Replacing the Pump on the Antari Z-1200II Fog Machine

This time around, I’m going to show you how to replace a pump on the fog machine.

This is a customer’s ANTARI / Z-1200II to repair.

Symptom: Fog is failing to come out.

We inspected the fog machine to find out the heater was clogged and the pump had a malfunction.

The parts that need to be replaced are the heater and the pump, but this time I’m going to show you how to replace the pump.

The photo below shows the pump.

The fog juice flows from right to left in the photo. You can adjust the amount of the liquid to be pumped up to change the amount of smoke.

Connect the pump only to the power to see if the liquid is pumped up. In most cases, you can hear if it works but it still isn’t pumping the liquid up.

Now, let’s replace the pump.

1. Remove the case

Remove the case and you will see the pump.

2. Remove the pump and install a new one

The pump is composed of metal parts and resin parts. Be careful not to put too much force to damage the resin parts.

The thin metal tube is easy to bend as well. Be careful when installing the pump.

If this tube is not connected to the pump properly, it will cause the liquid to leak.

The old pump was discolored probably because it had been used a lot.

Install the new pump.

Cable ties are often used to fix the tube in place. If the cable tie is fastened too tightly, the coating may become stripped. It’s important to fasten it just enough to hold it in place.

3. Check if the pump works properly after replacement

- Check if the issue has been resolved.

4. Repair complete

- We confirm that the fogger has no visible problems, so the repair is now finished.

This kind of issue can be prevented effectively if it is properly maintained when using it.

■ How to Clean Inside Fog Machine

Empty the tank, pour the cleaning liquid (distilled water: 80%, acetic acid: 20%) to 1/3 of the liquid tank, and turn on the fog machine.

Warm the machine up, let the fog out until the cleaning liquid in the tank is almost gone. Be careful not to empty the tank completely.

After that, pour the fog juice and turn on the machine for a short time. This is to eject the cleaning liquid remaining in the pump and heater.

*Never use the fog machine with the liquid tank empty.

Please also refer to the Lighting Course page from the Lessons for Beginners on how to maintain a fog machine.

Lessons for Beginners/Lighting Course/Smoke Machines

I hope that you will find this tutorial useful. That’s all, folks. Thank you for reading.