Overview
Upper recovery tank float splash guard kit. HydraMaster part number 000-078-357
The kit fits a splash guard over the float on the recovery tank float shaft. It keeps the slurry, fibre and debris coming into a recovery tank off the float so the float can travel and report the level correctly.
What it fits
HydraMaster's installation sheet for this kit states that it applies to 157-0801 when used in a recovery tank. HydraMaster Tech Support describes the application as the recovery tank float splash guard for all early units as now the 157-0801 is supplied with a splash guard.
The kit is installed on the stainless steel float and shaft already fitted in the tank. If your tank does not have the stainless steel float, it has to be retrofitted first, using HydraMaster's separate float retrofit instructions. If you are replacing the whole float assembly, see the HydraMaster Recovery Tank Float Switch (157-0801), which HydraMaster list as supplied with protector.
What is in the kit
- 1 x Switch Splash Guard Body
- 1 x Switch Splash Guard Lid
- 1 x 5/16 inch × 2¾ inch rubber hose
The installation steps use:
- a 5/16 inch × 2¾ inch rubber hose, slid over the float shaft
- a two-part cover – a small cover that clicks onto the shaft and replaces the lower retaining clip, and a large cover that seats over it
The stainless steel barrel and the top retaining clip are reused from the existing assembly.
Installation
These steps follow HydraMaster's installation sheet. The sheet states no torque values or warnings.
- Check that the stainless steel float is installed in the tank. If it is not, install it first using HydraMaster's float retrofit instructions.
- Remove the top retaining clip, the stainless steel barrel and the bottom retaining clip.
- Lubricate the shaft with WD-40, then slide the rubber hose over the shaft until it rests against the end of the float shaft.
- Slide the small cover over the shaft until it clicks into place. It replaces the lower retaining clip. Keep the lower clip in case a replacement is needed later.
- Slide the stainless steel barrel over the shaft with the triangle facing up.
- Slide the large cover onto the small cover until it is fully seated.
- Secure the cover with the retaining clip.
Documents
- Installation sheet, Upper Recovery Tank Float Splash Guard Kit, part 078-357 – HydraMaster instructions, digitally reformatted by CCW, English, no revision date stated
Why a splash guard is not optional
A recovery tank float has to move freely to work. Everything the wand recovers arrives in that tank at speed – slurry, hair, fibre and grit – and a bare float gets loaded and wrapped within hours of heavy work.
A float that cannot travel reports the wrong level. If it sticks low, the machine never sees the tank fill, and the next thing that happens is slurry in the blower. That is the failure this inexpensive part exists to prevent.
If you have found a barrel float switch in service without its guard, fit one. Do not treat it as an optional extra because the machine appeared to work without it.
Maintenance
Clean the guard whenever you clean the tank. A guard packed solid with fibre protects the float from nothing and restricts it as effectively as the debris would have.
Inspect it for cracks. A cracked guard lets debris in at the split while still looking fitted.
Frequently asked questions
Will it fit my machine?
HydraMaster's installation sheet says all recovery tanks, and HydraMaster Tech Support describes it as the splash guard for all early units. Send us your model and serial number and we will check.
What is in the kit?
The installation steps use a rubber hose and a two-part cover. HydraMaster's sheet has no parts list, so ask us to confirm the contents before ordering.
Does the float switch come with one?
HydraMaster describe 157-0801 as supplied with protector. If you are replacing the whole switch you may not need this separately – ask us.
My float is sticking. Is the guard the problem?
Clean the float and the guard first. A packed guard and a fouled float produce the same symptom, and both cost nothing to check.
