Bad Vacuum pump? QMDI Classic

[cpJuan]

I'm having issues with my Quickmaster Classic not wanting to feed paper correctly all of a sudden. One day I'm printing 12pt paper with ease and the next day I cant get the machine to feed a sheet or two without the press stopping because the paper didnt go through. The pump has a different sound as well and I have inconsistent vacuum and very very low air separating the sheets at the front of the feeder. Its so bad that it cant feed 20lb paper sheets because the machine can't feed the paper consistently without stopping. My setup is good, paper timing is good and the feed table is going up when it should but the machine just doesnt want to feed the paper correctly. There just isnt sufficient air/vacuum.

I cleaned the two filters at the pump but they were relatively clean since I cleaned them not too long ago. I've looked for loose or unplugged air/vacuum hoses but everything is on tight. Does this sound like a bad pump to you guys? If so, anyone near the Los Angeles/Inland Empire area have a spare one for sale? Also, what exactly does the 3-2 valve do? Does it just control the vacuum going to the suckers? Should I clean it and grease it? Any help is greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Juan

 

[printerpaul]

It sounds like the veins in your pump have become stuck. If you remove the front plate from the pump [about 8 5mm hex bolts] and see if all the veins are loose.
Hope this helps.
Paul

 

[Emilio Lazcano]

We have a pump that we can sell you if you need it!

 

[VAprinter]

Re: stuck vein

It sounds like the veins in your pump have become stuck. If you remove the front plate from the pump [about 8 5mm hex bolts] and see if all the veins are loose.
Hope this helps.
Paul

Paul, how do you free a stuck vein?
I found 1 out of the six stuck. Do you think this is enough to cause feeder problems?

 

[qmdipress1]

You can buy new viens from heidelberg. one stuck vien will effect the feeding.

 

[Paul Cavanaugh]

You must be very careful wen trying to free a stuck vane as they are easily broken. I have had good luck freeing them up with PB blaster and then cleaning out the housing with brake cleaner from an auto parts store. The inside of the housing should be clean and dry.

Also check on th eoutside edge of the blower bar for the lead edge of the sheet in the feeder. There are plastic ends in them that have a tendency to come out over time. To repair it properly the bar should be removed from the press and the end epoxied back in.