, my machine is simply a decoration.
Thanks,
-John
So I just replaced the vibratory pump on my La Valentina. It was very straight forward, but I feel like there is something I missed. Now when I switch it on, it does not draw any water and the pump just makes a humming sound like it is struggling. I tried opening the steam valve and that did nothing. Is there some kind of priming I am supposed to do; could I have crossed some wires? I was not able to find any good pictures or instructions on how to do this correctly. As of now, my machine is simply a decoration.
Thanks,
-John
- allon
- Posts: 1639
- Joined: 13 years ago
Did you replace it with a different pump, or the same pump? Yes, I know that the subject says "Ulka", but it also says "replacing", and you don't say what you replaced it with; I could assume that you replaced it with an Ulka, but I hate to assume.
Fluid-o-Tech pumps, in particular, require a diode be placed in-line on the power.
Other than that, you could certainly try priming the pump and see if that helps get it going.
Fluid-o-Tech pumps, in particular, require a diode be placed in-line on the power.
Other than that, you could certainly try priming the pump and see if that helps get it going.
LMWDP #331
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- Posts: 167
- Joined: 18 years ago
As stated above... Same or different pump..
In addition to the electrical; the output fitting can be a plastic OR a brass. Either way, they have a one way valve in the end. Have seen some users, change fittings that use a longer thread as party of a rebuild and replacement of old parts.
Thus when all assembled, the fitting goes to deep and compresses / smashes the valve and thus it no longer works as it should...
In addition to the electrical; the output fitting can be a plastic OR a brass. Either way, they have a one way valve in the end. Have seen some users, change fittings that use a longer thread as party of a rebuild and replacement of old parts.
Thus when all assembled, the fitting goes to deep and compresses / smashes the valve and thus it no longer works as it should...
Ability is nothing without opportunity. - Napoleon Bonaparte
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- Posts: 6
- Joined: 13 years ago
So I replaced what I think was a 40 watt Ulka with a 52 Watt EAX5 Ulka. It was my understanding that this one would work fine. So what do I do to prime the pump anyway?
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- Posts: 228
- Joined: 15 years ago
Priming the pump is mainly about filling the entire line leading up to the pump with water. Vibratory pumps don't have much draw with air in the line. I would try carefully pouring some water into the line with it raised above pump level (or maybe using a dropper/baster). It should be just a matter of pulsing the pump on/off and adding water. Careful not to run your pump dry more than about 10 seconds at a time to prevent overheating.
Your symptoms sound very similar to what happens when I let my tank run dry.
Your symptoms sound very similar to what happens when I let my tank run dry.
matt
- erics
- Supporter ★
- Posts: 6302
- Joined: 19 years ago
The La Valentina SHOULD BE fitted with an air release/priming valve attached to the pump and thus you should not NEED to prime anything.
Please provide some X-rated pics of your machine.
If the pump is simply humming(?), that is exactly symptomatic of what Allon described but the diode is built-in to the Ulka pumps as compared to being a "mandatory accessory" with the Fluid-o-Tech pumps.
Are you the original owner? Send me an email and I will send you the parts catalog.
Please provide some X-rated pics of your machine.
If the pump is simply humming(?), that is exactly symptomatic of what Allon described but the diode is built-in to the Ulka pumps as compared to being a "mandatory accessory" with the Fluid-o-Tech pumps.
Are you the original owner? Send me an email and I will send you the parts catalog.