Rotovac PowerWand Problem is there someone out there who can explain my problem?

Discussion in 'Ask Our Repairmen' started by johnny916, Nov 22, 2010.

  1. johnny916 Member

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    I got a used PowerWand but it didn't turn out to be what I expected.. I have recorded a video off my PowerWand jets barely releasing ANY solution, since I have never seen one in action I don't know how the jets are supposed to function..

    I'm thinking of returning it because one of the jet seats broke off as well..
    [video=youtube;KZ1lc58TXzc]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KZ1lc58TXzc[/video]
    johnny916, Nov 22, 2010
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  2. Newman New Member

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    I retired my Rotovac. It is now in my old cleaning gear museum.

    The small jets in the head of the powerwand plug with debris regularly. Remove , clean, and reinstall all 6 jets. The spray pattern should look like your wand spray. I also blow compressed air through the top of the head while it is off to clear it out. Check the vac slots for obstructions as well. I believe there is a inline filter by the trigger. The broken jet mount is usually from abuse but easily replaced.

    You also need to replace the felt seals and motor brushes as needed. This is all regular maintenance.

    http://www.carpet-cleaning-equipment.net/pdf/PW-owners-manual.pdf

    Daily:
    Vacuum Heads: remove and clean.
    Vacuum Hoses: inspect / repair clogged debris or breaks.
    Felt Seals: inspect / replace both after 500 to 600 hours of use.
    Other:
    Carbon Brushes: (located on the side of the housing, front and back) replace two per motor after 1000 to 1200 hours of use.
    Power Cord: inspect / repair cuts and breaks.
    Newman, Nov 23, 2010
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  3. Frank DiGi Administrator

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    As stated above very easy fix... They are great tools.. I still use mine all the time with great outcome..
    All you need to do it remove all the jets.. Clean out... Or better yet call Adam at Rotovac order all new jets and the small ebow fitting thats broke.. Very cheap parts and you will be up and running.. As stated above replace the carbon brush's too very easy to do...
    You will have a great tool after.. Let me know if i could walk you thru replacing anything on it...I rebuilt them all the time...
    [IMG]
    Frank DiGi, Nov 23, 2010
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  4. Nick P Active Member

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    Yes, I agree with the last post. I actually clean mine
    after every job this way I have no problems at the next one.
    Nick
    Nick P, Nov 23, 2010
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  5. johnny916 Member

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    Ok here's video with the spinning plates removed, it doesn't seem like much solution is coming out.. What do you guys think?[video=youtube;AsD5u8Urvw8]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AsD5u8Urvw8[/video]
    johnny916, Nov 24, 2010
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  6. gtech12v Member

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    Check the Inline Filter / on and off Valve
    gtech12v, Nov 24, 2010
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  7. Frank DiGi Administrator

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    There is a clog .. You will need to as stated above see if there is a filter clean it.. Or remove the male Quick connect and replace it..See that works first.
    Show me a pic of the valve ...
    Frank DiGi, Nov 24, 2010
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  8. braddaddy Member

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    make sure your water hose isnt the culprit too....
    braddaddy, Nov 24, 2010
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  9. Dan Smith User

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    Soaking the jets in vinegar for a couple of hours doesn't hurt.
    Dan Smith, Nov 24, 2010
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  10. johnny916 Member

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    I checked the inline filter and it was clogged like you guys wouldn't believe! I couldn't even imagine what machine someone used with it, didn't know a chemical system could run that dirty..

    Thanks pals.
    johnny916, Nov 26, 2010
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  11. MasterSteamClean New Member

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    Good to hear your the Rotovac is running again. Now my powerwand is broken and in 100 pieces
    MasterSteamClean, Nov 26, 2010
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  12. Frank DiGi Administrator

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    Anyone needs help with their Powerwand contact me . Be happy to walk you through any repairs needed...
    If you upkeep your Rotovac it will last long time... I had mine since 2002 and works still like new..
    Carbon brushes felt seals few things should be checked and replaced as needed..
    Newman above stated very good points to follow...

    [IMG]
    Frank DiGi, Nov 26, 2010
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  13. MasterSteamClean New Member

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    Thanks for the offer . I have a head that is stuck and will not come off. Also Before that the left head just stop moving. When I took off plastic lids where the brushes are. I spun the the motor part will not move either It seams a gear is broke or sliping . Rotovac Said might be a loose wire but I want to just send in it to assure it will not fail on me in a nsty job again
    MasterSteamClean, Nov 26, 2010
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  14. Frank DiGi Administrator

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    Sounds like the one side armature is not hitting the carbon brush or the wire to the clip on the brush holder slot came off. There two wires that go to each side of the cap . Try removing the heads and see if it spins free.. Check here how to remove stuck heads::
    http://www.carpet-cleaning-equipment.net/pdf/PW-owners-manual.pdf . Use 7/8 wrench and should free with rubber mallet... Felt seal wears down too far could cause head to be hard to remove.. See after you get the head off if it turns without heads on.. There are pictures on Rotovac's site showing the removable of the gear boxs too..
    Frank DiGi, Nov 26, 2010
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  15. johnny916 Member

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    Hey what direction should that little wheel in front be in? I slapped a piece of carpet on the pavement to test out the Powerwand but it's a little bouncy, I have the wheel faced straight forward..

    Any other ideas on how to stop the PW from bouncing around?
    johnny916, Nov 27, 2010
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  16. grimel New Member

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    The first thing you need to do is goto the RV website and watch the training video. Most of your questions are answered there. Adjust the height of the wheel to raise the cleaning heads. The only way to reduce the bouncing on CGD (which is what you are duplicating) is to raise cleaning heads and slow down your cleaning.
    grimel, Nov 27, 2010
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  17. johnny916 Member

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    Thanks grimus, just watched and got my questions answered.
    johnny916, Nov 27, 2010
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  18. Frank DiGi Administrator

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    With the Powerwand you will need to adjust the wheel up or down just hitting the carpet... Wheel should be pointing straight at all times.. Please do watch the demo to get a better idea.... On Glue down no padding it will jump. That is why they made the DHX model to control the speed for GD.. You will see it will not jump with padding under the carpet...
    Frank DiGi, Nov 27, 2010
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  19. grimel New Member

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    One of RV's best features they show everyone how it works not just give written words. Very good place to spend time if you are buying or using RV products.
    grimel, Nov 27, 2010
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