How to repair corroded Ryobi weed sprayer?

[PitSch]

Hello,

I bought this 3.5 ltr Ryobi Weed Sprayer (OWS1880) in June 2016 and used it about 8-times.

Surprise, and some disappointment when today, after mixing the liquid and filling up, the switch would not work.

With Bunnings workshop and Youtube help I opened the upper part:

As the cable connections are also affected and the switch is sealed I wonder what the Bunnings specialists would do. 

New motor is $50.00, this model no longer listed. Rubbish bin?

[EricL]

Hello @PitSch 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about your Ryobi weed sprayer.

It appears to be some type of chemical corrosion, it's possible that the motor seals might have failed causing the solution to spread onto the motors outer casing. But other than that, it appears that the rest of the sprayer is intact. I've been in a similar situation, and I've always gone for repair, if possible, especially if it looks like the rest of the tool is still in good condition. But it is different with sprayers because rubber seals are involved unlike mechanical tools such as line trimmers where most of the parts are steel.    

The O rings of the wand, the body seals and cover seals all deteriorate when exposed to chemicals. It then becomes an issue as it now becomes impossible to find compatible rubber seals for the unit. In this particular instance, I suggest getting a new sprayer. Although the prospect of repairing it is very tempting the long-term outlook is not good. New sprayer means new seals, new warranties and new lifespan.

Let me call on our experienced members @Dave-1 and @Nailbag for their recommendations.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[Nailbag]

Hi @PitSch 

Obviously some form of liquid as entered into the housing some time ago due to the obvious extent of the corrosion. I suspect it's possible that one of the internal tubes has leaked which can be caused by some chemicals not being suitable and deteriorating the hose/s. Then there is the possible motor seal thats leaked as @EricL again possibly chemical related.

In any respect of how its happened, I guess ultimately its up to you on either $50 to repair or a lot more for a new one. $50 is a worthwhile option considering how little use its had. Just need to ensure though that replacing that part will resolve what caused the liquid ingress.

Nailbag

[Dave-1]

Good Morning @PitSch 

😕 Annoying but have seen things like that happen with not so often used tools, we miss the "failure point" of some hose and bingo. 

Depending on the complexity of the repair (and the state the plastic may be in due to teh chemicals leaking I would be tempted to go for a new sprayer/new warranty as @EricL has mentioned. I would also cycle water/cleaner through it after each use as a precaution so it is less likely to corrode in the future. 

😕 Its a pain but chemicals will be chemicals.

Dave

[PitSch]

Thank you Eric for your time and kind advice.

It's a shame to bin the otherwise good unit. But also reading Nailbag's and Dave-1's replies, it feels better to have some support on the way to the tip.

Cheers

Peter

[EricL]

Hello @PitSch 

I agree, it seems a shame to bin the sprayer. But I believe that @Dave-1 said it best in regards to storage. Make sure to cycle water/cleaner through it after each use as a precaution so it is less likely to corrode the motor and the seals in the future. Just keep in mind that leaving the chemicals unwashed inside the sprayer will cause damage because of their corrosive properties. Washing it out and making sure there is no trapped moisture inside will extend the life of your sprayer.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric