Trouble Shooting Guide - All Models

This guide covers simple fixes and important operating information for your TEMCO parts washer. Find your symptom in the table below, then work through the checks in that section in order — the most likely and easiest causes are listed first. If the problem continues, or if you have any questions, call TEMCO for assistance.

SAFETY: Turn off and lock out power before opening the control panel or working on wiring, motors, switches, or the heating element.

Quick Reference

Symptom	Go to
Pump and heat both not working	Section 1
Heat not working	Section 2
Pump not working	Section 3
Pump leaking (pump seal)	Section 4
Oil skimmer not working	Section 5
Turntable not rotating	Section 6
Water level, auto fill, and chemicals	Section 7: Operating Guidelines
Routine maintenance	Section 8: Preventive Maintenance Schedule

1. Pump and Heat Not Working

Applies to units with a power reset.

Possible Cause	What to Check / Corrective Action
Tripped breaker	Check the breakers in the main control panel. Reset any that have tripped.
Power reset switch tripped	Check the power reset switch and reset it if needed.
Dirty or stuck float	Check the power reset float. Make sure it moves freely and is free of dirt and debris. Clean as needed.
Wiring problem	Check for loose connections and shorted or damaged wires. Repair as needed.
Faulty relay	Check the relay for proper operation. Replace it if needed.

2. Heat Not Working

Possible Cause	What to Check / Corrective Action
All units
Heat switch is off	Make sure the heat on/off switch is in the ON position.
Tripped breaker	Check the breakers in the main control panel and reset any that have tripped. If a breaker keeps tripping, check the heating element and heating circuit for shorted wires or a failed element. Repair or replace as needed.
Units with the time clock option
Time clock set to the wrong time	Check that the yellow dial shows the correct time. Reset it if needed.
Skip-a-day dial set to the wrong day	The silver skip-a-day dial is in the lower-right corner of the yellow dial. The current day of the week should be at the top of the silver dial. Adjust it if needed.
Manual on/off lever is off	Make sure the manual on/off lever on the time clock is in the ON position.
Units with a low-water cutoff switch
Low-water cutoff has tripped	Read the warning below first. The manual reset is on the upper right side of the back hatch (as viewed from the front of the unit), under a round red-and-yellow warning tag. Lift the tag and push the reset button. If the reset has tripped, it will click when pushed.
Loose connections	Check the low-water cutoff switch for loose connections.
Reset button is stiff	The reset may need to be replaced. Call TEMCO for instructions.

WARNING: Before pushing the low-water cutoff reset, turn the heat and evaporator switches OFF, or make sure the water is covering the heating element. Resetting while the element is exposed will damage the heating element.

3. Pump Not Working

Applies to all models.

Possible Cause	What to Check / Corrective Action
Safety door switch	Check whether the switch is loose, out of adjustment, or faulty. Adjust or replace it as needed.
Restriction in the pump head	Check the pump head for blockages and clear them.
Pump circuit problem	Check the pump circuit for a tripped breaker and wiring problems.
Wash cycle timer	Check the wash cycle timer for proper operation. Replace it if faulty.
Pump motor	Check the motor for loose wires. If the motor has failed, replace it.

4. Pump Seal Leaking

Applies to all models. A leaking pump seal must be replaced. Call TEMCO if you need assistance.

Possible Cause	What to Check / Corrective Action
Low water level (about 95% of seal failures)	A chronically low water level starves the pump of water and destroys the seal. After installing a new seal, maintain the proper water level at all times. See Section 7.
Sediment buildup (about 5% of seal failures)	Sediment has built up above the normal level of one inch or less because the tank is not cleaned often enough. Clean the tank and remove all sediment at least every 30 days.

5. Oil Skimmer Not Working

Applies to all models.

Possible Cause	What to Check / Corrective Action
All units
Oil skimmer switch is off	Make sure the oil skimmer switch is in the ON position.
Wiper blades	Inspect the wiper blades on the oil skimmer chute for wear, damage, or misalignment.
Switch or wiring problem	Check the oil skimmer motor switch and wires for connection problems.
Seized or failed motor	Check whether the skimmer motor is seized or has failed. Replace it if needed.
Units with the time clock option
Manual on/off lever is off	Make sure the manual on/off lever on the time clock is in the ON position. On these units the time clock runs the oil skimmer automatically: it runs for 30 minutes when the time clock turns the heat on at its set ON time.

IMPORTANT: Never run the oil skimmer while the washer is in service. It works best when the water is cold and still, usually in the morning before the day’s operation begins.

6. Turntable Not Rotating

Applies to all models.

Possible Cause	What to Check / Corrective Action
Turntable switch setting	Make sure the turntable switch is in the AUTO position.
Worn or loose drive wheel	Check the drive wheel for worn or broken teeth, and make sure it has not unscrewed from the shaft adapter. Check that the shaft adapter has not slipped and that the adjuster bolt is tight.
Drive wheel misaligned	The drive wheel should ride at the center of the side of the turntable. Check the alignment and make sure the drive motor bracket bolts are tight.
Drive wheel cover jamming	Check whether the drive wheel cover is jamming the drive wheel.
Missing tension spring	Check that the drive motor tension spring is in place. On T20 and larger models, check all drive motor bracket bolts and tension springs.

7. Operating Guidelines

Water level

• Keep the water level just below or touching the debris screen.

• Never let the water level drop more than 1 inch below the debris screen.

• Check the water level often throughout the day to avoid low-water conditions.

Auto water fill

Because these units run at high temperatures and evaporate water quickly, you must check the water level throughout the day and add water as needed, even if your unit has an auto water fill system. The auto fill is designed to only maintain water level in the tank while heat is on. It is not designed to fill the tank or maintain the water level during operating hours.

Chemicals

WARNING: Never put incompatible chemicals in your TEMCO washer, including oil-based solvents, acids, brake cleaner, or carburetor cleaner.Doing so will void your warranty.

8. Preventive Maintenance Schedule

Applies to all models.

Frequency	Task
Daily	Move the mid-range spray arm up and down.
Every 30 days (minimum)	Clean the tank and remove all sediment.
Every 30 days (minimum)	Grease the mid-range spray arm.
Every 30 days	Inspect and clean the float and shaft of power reset and light floats.
Every 90 days	Grease the door hinges.
Every 3 to 6 months	Check all electrical connections in the main control panel and junction box.
Ongoing	Inspect for rust and treat it right away if found. Never let rust build up and spread.

Need help? If a problem continues after these checks, or you are unsure about any step, call TEMCO for assistance at (800)245-1869.