Spectrapure UPLC-II ATO stopped working

[FingersCrossed]

I've had a Spectrapure UPLC-II auto top off controller (see photo) for ~10 years. It's worked without a problem. I basically haven't touched it in all that time. This morning I discovered the water level was low and while I can hear the pump/motor running, it's not pulling water into the tank. I'm looking for advice on how to get it working again. The intake line seems intact and properly submerged in the source reservoir. I've unplugged the unit and let it rest for a bit to see if it would reset/fix itself, but no luck. I suppose the next step is to disconnect the input/output lines and check and clean them, but I figured I'd ask here first for any advice. Thanks in advance.

 

[RobertK]

You may need to clean or replace the rollers and tubing. Do you have the user manual? It should contain instructions for how to do that.

 

[KStatefan]

Can you look in the end and see if the rollers are turning?

 

[FingersCrossed]

Can you look in the end and see if the rollers are turning?

I can see that the motor shaft is spinning, but the rollers are not. I took them out and cleaned them a bit. I noticed there are some ridges on the rollers -- although only in one place on each roller. I don't know if they are supposed to be there (to give some 'grip'?) or if that is from wear.

 

[FingersCrossed]

You may need to clean or replace the rollers and tubing. Do you have the user manual? It should contain instructions for how to do that.

I don't have a user manual and can't find one for this older model online. I did find an online manual for a newer model (LM-UPLC-ATO-G7). The controls/lights are quite different, but the roller mechanism seems to be the same. I cleaned the rollers and tubing a bit, but when I reassembled, the rollers are not turning. (The motor shaft is turning.) I can try to find replacement rollers/tubing, but am curious for any other suggestions too.

 

[RobertK]

Agree that the roller mechanism is likely the same. I think you probably need to replace the rollers and tubing. Contact Spectrapure and ask for their tech support dept. Someone helpful will probably walk you through the problem and make sure you get the right replacement kit for your pump. They always have for me.

 

[KStatefan]

I can see that the motor shaft is spinning, but the rollers are not. I took them out and cleaned them a bit. I noticed there are some ridges on the rollers -- although only in one place on each roller. I don't know if they are supposed to be there (to give some 'grip'?) or if that is from wear.

Replace the rollers and peristaltic tubing and check that there is not obstruction in the output anywhere.

 

[FingersCrossed]

Thanks. I called Spectrapure and the tech support guys was very helpful. I ordered the parts to replace the tubing and rollers. And he gave me some good tips for ensuring it works smoothly.

 

[BrianReefer]

You’re lucky you called when you did, because they’re out of stock of the rollers (and their pumps!) as of now

 

[RobertK]

You’re lucky you called when you did, because they’re out of stock of the rollers (and their pumps!) as of now

Yeah, now I need new rollers too and can't get them! All of their pumps have rollers in them so they can't build any pumps until they get more rollers. Spectrapure seems to be having supply issues. I've had one of their ATO units on back order since December, they can't get anyone to supply the circuit boards for them. I like Spectrapure, been buying their stuff for 20 years, but I hope they get their act together soon.