HAAS vf1 spindle problem

[daleman]

hi we have a haas vf1 with vector drive it is a 1999 machine this morning we tried to power it up but the spindle just kept turning cw then ccw then throwing up a spindle orientation fault checked all the relays air pressure is good pressure sensor is working fine but still the spindle just rotates cw then ccw anyone got any idea's before i have to ring haas

[serviceman]

check your encoder belt in the headstock

[daleman]

thanks serviceman checked the belt but everything seems to be ok

[fmari]

I have that problem from time to time. Try injecting a little air tool oil in the air inlet for the machine. Then try to orientate 10-20 times. If no luck take off the head cover and while the machine is trying to orientate push the piston with a screwdriver. The piston is a black box 2 inches cubed on the right side of the head. good luck.

[CNCMechTech]

Try giving a high gear command and then giving a low gear command. If the spindle ran one of those time you have a gear change problem. While there can be several problems here try pulling covers and find the double Norgren or MAC solenoid valve on the back side of the electrical bracket. Try manually operating the valve to hi and low gear. You should be able to hear if it is working or not. If not change the valve. If this isnt the problem you may have to clean or change the shifting piston. If this is the case Haas will charge you for a new motor and transmission. It is a bit envolved but can be done without changing the whole thing.

[JoBwan]

Daleman,
Your machine is trying to find either low or high gear and its's not able too. I just fixed 1 last week. Here is what you need to do: Turn off the machine disconnect and then:
1) Remove the "Z" axis cover
2) Unbolt the cover support behind the spindle motor, but you dont have to remove it from the machine. Just swing it out of the way. Be cautious, not to damage the wire track.
3) Find and unscrew the 2 copper 1/8" lines at the valve manifold, that go to the transmission gearbox.
4) Remove the copper adaptors at the manifold. There is a .010" hole in both adaptors.
5) Drill the .010" hole out to .030", clean and re-aasemble the lines to the manifold.
6) Remove and clean the double solenoid valve on the right side of the manifold block with contact cleaner. DO NOT LOSE THE VALVE GASKET.
7) Reassemble the valve and cover support bracket.
8) Turn on the disconnect, Power restart and home out, then try low gear speeds, and then high gear speeds.
9) Re-assemble the "Z" axis cover.
Hope this helps.

[JoBwan]

Daleman,
Did you get your machine running? Joe

[daleman]

yes thanks the .010 hole in the valve was blocked quick clean hey presto works fine again