Calling Dr. DJ...

[manic mechanic]

I need some help.

How do you clear a clogged pump on a fog machine? The inlet side is OK and everything is working except pump outlet flow.


thanks,
manic

[anait]

mm, what the heck were you doing to the fog machine?? ;)

Found these links:

http://www.best-price-fog-machines.com/fog-machine-question.htm#q16

http://www.best-price-fog-machines.com/troubleshooting.htm

http://www.bestfog.com (same site, I think)

They advertise 'UNCLOGIT Fog Machine Preventive Cleaning Solution':

http://www.worldofmagic.net/cartsnap/cartsnap.cgi?FogCart+product+none+cartsnap/FogCart_cart/full_text/18.txt+18+Cleaner

Hope your pipes get unstuck. :D

[RaceChic]

What, pray tell, is a fog machine!??? :confused:

[anait]

Originally posted by RaceChic
What, pray tell, is a fog machine!??? :confused:

I don't know how it works (dry ice?), but it's a machine used to make fog for parties, Hallowe'en, movies & TV, etc. Set the mood, I guess!! :D They're also used in security systems - one of our town's gas stations has one. Apparently you can get such dense fog from the machine, the thief can get completely disoriented, can't see how to get out the door.

[RaceGrrl]

Dry ice. Groovy, man.

[JoeBob]

I think some use liquid smoke of some sort. Dry ice fog doesn't last long. Although it sure is cool on Halloween!

edit: Okay, here's how they work: http://entertainment.howstuffworks.com/question240.htm

[DjDrOmusic]

OOOPS didn't see this until Racegrrl PM'd me. The cleaning solution is the best way to go. Try the place where you got the machine first to see if they carry it, if not try the on line links listed above, or even Radio Shack, since they sell them also. Fog Machines use a smoke solution to create the fog effect, although there is a machine, a VERY expensive machine, that uses dry ice to make a thick fog that hugs the floor. I hope you have good luck with it! :)

[manic mechanic]

Thanks for the input, Doc, but I think you missed the query:

I have already disassembled the machine and found out that ANY cleaner I run thorugh can't get past the blockage on the output side of the pump. I have taken to dribbling a little cleaner down the outlet side, but it has had no effect. I have also had no luck getting anything past the right angle output fitting on the pump.

any other ideas?

BTW, the "Unclog It" solution is not recommended for my machine, and the Lite F/X website is useless. :flame:


manic