Repairing Guides

how to repair a fog machine

by Prof. Otha Altenwerth Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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  1. Scrape out the nozzle. Unplug your machine and allow it to cool down completely. ...
  2. Wipe down the exterior. Use a damp cloth to wipe down the exterior of the fog machine. ...
  3. Test the fogger fluid. Once you have finished cleaning the fog machine, you can put some more fogger fluid in it to make sure it is working properly again.
  4. Purchase fog machine cleaner. There are quite a few products available online for purchase that are intended for use in cleaning fog machines.

Part of a video titled Fix a Fog Machine - Clean & Repair - Get Back To ... - YouTube
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Since there's not exactly a fog machine repair stir on every corner do what I did take a run to anMoreSince there's not exactly a fog machine repair stir on every corner do what I did take a run to an automotive supply store and pick up one of these three millimeter Hart emissions supply lines.

Full Answer

How to fix a 400W fog machine pump?

Fix a 400W Fog Machine Pump 1 Pump Disassembly. First I disconnected the.... ... 2 The Fix. Picture 1 shows the piece fully out. ... 3 Reassembly Part 1. Picture 1 shows all the components in the order they go back in. ... 4 Reassembly Part 2. Before reattaching the large nipple, remove the stopper/spring assembly from within. ... 5 Testing. ...

What to do if your fog machine is not working?

You can get a replacement pump or try and repair the existing one if you can find the right parts. Sometimes all the components of the fog machine will be working fine, yet the power is still not getting to the pump. It can be a blown relay or fuse from the low fluid indicator or the auto-shutdown system.

How do I know if my fogger is blocked?

The most reliable sign of blockage is the machine blowing out air without emitting any fog. This shows its components are working, but the fog fluid is not making it through. The machine, therefore, needs to be flushed through to get rid of deposits and debris.

How does a fog machine work?

Modern fog machines have two popular types of fluid level management systems: The first one features a fluid level indicator that displays the fluid level, keeping you alert, so you when to top it up. The other is an auto-shutdown function that switches the machine off when it runs out of juice to protect it from resultant damages.

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How do you fix a fog machine that does not work?

1:022:51Gadget Guts: Fog Machine Troubleshooting and Disassembly!YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo consider running distilled white vinegar through the system to clear any blockages.MoreSo consider running distilled white vinegar through the system to clear any blockages.

How do you service a fog machine?

Cleaning Your Fog Machine.. Turn the machine ON. After the machine has heated up to the proper temperature, run the machine until all the fluid is gone. Turn Fog Machine OFF! Empty the remaining Fog Machine Cleaner from the bottle / fog fluid tank. Rinse the bottle / fluid tank with distilled water.

Why is my fog machine not warming up?

If the fog machine does not heat up, a fuse or another heating element could be malfunctioning.

How do you unclog a fogger?

Pour the vinegar mixture into the fog machine. Put the tank back in the fog machine and pour the mixture of vinegar and distilled water into the opening. It should go into the same tank that is normally filled with fogging fluid. You'll need to use enough of the mixture to thoroughly clean the machine.

Can you clean a fog machine with vinegar?

Fill the tank with the solution of 50/50 water/vinegar. Power up your fogger in a well ventilated area, let it heat up, and fog as usual. The vinegar should dissolve at least some of the impurities that are in the pump and/or heater, and the water should flush them out.

Can I put water in a fog machine?

You'll need a small 6-ounce container to make enough juice to fill your bottle. The other ingredient is distilled water, which is also available at drug stores. You don't want to use tap water or mineral water because both contain impurities that will clog up the fogging machine.

How long does it take a fog machine to warm up?

about 5 minutesTypically, fog machines take about 5 minutes to warm up, and you'll need to use the manual button to start making fog. Most machines also come with a ready light that automatically turns off when the machine has warmed up.

How do you make a homemade fog machine?

0:002:345 Dollar Fog Machine - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWe're gonna go one part glycerine three parts distilled water it gives us a nice thick smoke. ButMoreWe're gonna go one part glycerine three parts distilled water it gives us a nice thick smoke. But it's not too much that we can't handle it. May look a bit murky.

What's the difference between fog and haze machines?

Fog is used as a special effect, whereas haze is used for lighting/atmosphere enhancement. Whether created by nature or machine, fog consists of liquid droplets suspended in the air. Fog machines create fog by vaporizing fog fluid – that is, they convert the fog fluid from a liquid form to an aerosol form.

How do you clean a fog machine filter?

1:438:21UNCLOG FOG MACHINE FILTER | yardhaunt2000 - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd then carefully this is tough so it held up pretty well we had to take needlenose pliers and workMoreAnd then carefully this is tough so it held up pretty well we had to take needlenose pliers and work it off once we got that off we were able to pull that part off of the pump.

How often should I clean my fog machine?

Fog machines do require cleaning from time to time no matter what fog fluid or machine you might use. We recommend cleaning your machine after every 80-100 hours of use and prior to any long-term storage.

What liquid is used in a fog machine?

Fog fluids have two primary ingredients – an active one and deionized water. The active ingredient can be propylene glycol, triethylene glycol, glycerin or a mixture of these. The vaporization temperature varies for these ingredients, so you should use a fog machine that is compatible with the fluid you have.

How long does a fog machine last?

One quart of fog juice will generally burn for six hours in a 400-watt compact fog machine (four hours in a low lying machine) and a 1,000-watt machine will burn for two hours. Stock up on fog machine fluid accordingly to ensure that you've got fog effects going for the duration of your party or entertaining.

What is fog machine fluid?

Fog fluids have two primary ingredients – an active one and deionized water. The active ingredient can be propylene glycol, triethylene glycol, glycerin or a mixture of these. The vaporization temperature varies for these ingredients, so you should use a fog machine that is compatible with the fluid you have.

How long does it take for a fog machine to warm up?

about 5 minutesTypically, fog machines take about 5 minutes to warm up, and you'll need to use the manual button to start making fog. Most machines also come with a ready light that automatically turns off when the machine has warmed up.

Why is my fog machine not producing fog?

The reason your fog machine is not producing fog could be as simple as you have run out of fog juice and/or the system has shut down after detecting insufficient levels because it was programmed to self-preserve.

How long does it take for a fog machine to warm up?

Plug it in and give it time to warm up. A decent fog machine should not go beyond five minutes of just warm up time. If it warms up, that is enough confirmation that the heating element is working.

How are foreign particles lodged in fog machines?

These foreign particles are easily lodged in tight places in the fog machine by the moving fog fluid during normal operation. Eventually, they block these paths.

What to do if your heater is not heating up?

If the voltage is getting to the heater and it is not heating up, it may have developed a crack or has an issue with the heating element. At this point, you have to decide between replacing the heater or getting a new fog machine.

What does fog remover do?

It removes deposits that build up in the fog machine’s heater core, preventing it from clogging

How to tell if a water pump is failing?

Their sound is also projected upwards. The noise will be different if the pump is failing. It will be combined with a chunking sound and most likely other telltale signs like a drastic drop in fog emission or a complete lack of it. Be careful when fixing a failing pump, as it could void your warranty or make the situation worse.

Why is fog juice called fog juice?

Cultivate the habit of checking the levels in the tank regularly. It is referred to as fog juice because the fog is composed of it. The fluid is pushed through a heat exchanger, where it is vaporized to create the fog you see. The fog machine basically sprays tiny droplets of fog fluids in the air.

How does a fog machine work?

Fog machines are pretty straightforward. They vaporize fluid into a mist, or maybe they atomize it. Liquid goes in, mist comes out. Small home and hobby fog machines are engineered to work in cycles, making fog on and off for a few minutes at a time.

How to tell if a fog machine is gummed up?

The symptoms of a gummed-up fog machine are a machine that turns on, lights up, warms up and hums, but does not produce fog vapor. The blockage is probably at the pump. To clear it, push water through the tube.

How to clear a blocked machine?

To clear a blocked machine, open it up by removing the lid. First, unplug the machine. There are five screws on each side and two screws on top. Your machine may vary. When removing the top, you will have to pull the fluid feed tube out of the fluid reservoir.

What are the elements of a fog machine?

The fog machine has four elements, a bottle, a pump, a heater and (probably) a cooler. A thin rubber tube rests within the fog fluid bottle and should provide a path to the heater. The pump is round and looks a bit like a spool of thread.

How to dislodge a sticky blockage?

To dislodge what is likely a sticky blockage, use a small bulb syringe to push water in, through the feed tube. Also, loosen the bolt which holds the metal exit tube onto the pump. The bolt should drop back away from the pump and remain rattling around on the metal tube.

Step 1: Pump Disassembly

First I disconnected the.... ooop nope, first make sure it is unplugged and cooled down! Next disconnect the pump from the copper tubing that leads to the heating element. Now the hose from the back of the pump that comes from the tank should be disconnected, not later. Then using an adjustable wrench unscrew the nipple from the front of the pump.

Step 2: The Fix

Picture 1 shows the piece fully out. Make sure the washer from the nipple came out, or is least in the right place for reassembly (down inside the housing). Picture 2 shows the problem. After a few years of pumping fog the plastic melted and shrank.

Step 3: Reassembly Part 1

Picture 1 shows all the components in the order they go back in. Missing is the washer for the nipple of the white/brown plastic piece. Picture 2 description is as follows. After reassembly but before screwing on the large nipple, the fogger was plugged in and allowed to heat up to where the trigger could be activated.

Step 4: Reassembly Part 2

Before reattaching the large nipple, remove the stopper/spring assembly from within. The spring has lost some sprang, so stretch it out a bit, say up to 2". This will help push the inner part of the pump back in after the electromagnets push it out. You know, the pumping action. Put the spring back into the large nipple.

Step 5: Testing

Yeah the fogger was still plugged in and up to temperature, so the pump was tested with fog juice. Picture 1 shows the pump squirting fog juice. Insert hopeful Whoo Hoo. At this point the fogger should be unplugged and allowed to cool as the copper tubing is quite warm to the touch.

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