Jetters Northwest Maintenance Tips
Why Jetter Maintenance is Crucial in Order to Earn More Profit for Your Company!
Author: John McBride
Maintenance is an important factor when it comes to protecting your investment and eliminating costly down time. Understanding and accepting this importance is the first step towards success! The great thing about basic maintenance is that it usually requires simple parts and materials that are readily available at any mechanics/auto shop and it takes your Jetter off the job for only a minimal amount of time. When basic maintenance is neglected, it can lead to more costly repairs. This usually includes more labor costs, expensive/non-readily available parts and ultimately, more time away from the jobsite not making money for your company. Below are some maintenance tips to keep you up and running!
Maintenance and freeze protection
Proper maintenance is important to any equipment or vehicle, below is an outline of the maintenance recommended for your jetter. Keep in mind equipment likes to be used, and more problems with equipment are related to improper storage than happen in regular use. If you store your jetter for the winter you will also want to follow the tips below.
Maintenance Intervals: These are general guidelines; please refer to the engine specific manual for all engine maintenance items.
- Every 100 Hours: Change engine oil, check/replace air filter, check battery electrolyte level, inspect for and tighten any loose fasteners, clean/replace spark plugs
- Every 200 Hours: Change oil filter, if equipped inspect the radiator and hoses and check fan belt
- Every 300 Hours: Replace Air cleaner element, Clean combustion chambers, Check and adjust valve clearance, Clean and lap valves if needed
- 400-500 Hours: Change pump oil, change gearbox oil, replace spark plugs, Change engine coolant (if equipped)
Fuel recommendations and compatibility: Use automotive unleaded gasoline only. Many of the components in your fuel system are not compatible with ethanol fuels. In most areas unleaded gasoline contains some ethanol. Only use gasoline with ethanol content less than 10%. Fuel related problems are generally due to high ethanol content and are not considered by the engine maker under your warranty. If the unit will be stored for lengths of time in excess of 1-2 months we recommend using a fuel stabilizer designed for E-10 ethanol fuels.
Winterization and storage: The best way to winterize your jetter is to circulate RV anti-freeze throughout the entire system, don’t forget to cycle the control and pulse valves to get the solution into those systems as well. Blowing the system out with air is another method but may dry out the pump seals or cause parts to stick due to mineral deposits left behind by drying water. A solution of anti-freeze will keep everything wet and lubricated. It’s a good idea for long term storage even in warmer climates
Trailer Maintenance: If you have a trailer mounted jetter, don’t forget to service the trailer regularly.
- Daily, check brake function, visually check tires
- Weekly, check tire pressure
- Every 6,000 Miles: Check and re-torque lug nuts, Check tire pressure, adjust brakes
- Every 12,000 Miles: Check all brake components for wear including brake shoes and magnets, re-pack wheel bearings and check grease seals, visual inspection of leaf springs, and check suspension fasteners.
Jetters Northwest has many different maintenance options available. Scheduling your maintenance downtime around your jobs is the best way to maximize profits for your company. Jetters Northwest can help with this! Contact John McBride with any service related questions.
(877) 901-1936
