Problems with my wes-fab filter press

[Brad W Wi]

Last spring on my filter press (Wes-Fab 7" short bank) I was having trouble pumping syrup through it. I would mix about 3 cups of Diatomacous-earth to about 8-10 gals of syrup. (This is the amount I have done for the last 5+ years with no problem) It would pump good for the first half, after that it would dribble down to next to nothing and I could not finish the rest(1-2 gals) without cleaning everything up. I'm wondering if anyone else has had this problem? Past years I had no problem. I talked to someone that said it was the syrup this year but I find that a little hard to believe. I'm thinking that maybe the pump is on it's way out. A new pump is $300+ or I could rebuild it. "IF" it is the pump, has anyone out there rebuilt one and how was it after you did? I'm thinking that there is wear on the housing as well as the internal moving parts. Thanks in advance for your help...............

[Thad Blaisdell]

It may not be the pump. This year filtering syrup.... to put it bluntly sucked from day one. Then as the season progressed it simply got worse. On a full bank 10 last season I got almost 180 gal through fine, this year started out at less than 80, by seasons end I was lucky to get 20. I think you will find the same story from most sugar makers

[Brad W Wi]

Thanks Thad, I'm hopping for more input. I have to believe there's more out there.

[lastwoodsman]

I know I have never seen such slime in my cone filters this yr Worst I have ever seen I doubt it is your press. It was just that bad.
Woodsman.

[maplecrest]

a gear pump is good for 2500 gallons of syrup. rebuild kit is easy to put in. price of kit can get a new pump.after buying a pump a year i bought a diafram pump

[wiam]

I am with Thad. I had trouble getting much through right from the start. My pump was new at the start of the 2011 season, so it had only had about 400 gallons. I priced new pumps and rebuild kits and decided the prices were too close and I need the press to work when I need it.

[Father & Son]

I also heard this year because of the filtering problems to first charge the papers by mixing DE with just water. The sugar sand and slime was plugging the papers before they got charged with the filter aid.

Jim