VMC20 Air Valve Clicking, wont change tools or startup spindle interrmittantly???

[WeTDrEaM]

So we have a VMC20 that is having a few problems more and more now.. After DNC'n the machine and pressing the start button sometimes the air valve on the back of the machine just clicks over and over again. The screen will say "waiting on air valve". Most of the time you will have to press the emergency stop and start over. Sometimes this happens over and over again and sometimes the 2nd time the machine will operate as it should. We are also seeing that when it goes to switch tools or on the initial startup of the spindle it will do the same thing, clicking air valve or a "emergency stop" message on the screen...

Any ideas?

[scadvice]

...moisture can cause this. Check your airlines. The last time I had this problem I checked the maker of the valve and ordered a new one... sent the old one back for repair.... and put it on the parts shelf. Less than one third the price going direct.
Steve.

[WeTDrEaM]

Ok, so this is what I have come up with so far on the tools not wanting to change...

I took the cover off and watched the parts move as it was trying to change tools. When you go to change em the arm pushes the small wheel against that larger one in the pic. Then the machine trys to turn the spindle to the point of the small wheel falling into the notch on the larger wheel. It seems like the small wheel is binding up and loose. The spindle will turn a little bit but not enough to fall into the notch on the larger wheel. If you grab the spindle by hand and give it a little bit of help to fall into the notch it will change no problem. its like the motor isnt trying hard enough or there is a lot of drag

[alex gitzel]

The pulley is damaged at the top,the orientation arm wheel bearing fails commonly and then the arm itself rather than the wheel hits the pulley and chews up the pulley.I also see in your pic that the drawbar piston rod is not returning properly,the rod is touching the drawbar it should be off of it. two things can cause this the silver retrun spring on the top is broken or the drawbar piston is cracked and cant return all the way this will also cause waiting on air valve message.the drawbar cylinder and orintation bridge should be removed,inspect the drawbar piston for cracks and warping.and the orintation arm needs to be looked at most likely the bearings on the wheel are shot and the arm is rubbing,remove the burrs from the pulley and replace the arm if there is any woble or slop in the bearings.i tried to attach a parts manual for a 3016 the parts you will be working on are the same on yours but go errors,go to fadalcnc.com they have the file for download.

[scadvice]

...again alex!!

Steve