Help with Ludlow Coolant System
Hi Ludlow fam:
I recently moved my Model M to a new shop and everything seems to have gone fine (whew) except that I have a coolant tank/pump issue.
I disconnected the unit/tubing before moving and drained the tank: it pumped itself out fine. Now it’s all hooked back up with the tank appropriately refilled… but it won’t run fluid all the way through the lines/mold. The unit comes on fine (I can hear the cooler and pump) but fluid only gets pumped maybe halfway down the “out” line, never makes it to the mold, and thus never makes it to the intake line back to the tank/unit. That line is just sitting bone dry.
I can’t figure out what’s up: the tubing itself is all clear and not kinked. Is it possible I have a blockage somewhere? And if so, how would I go about clearing it? I have lots of Ludlow manuals and guides but none of them cover tank parts, maintenance or troubleshooting. The machine is otherwise working as it should.
The lovely and unparalleled Mr. Dave Seat was kind enough to get back to me with some thoughts but none were the culprit. I’m hoping someone out there has had a tank issue like this in the past and can advise! Or even if anyone has cooling unit/tank specs, parts, or a diagram, that’d help: I feel like I’m troubleshooting blind.
I’m in Central New York if any east coast technicians feel like a little road trip!
Thanks all. Happy casting :) -Zach
I take it that you’ve already attempted to bleed the system by disconnecting the return hose at the mold to get flow to the mold? I think if you can get water to the mold the return should help the water get back. Also, if you are a previous owner was running oil in the water (as on model Ls), the pump could be junked up enough to not be able to deliver enough pressure. Also look to see if you have good water flow though the mold itself.
Hi Mike, yep, this machine was bled/drained by disconnecting the appropriate hoses and then moved several states away. It’s running new water and antifreeze (not oil) though yes, my sense is that something must be gucked up internally. That’s why I’m hopeful someone has a diagram or words of wisdom on how/where to check for clogs or powerfully flush things since the pump itself clearly isn’t up for the task. (No liquid reaches the mold at all). Thanks for the response, though! -Z