Tech Self Help Articles » Gen 3 - Troubleshooting » Gen 3: Troubleshooting Nozzles Not Misting

Gen 3: Troubleshooting Nozzles Not Misting

See Gen 3:  Controller displays “MIST”, but Nozzles Not Misting

1.  Ensure intake filter is clean

2.  Run INSpect and listen for motor relay to click

  • If you don’t hear a click at the beginning of the mist, the cause is probably either 1) controller relay failure or 2) motor failure.
  • If you do hear a click and hear or feel the motor come on, continue troubleshooting.

3.  Run INSpect and observe pressure gauge

  • If the pressure is in the normal operating range for the systems of 220 – 250 psi and you have low mist, the cause is probably either 1) fouled nozzles, 2) a blockage or kink somewhere in the nozzle circuit, or 3) a partially open Agitation Valve.
  • If pressure is lower than 200 psi, continue troubleshooting.

4.  Run INSpect, kink the 1/4″ nozzle circuit tubing just outside of the unit and observe pressure gauge

  • If the pressure increases to 250 psi or more, the cause is probably either 1) a leak in the nozzle circuit, or 2) the nozzle circuit has too many nozzles and exceeds the capacity of the pump (about 100 nozzles and 1000 feet of tubing)
  • If the pressure is less than 200 psi, continue troubleshooting.

5.  Run INSpect, reduce the flow bypassed by the pump with a flathead screwdriver (turning the screw clockwise) and observe pressure gauge

  • If the pressure increases in response to closing the bypass, the probable cause is that the bypass was too open for the size of the nozzle circuit. Do not increase the pressure higher than 250 psi.
  • If the bypass is completely closed and the pressure is less than 200 psi, return bypass screw to original position and continue troubleshooting.

6.  Run INSpect and observe whether the unit is agitating (flow through agitation line) when it should be misting

  • If there is flow through the line, the probable cause is failure of the Agitation Valve to open prior to the mist cycle.
  • If the unit is not agitating when it should be misting, continue troubleshooting.

7.  Make sure the Auto-drain valve is attached (or has failed?)

  • If the valve is missing, the unit will be unable to produce pressure.  You should either replace the valve or, for a handy substitute, install a nozzle on the Auto-drain line using a coupling.
  • If the Auto-drain valve is in place, continue troubleshooting.

8.  Check the pump intake line to ensure it is securely pushed into the pump fitting

  • If pump intake isn’t secure, push it all the way into the fitting.
  • If intake is secure and filter is clean, the probable cause of the low mist problem is a failing or failed pump.  See Gen 3:  Replace Pump