Thread: Dead (mostly) fogger

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Hey all,
I was running my usual pre-season fogger tests, and found that my old Lite FX 1741 machine decided to clog up while in storage. It still works, but it's really anemic. The problem is definitely in the heat exchanger, so I've stripped the machine and will clean out the clogs. I'll get some pix of the cleaning and re-assembly process once I get the pressure fittings off of the exchanger. Pain in the ass, but I really like this fogger - solid performer and 700W. It's not too difficult to take these things apart and reassemble them, just a bit messy. More to come...

What you'll need:
21mm socket or wrench
Teflon thread tape
Compressed air nozzle with a tapered rubber tip
70% alcohol
Bench vise or C clamp to hold the block to the bench

When disassembling the fogger, you may want to label the wiring so that you don't mix up the connections. The wiring harness in my machine is easy to re-connect; the wires can only go to the proper locations but yours may be different.
When unwrapping the insulation from the block, note the location of the overtemp sensor. It's embedded in the insulation about 50% of the length of the block. Try to salvage the teflon wrapping tape for re-use. You can probably use thread tape to rewrap the block.

Clamp the block in the vise or use a clamp to hold it to a bench. Be careful to not distort the shape of the block. Remove the inlet and outlet fittings from the block (21mm). They're very tight, so use a socket, large Crescent wrench or a box-end to take them off. Don't use a wrench that is slightly oversize or you'll round the fittings. Clean out any bits of the teflon tape left in the threads. Don't try to remove the plugs in the block. Mark the inlet and outlet ports.
Pour some 70% alcohol in one end of the block and let it sit for a few minutes. Attach one of the fittings to the block and blow compressed air through the block. If the blockage is still there, repeat the alcohol soak. It took two tries to get the debris out of my block.
Repeat this process several times to clear all the crap out of the channels. When it's clean you should get a lot of air going through the block.
Wrap the fittings with plenty of thread tape and replace them in the block. Ensure that the fittings are in the right place or you won't be able to re-assemble the fogger. There's a lot of pressure on those fittings so make sure they're tight.
Here are some pics of the block and fittings. I can't figure out how to link to the album where these live - if anyone can advise me on that I'd appreciate it, as there's a lot more pics to come.




I'll take more as I do the re-assembly.