My Solderpump loosing suction?

[jeanious2011]

I have a soldapull (the chrome one, about 35-45 bucks) and it worked very well the first 30 times (lol) but now its loosing suction. I opened it up and removed all the solder that was stuck inside. Also the grease had some solder so some was removed.

Now that I use it, it seems it lose suction (sometimes not sucking any liquid solder). So is there any way these are properly maintainanced? Thanks.

[AndrewT]

The lubricant for the piston seal will need to be replaced.
Complete dismantle, clean, lube and assemble.

I wonder if it is a silicone based lubricant? Can the manufacturer help?

[mrfeedback]

Just clean and relube with Vaseline.
Fit a short length of silicone tubing (model aero fuel tubing) over the tip to provide excellent seal to pcb when desoldering.

Eric.

[yajnaS]

(This isn't the answer to your question but) try solder wick, its significantly better than a pump.

[jeanious2011]

lol. I tried vaseline. I think it might be the ring, because its loose.

I thought about solder wick. But I never expirimented with it. And the solder pump was sucking so good the first few times (I actually was amazed on how clean it left the board) but now its leaving solder and well.... thats no good.

[mrfeedback]

Push your soder tip quickly up the teflon nozzle will clear solder out of the tip.
Clean and relube barrel and o'ring with Vaseline and it should work fine enough.
The silicone tube on the teflon tip is the ultimate cure.
Half a metre of silicone tubing will last you a life time.

Eric.

[blakktalon]

More of the same what everyone is telling you. But here is my two cents.

I usually test the pump on my arm first. If it sounds like it has a case of asthma, and doesnt pull your skin up. Just Clean it out very well, and lube it, it should work like a champ.

If you use Solder wick, Make sure its not been sitting on the shelf for years. The first time i tried with old wick, If its discolored it will not work as well as the new and shiny wick. Also I believe they have wick with flux added.

I just pull mine thru a paper towel with some flux on it and it seemed to help suck it up. The wick works really well, and usually cleans all the solder, and opens the hole in the pcb right up.

[johnferrier]

Not exactly related, but I've seen solderpumps work better, if a small notch is cut into the tip (for the soldering iron to fit through) so that the pump and soldering iron can be down on the joint at the same time the pump is activated. (Solderwick isn't always the best tool for the job.)


.

[blakktalon]

How about cutting a small notch in the sillycone tubing. I dont wanna try cutting my tip, even though it sounds like another good idea.

I just added some tubing, and a replacment tip on my shopping list

[johnferrier]

Originally Posted by blakktalon

How about cutting a small notch in the sillycone tubing. I dont wanna try cutting my tip, even though it sounds like another good idea.

I just added some tubing, and a replacment tip on my shopping list

Sounds like a good idea. The proper size teflon tubing may be even better.


.