Mini Jet Troubleshooting Guide

You should use Buon Vino Filter Pads because the micron sizes and consistency of Buon Vino Filter Pads have been designed to give optimal performance when used with Buon Vino wine filters. The flow rate of the pump is designed to work in conjunction with the Buon Vino Filter Pads to give you the best filtration possible. For more information, please visit the Filter Pads page.

On rare occasion, if the Mini Jet has been run dry or has overheated, it may be necessary to lubricate the gears. For complete instructions, scroll down to Lubricating Gears & Re-Sealing Mini Jet Pump.

There are 3 possibilities...
1. The wine is very young and carbon dioxide (CO2) is present. The pump will release this gas simply due to the action of the pump. Release of CO2 from the wine is a good thing; most kits recommend agitating the wine to help release this gas.
2. You have removed the fitting (black connector on the intake of the pump). We recommend that this fitting should not be removed. If you have done so make sure that the O ring has not been crimped and that it is fully inserted into the intake hole of the pump.
3. The intake hose is vinyl and can expand. Cut approximately 1/2 inch to 1 inch off the end of the hose and re-insert the hose. This will create a better seal at that point and not allow any air intake.

1. Please read the sheet that is supplied with the filter on suggestions and recommendations.
2. If you did not rack your wine and you have sediment at the bottom you may be drawing up some of the sediment and clogging the pads quickly. Rack your wine before filtering.
3. Identify the style and density of the wine you are making. Each batch is different and can also clear at different times. Red wines, due to the colour, are much harder to identify. Never start filtering with the hose at the bottom of the carboy. Insert your hose about half way and gradually force it towards the bottom of the carboy. Do not allow the line to empty. This will make the pump run dry, potentially damaging your pump.
4. What type of wine are you making? Some wines clear faster than others and some types are heavier, especially reds. If you are making a heavy red wine you may need to filter with the #1 pad which is coarser. Please read the Suggestions and Recommendations sheet supplied with the product.
5. Lubricate your tightening bolts at the thread with petroleum jelly or food grade grease. This gives better ability for the hand wheels to tighten down on the filter area.

This is a problem which most users of the Mini Jet will not encounter. It is caused by a gear inside the pump becoming stuck due to:

• failure to flush out the pump properly after the last filtering session,
• oak chips becoming trapped between the gears, or
• allowing the pump to run dry.

Contact your store of purchase or Buon Vino Manufacturing for assistance in correcting this problem. Although the above problem is not difficult to fix, please do not start taking the pump apart before being made fully aware of the proper procedures necessary to correct the malfunction. The procedure requires specific tools and the removal and re-insertion of parts in the correct order.

Tools required: Philips screw driver, small flat screw driver and/or pen knife. Petroleum jelly.

1. Remove four screws located around the black front face of the pump. If you lay your filter on its back, looking down at the pump, it will be easier to work.

2. Inside you will find a black plastic piece (looks like a top hat) sitting on a spring. The spring is set into an oval black plastic piece. (Set these pieces to the side.)

3. Next you will see a black rubber oval gasket. With a small screw driver or pen knife along the edge, lift it out and set it to the side.

4. Next is an oval stainless steel plate which needs to be lifted out. Note: this thin plate may be lifted out when you lift out the oval gasket. If you do not see it look on the back of the gasket, as it may be stuck to it. They are two separate pieces.

5. THIS NEXT PART IS VERY IMPORTANT: Everything now is a beige colour. Looking carefully in the middle of the pump you will see in the middle a plastic piece in the shape of an "8". There are two slots on either side of the figure 8 plate and you should also see a pinhole mark in the middle. The hole on the top is slightly larger than the hole on the bottom. Take this piece out and set it down in the exact manner as you removed it. Same face up and same holes corresponding.

6. Once this plate is out you will see the gears. First remove the bottom gear by using a small screw driver. Place the screw driver between the teeth of the gear and pull upwards. Set the gear to the side. Next do the same with the top gear. This is your drive gear. When you remove it look through the hole, you will notice a flat spot. This lines up with the flat spot on the silver shaft that you just removed it from.

7. Take some petroleum jelly and place it on the back of the DRIVE GEAR and a little in between the teeth of the gear. Line up the flat spot on the shaft to the one on the inside hole of that gear and put it back in. Make sure the gear inserts fully.

8. Do the same as above to the other gear (idler gear) and place it back into the pump. The hole is round and you do not have to line anything up, just make sure that the two gears are even.

9. Pick up your figure "8" plate. Put a film of petroleum jelly on the back of this plate. Place it back into the pump in the exact same way you removed it. The mark on the plate should be at the top facing you and the pin mark should also be face up.

10. Put a small amount of petroleum jelly on your finger and run your finger along the top of the figure 8 plate you just put in. You need to fill in the crack where the plate meets with the rest of the pump housing and the two holes where the shafts are (not the two side slots).

11. Next replace the silver oval disc. There is a tiny raised area, and this plate fits perfectly in the middle.

12. Place the rubber oval gasket over the silver plate. Make sure it is seated properly or your pump may leak.

13. Take the oval hard black plastic piece and place it in the middle on top of the gasket. Place the spring in the middle (you will notice a raised area that the spring fits into). Next place the "top hat" looking piece on the top of the spring. The long portion inside the spring.

14. Put on your cover and the 4 screws. Make sure you do not over tighten the screws.

If you have any questions about the above instructions, please contact us.