Zon® Cannon Troubleshooting InformationZon Mark 4 Instruction Manual
Zon EL08 Instruction Manual
Zon Mark 4 - Parts Diagram
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Zon Mark 4 - Troubleshooting Chart
Here are some very common and easy to remedy propane cannon problems:
| Failure | Cause | Remedy |
|---|---|---|
| The Zon Mark 4, fully connected, fails to operate at all. | Gas Tank Valve is not open. | Open Valve |
| Interval regulator is not open. | Open regulator by turning knob towards the "+" mark; if blasts are too frequent, turn knob towards the "-" mark. | |
| Gas tank is empty or has too little pressure. | Connect new gas tank. | |
| Gas valve #91406 cannot be opened. This may happen if the device has not been operated for some time. | Using 2 fingers to grasp the hinged clip #91266, pull it up vertically once or twice. Be sure to keep the hinged clip from slipping over the stop lip of the spring holder #91236 as this will prevent you from opening the gas valve. | |
| Leaks | Coupling nut gas regulator is not tight enough. | Tighten coupling nut with suitable spanner. |
| Hose connecting regulator unit to cannon has been damaged. | Replace the hose. A quick method to trace a leak in the gas regulator is to check it with a leakage spray. | |
| Diaphragm leaks along the plate rim. | Repair should be carried out by the dealer. | |
| The Zon Mark 4 operates, but there is no explosion or sound. | Ignition gives a weak spark or no spark at all. |
|
| Wind is too strong (greater than 15 mph); gas/air mixture is disturbed. | Place the cannon out of the wind, or behind a wind-screen. | |
| Gas mixture is not good. | Gas mixture in tank is not good, replace gas tank. | |
| The Zon Mark 4 works, but Diaphragm Gland #91226 remains in the top position | Gas Valve Holder #91416 is blocked or partially blocked. | Clean opening with small piece of wire no more than .6 mm thick. |
| Gas Valve #91406 cannot be opened. This may happen if the device has not been operated for some time. | Using 2 fingers to grasp the hinged clip #91266, pull it up vertically once or twice. Be sure to keep the hinged clip from slipping over the stop lip of the spring holder #91236 as this will prevent you from opening the gas valve. | |
| Gas Valve #91406 stays open: Diaphragm Gland #91226 remains above. | Diaphragm Springs #91286A are broken. If so, replace. | |
| Gas Valve #91406 cannot be opened or sufficiently opened. | Lifting level must be 1 - 2 mm. Repair should be carried out by the dealer. | |
| The Zon Mark 4 operates, but gives dull explosions. | Wind is too strong; gas/air mixture is disturbed. | Place the cannon down wind, out of the wind or behind a wind screen. |
| Telescopic megaphone not extended, or only partially extended. | Pull out to full extension. |
Zon Mark 4 - Photos of Common, Easy-To-Fix Problems
Important! Never perform any maintenance or troubleshooting with the gas tank attached to the cannon.
Wind
If you're operating the cannon in a windy area, it's possible the wind is too strong and is disturbing the gas mixture (blowing the gas away before it ignites). This is often the case when the cannon appears to be working, but the blasts are dull or just a clicking sound is heard as the tripper strikes the lighter. The solution is to place the cannon out of the wind or behind a wind screen, or discontinue use until wind subsides.
Cobwebs
When it's time to take your Zon Cannon out of storage for another season's use, be aware of spider webs/cobwebs which can clog the gas intake chamber. Usually, this is evident when the cannon was firing regularly before storage, and found to be non-working upon removal. Yes, this seems unlikely, but we've found it is very often the cause of this type of trouble. Removing the clog is simple.
To access the clog, you'll need to detach the main body mechanism from the megaphone by gently bending it away from the bolts.
Material Inside of Barrel
Another problem that often arises after the cannon has been stored during the off-season is material within the barrel. Be sure to clean out any debris that has accumulated within the barrel; further examine the depths of the barrel by shining a light into it; if you are unable to see clear through to the Lighter #91306, there is likely material clogging this area. Note the Iris #91146 opening is almost 2-inches, which is plenty of room for a rodent or other small critter to set-up residence while the cannon is not in use (yes, we have "repaired" a few cannons by removing mouse and wasp nests in the area beyond the iris). Storing your cannon in a plastic bag can help lessen the likelihood of rodents nesting inside the cannon.
General gas issues
The propane tank must be securely connected to the Regulator. If there is pressurized gas supply to the cannon, it will go through its cycle. If the tank is filled with gas, is hooked up properly, and is turned on, action will happen at the cannon (will blast as it should, or will generate mechanical/clicking noises if there's a problem within the cannon).
If nothing happens:
- Tank is empty or very near empty. If refilling the tank doesn't help, try a different tank.
- Regulator is not fully tightened or seated.
- Overflow protection device has not been deactivated (so gas cannot reach the cannon).
- Can you smell gas? It may be leaking through the Hose #6556 or Diaphragm #91316.
- Has aftermarket hose been installed recently? The type of hose required for the Zon cannon is very specific and you're not likely to find an acceptable aftermarket substitute, even when purchased from a propane retailer. Zon Hose #6556 is quite inexpensive (less than $2 per foot) and readily available from Sutton Ag or your Zon distributor.
- Have any parts been manipulated? The cannon is very user serviceable, but the parts are not meant to be changed in any way (ie: enlarging holes to manipulate gas flow, etc.). To do so will void the warranty, can cause more costly repairs, and can be dangerous.
