Polaris 360 sweep doesn't sweep

[Ron44]

I have a Polaris 360 pressure side cleaner - 20 years old but I have repaired it from time to time so much is new and upgraded. The only issue I have is that the "tail" - or sweep, does not snake around like it did when new, and like it will show in video demonstrations. That is, it does not move around from side to side any more but just drags behind in a straight line. I have tried to adjust the valve to the sweep from high to low but it does not change anything. I have cleaned the sweep hose and then replaced the sweep hose but it still just drags along. Interestingly, I don't know what would make it snake around anyway, but it is supposed to do that. So, I am looking for suggestions. Do I need to move the weights around, or do anything else with the hose? I have the rubber sponge at the end. Any help will be greatly appreciated.

 

[kimkats]

HI! I have someone on their way that might be able to help you. Hold on as it might take a bit.

Kim

 

[thebombardier]

When the pressure from the return makes it into the 360, it's distributed via a couple of smaller vents and hoses to the tail, venturi vacuum, and to the drivetrain turbine. Sounds like there's no water pressure making it to the tail. I would check to see that the internal hose that goes to the tail isn't disconnected, clogged, or leaking in some way. Unfortunately if it's busted, that only sell the whole guts of the unit called the "Water Management System" (Part 28 in this breakdown). Though it may not be a bad idea to replace all those hoses if one is going, considering the unit is 20 years old.

Parts Diagram Link because the picture is too large

 

[Ron44]

Thanks. I have replaced most of the internal workings but will recheck that. There is water coming out of the end of the tail - with the amount of the flow adjusted by the screw shut off at the outlet. I am wondering if the tail itself is just too old and stiff - it seems that it would be difficult for something that rigid to snake around - it just does not feel that flexible. I have ordered a new tail which appears to be a bit lighter than the one I have now. BTW - I have often wondered why the tail would snake around at all - it seems that the logical thing for it to do would be to do what it is doing - just dragging along behind with water coming out. . . I mean, what is supposed to cause the snaking around?

I have also thought about drilling a small hole on the side of the tip/plug - maybe 1/8 inch - to see what that would do. I may try that before I install the new hose.

Other than this issue with the tail, the unit works fine.

Thanks again.

 

[Ron44]

I have resolved the problem. The new sweep/tail I ordered arrived and I installed it. It snakes around perfectly. The old white ribbed tail was, in comparison, quite stiff and inflexible. The new clear tubing is much lighter and much more flexible.

So, if anyone else has a problem with the tail not snaking around, consider replacing it with a new lighter tail.

 

[wjr75]

Yes, I had the same problem and changing out the tail fixed the problem.

 

[kimkats]

Thank you for the follow up!

Kim