Sullivan Skywriter pumps... reliable?
12-07-2011, 10:06 PM
#1
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Sullivan Skywriter pumps... reliable?
I have been using Sullivan Smoke pumps for years without a hitch even though plenty of people said they had problems with them. However, this weekend the Skywriter in my CARF Hawk failed. I was going to swap it out with a NIB Skywriter, but that one doesn't work either. The motors pulse, but do not turn. I've even resoldered the connections on the motor, but that didn't solve the problem.
Have others had similar problems? If so, what's the resolution? I know some of you will say get another brand pump, which I'm considering, but I want to hear other experiences before I toss these products in the garbage.
Have others had similar problems? If so, what's the resolution? I know some of you will say get another brand pump, which I'm considering, but I want to hear other experiences before I toss these products in the garbage.
12-08-2011, 04:34 AM
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RE: Sullivan Skywriter pumps... reliable?
I have had 2 DOA, and another with 400+ flights that works perfect everytime. with the motor pulsing I would believe the pump is stuck, possibly a little reverse polarity would free it up? works great when it works. I think the pumps could be freed up and repaired but they were exchanged by the local hobby guy so I did not dig any deeper. ship them up if you want them checked out, I have a few brushed speed controllers as well if they have power problems,
Kevin
Kevin
12-08-2011, 05:49 PM
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RE: Sullivan Skywriter pumps... reliable?
Not a single problem with countless gallons of smoke oil pumped..had 3 or 4 of these pumps over the years in different jets...they always worked (and still do..)
Now if they were to be run on 12 volts continuously, and pumping thick full scale airshow smoke oil, I could see problems happening........with any pump.
Now if they were to be run on 12 volts continuously, and pumping thick full scale airshow smoke oil, I could see problems happening........with any pump.
12-08-2011, 06:22 PM
#5
RE: Sullivan Skywriter pumps... reliable?
ORIGINAL: dubd
I have been using Sullivan Smoke pumps for years without a hitch even though plenty of people said they had problems with them. However, this weekend the Skywriter in my CARF Hawk failed. I was going to swap it out with a NIB Skywriter, but that one doesn't work either. The motors pulse, but do not turn. I've even resoldered the connections on the motor, but that didn't solve the problem.
Have others had similar problems? If so, what's the resolution? I know some of you will say get another brand pump, which I'm considering, but I want to hear other experiences before I toss these products in the garbage.
I have been using Sullivan Smoke pumps for years without a hitch even though plenty of people said they had problems with them. However, this weekend the Skywriter in my CARF Hawk failed. I was going to swap it out with a NIB Skywriter, but that one doesn't work either. The motors pulse, but do not turn. I've even resoldered the connections on the motor, but that didn't solve the problem.
Have others had similar problems? If so, what's the resolution? I know some of you will say get another brand pump, which I'm considering, but I want to hear other experiences before I toss these products in the garbage.
The best smoke pump is an old turbine fuel pump hooked up to a inexpensive brushed speed controller. Have had these on all of my jets for a long time.
I've been told the sky writer has the same cheapo plastic pump hidden in the fancy aluminum case as their gas and nitro fuel jug pumps.
12-08-2011, 09:25 PM
#9
RE: Sullivan Skywriter pumps... reliable?
ORIGINAL: AFTERBURNER1
The best smoke pump is an old turbine fuel pump hooked up to a inexpensive brushed speed controller. Have had these on all of my jets for a long time.
I've been told the sky writer has the same cheapo plastic pump hidden in the fancy aluminum case as their gas and nitro fuel jug pumps.
ORIGINAL: dubd
I have been using Sullivan Smoke pumps for years without a hitch even though plenty of people said they had problems with them. However, this weekend the Skywriter in my CARF Hawk failed. I was going to swap it out with a NIB Skywriter, but that one doesn't work either. The motors pulse, but do not turn. I've even resoldered the connections on the motor, but that didn't solve the problem.
Have others had similar problems? If so, what's the resolution? I know some of you will say get another brand pump, which I'm considering, but I want to hear other experiences before I toss these products in the garbage.
I have been using Sullivan Smoke pumps for years without a hitch even though plenty of people said they had problems with them. However, this weekend the Skywriter in my CARF Hawk failed. I was going to swap it out with a NIB Skywriter, but that one doesn't work either. The motors pulse, but do not turn. I've even resoldered the connections on the motor, but that didn't solve the problem.
Have others had similar problems? If so, what's the resolution? I know some of you will say get another brand pump, which I'm considering, but I want to hear other experiences before I toss these products in the garbage.
The best smoke pump is an old turbine fuel pump hooked up to a inexpensive brushed speed controller. Have had these on all of my jets for a long time.
I've been told the sky writer has the same cheapo plastic pump hidden in the fancy aluminum case as their gas and nitro fuel jug pumps.
yes, it is a cheapo pump in there ... I have two of these .. one on a jet and another going on a big gasser .. they do work , but are large and clunky, and don't have the flow rate of other pumps. If i had not already had these, i would have gone another route .. I agree with AFTERBURNER1 all the way, used or cheap turbine fuel pump, with a brushed controller ... I believe you can get a fuel pump from jetjoe for under $50 , that would be great for smoke !
~V~
