MY PUMP IS NOISY OR SLOW...

Machines this applies to: all Ryobi and Itek duplicators.

Try these things:

1. These pumps have an automatic oil feed system to keep the pump lubricated.
   1. Be sure the oil cup on the pump is at least half full of 10 wt. vacuum pump oil.
   2. Find the little hole in the hex-shaped nipple between the oil cup and the 1/4" pipe leading to the pump.  Clean out the hole with a paper clip.  If this hole is clogged oil will not feed into the pump.  Note: recent models have a little filter here to prevent clogging of this port.
2. If the pump slows down under a load but runs normally otherwise, the belt may be too loose.
3. If your pump is noisy it may just need a Complete Pump Flush (some of these specific details may not fit the 3302/3985/9985 but the principle is the same):
   1. Remove upper and lower main side covers on both sides of the press.
   2. Remove both felt filter elements and reinstall the jars.
   3. On the non-operator side of the press, disconnect the plastic hose from the lower end of the vacuum break assembly (this hose comes from the filter assembly mounted on the top of the pump).  Prepare about a quart of roller wash with 10% vacuum pump oil added.  Insert the hose to the bottom of this container of solvent.
   4. On the operator side of the press, follow the plastic hose that comes out of the filter assembly that connects to the side of the pump.  Disconnect this hose where it connects to the air adjustment valve.  Cut off the top of a one gallon plastic bottle and fill it loosely with rags.  Insert the hose to the bottom of the bottle.  The rags will prevent the flushing solution from splashing all over as it exits the pump hose.
   5. When everything is in place turn on the pump switch.  The pump will rapidly suck up all of your solvent and dump it into the plastic bottle.  Keep the pump on for a minute or so, then turn it off and empty the solvent out of the filter jars.  Replace the felt filters and jars and run the pump for a few more minutes before reconnecting the hoses.

   6. Reconnect the hoses and reinstall the side covers.

4. You may be able to get some improvement in sound and performance with a Mini-Flush:  

   1. Remove the intake jar and filter (top of the pump). 

   2. Turn on the pump and squirt some WD-40 into the hole next to the filter mounting screw.  Follow this with a few squirts of vacuum pump oil.  Listen for the pump sound to get a little muffled - this indicates that the oil is coating the inside of the pump.

   3. After letting the pump run for a minute or two, empty the solvent and oil out of the output filter jar (side of the pump).  Reinstall both filters and jars.

5. Filters may be cleaned by wiping or knocking off the dirt and lint if it's dry.  If the dirt is oily the filters can be cleaned with roller wash and squeezed out between a rag.  Never use water. Filters should be replaced if the stitches separate or if the filters become too short due to over tightening.

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