How to troubleshoot a fully enclosed magnet | Part 1

Disassembling your fully enclosed hydraulic magnet

Welcome the Moley Magnetics educational video series. We’ve got an exciting and informative episode lined up for you. We’ll be getting into the basics of troubleshooting our hydraulic magnets and learning how to troubleshoot them like a pro. If you’ve ever wanted to know how to fix these hydraulic magnets when they act up, you’re in the right place. So, let’s jump right in!”

Keep in mind to conduct regular inspections based on usage or if damage is suspected. By removing the three viewing panels and inspecting for broken parts and hydraulic leaks, you can prevent many issues. Address these concerns before operating the magnet.

Tools Needed

Before we get our hands dirty, let’s talk tools. Having the right equipment is half the battle. You will need the following tools: 5mm Allen wrench, 13mm open end wrench, 8mm socket with ratchet, 1 ^1/16” wrench, 1 ^¼” wrench,  Philips head screw driver, pry bar, rubber mallet, multi meter and parts tray and don’t forget your PPE!

Taking Apart Your Fully Enclosed Hydraulic Magnet

Time to roll up those sleeves! We’re going to guide you step by step on taking apart a hydraulic magnet. Remember, patience is key.

Carefully remove the screws from the 3 pin cover plates with a 5 mm Allen wrench.  These covers protect the pins that allow you to remove the top.

Next use the 5 mm Allen wrench to remove 3 viewing panel covers.

Next use a 13 mm wrench to remove the two bolts holding the retaining clip in place.

Slide the 3 pins out

Using a pry bar can be useful to work the pins out

Next disconnect two hydraulic lines by unscrewing the hose from the bottom of the bulk head fitting.

Now the cover is ready to be lifted off but can’t be done by one person.  Use an appropriate and safe lifting method.

Remove (4) 8mm nuts and 4 Philips head screws from the yellow control box cover.

How to troubleshoot a fully enclosed hydraulic magnet

How to troubleshoot a fully enclosed magnet | Part 2

Inspecting for Issues

Welcome to the second installment of our hydraulic troubleshooting series. Today, we’re diving into inspecting your hydraulic magnet. But before we begin, remember to gather the necessary tools outlined in part one of this video. Let’s get started!

The tasks ahead can be avoided with regular maintenance. If the magnet collides with stationary objects or is exposed to forces beyond its intended scope of work, its performance can suffer. It’s critical to perform routine inspections, taking into account the magnet’s usage, and if any damage is suspected, utilize the three viewing panels for a brief inspection. These checks are quick and can save you from future headaches. The inspection process includes:

Opening the three viewing panels using your 5 mm Allen wrench and checking for broken mounts and excessive oil.

We will visually inspect the hydraulic magnet for several key issues. We’ll be on the lookout for hydraulic leaks, damaged rubber mounts, any signs of broken, burned, or damaged components within the control box, generator or resistor.  Let’s carefully examine each of these potential problems.

Once all defects identified and corrected, now its time to test magnet operation. We are going to leave the magnet apart while we reconnect the hydraulic lines to the machine or a hydraulic test pack.  When testing, make sure the tool to test the magnet is producing the correct flow and pressure. And make sure you have the proper PPE!

Perform a test for AC voltage on the generator output using a multimeter. The voltage should be within range of 165 to175 volts.

Test all 3 combinations of L1 to L2, L2 to L3, L3 to L1

If there is either no voltage or an imbalance in voltage, it suggests a potential issue with the generator or requires further diagnostic work. Reach out to Moley Magnetics and Equipment for additional technical support and assistance.

Lastly, we will inspect the voltage output directed to the magnet, measuring between the two terminals labeled ‘M’. This value should be 220 to 230 volts DC as long as the generator is set properly.

If there’s no output or insufficient voltage output, it’s likely there’s an issue with the magnet controller, necessitating further diagnostics. If you encounter this problem, please reach out to our support team for assistance.

Conclusion

There you have it! Troubleshooting a hydraulic magnet doesn’t have to be daunting. Armed with the right knowledge and tools, you can tackle it confidently. When in doubt, reach out to us at 844.662.4638 or email us at tech@moleyinc.com

Want to learn more, check out our fully enclosed hydraulic magnets