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™
Model 88
Operating Instructions
For 3" through 10" lines
(75mm – 250mm)
our Model 88 is designed to give you
Y
years of trouble-free, profitable service.
However, no machine is better than its
operator. We therefore suggest you read
these instructions through carefully before
using your machine on the job. This will
enable you to operate the Model 88 more
efficiently and more profitably. Failure to
follow these instructions may cause
personal injury to operator or damage to
equipment.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS!
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Model 88™
Safety Instructions
!
READ AND UNDERSTAND
Failure to follow all instructions listed below
may result in electric shock, fire and/or serious
personal injury.
Call General’s customer service department at
412-771-6300 if you have any questions.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS!
WARNING
Machine must be plugged
into properly grounded
outlet. Failure to follow
instructions may result in
serious injury or death.
Do not operate power tools
in explosive atmospheres,
such as in the presence of
flammable liquids, gases, or
dust.
Wear leather gloves provided
with the machine. Never
grasp a rotating cable with a
rag or cloth glove.
Use safety equipment.
Always wear safety glasses
and rubber soled, non-slip
shoes.
Never operate machine with
guard removed. Fingers can
get caught in the mechanism.
Do not overstress cables.
Overstressing cables may
cause twisting, kinking, or
breaking of the cable and
may result in serious injury.
ALL INSTRUCTIONS!
Work Area Safety
1.
Keep your work area clean and well lit.
Cluttered benches and dark areas invite
accidents.
2.
Do not operate power tools in explosive
atmospheres, such as in the presence of
flammable liquids, gases, or dust.
tools create sparks which may ignite the dust or
fumes.
3.
Keep bystanders, children, and visitors
away while operating a power tool.
Distractions can cause you to lose control.
Electrical Safety
1.
Grounded tools must be plugged into an
outlet, properly installed and grounded in
accordance with all codes and ordinances.
Never remove the grounding prong or
modify the plug in any way. Do not use any
adapter plugs. Check with UL approved
tester or a qualified electrician if you are in
doubt as to whether the outlet is properly
2
grounded.
malfunction or break down, grounding provides
a low resistance path to carry electricity away
from the user.
2.
Machine must have a properly functioning
ground fault circuit interrupter on the power
cord. Before using, test the Ground Fault
Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) provided with the
power cord to insure it is operating
correctly.
shock.
3.
Avoid body contact with grounded surfaces
such as pipes, radiators, ranges and
refrigerators.
electric shock if your body is grounded.
4.
Don’t expose power tools to rain or wet
conditions.
increase the risk of electric shock.
5.
Do not abuse the cord. Never use the cord
to carry the tools or pull the plug from an
outlet. Keep cord away from heat, oil, sharp
edges or moving parts. Replace damaged
cords immediately.
the risk of electric shock.
6.
When operating a power tool outside, use
an outdoor extension cord marked “W-A” or
These cords are rated for outdoor use
“W”.
and reduce the risk of electric shock.
7.
Use only three-wire extension cords which
have three-prong grounding plugs and
Power
If the tool should electrically
GFCI reduces the risk of electric
There is an increased risk of
Water entering a power tool will
Damaged cords increase
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Model 88™
three-pole receptacles which accept the
tool’s plug.
not ground the tool and increase the risk of
electric shock.
8.
Use proper extension cords.
conductor size will cause excessive voltage
drop and loss of power.
9.
Extension cords are not recommended
unless they are plugged into a Ground Fault
Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) found in circuit
boxes or outlet receptacles.
machine power cord will not prevent electric
shock from the extension cords.
10.
Keep all electric connections dry and off the
ground. Do not touch plugs or tools with
wet hands.
Use of other extension cords will
Insufficient
The GFCI on the
Reduces the risk of electric shock.
Personal Safety
1.
Stay alert, watch what you are doing and
use common sense when operating a power
tool. Do not use tool while tired or under
the influence of drugs, alcohol, or
medication.
operating power tools may result in serious
personal injury.
2.
Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing
or jewelry. Contain long hair. Keep your
hair, clothing, and gloves away from moving
Loose clothes, jewelry, or long hair can
parts.
be caught in moving parts.
3.
Avoid accidental starting. Be sure switch is
off before plugging in.
have the switch on invites accidents.
4.
Remove adjusting keys or switches before
turning the tool on.
left attached to a rotating part of the tool may
result in personal injury.
5.
Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and
balance at all times.
balance enables better control of the tool in
unexpected situations.
6.
Use safety equipment. Always wear eye
protection.
hard hat, or hearing protection must be used for
appropriate conditions.
A moment of inattention while
Plugging in tools that
A wrench or key that is
Proper footing and
Dust mask, non-skid safety shoes,
2.
Do not force tool. Use the correct tool for
your application.
job better and safer at the rate for which it is
designed.
3.
Do not use tool if switch does not turn it on
or off.
the switch is dangerous and must be repaired.
4.
Disconnect the plug from the power source
before making any adjustments, changing
accessories, or storing the tool.
preventative safety measures reduce the risk of
starting the tool accidentally.
5.
Store idle tools out of reach of children and
other untrained persons.
dangerous in the hands of untrained users.
6.
Maintain tools with care. Keep cutting tools
sharp and clean.
with sharp cutting edges are less likely to bind
and are easier to control.
7.
Check for misalignment or binding of
moving parts, breakage of parts, and any
other condition that may affect the tool’s
operation. If damaged, have the tool
serviced before using.
caused by poorly maintained tools.
8.
Use only accessories that are recommended
by the manufacturer for your model.
Accessories that may be suitable for one tool
may become hazardous when used on another
tool.
9.
Keep handles dry and clean; free from oil
and grease.
tool.
Any tool that cannot be controlled with
The correct tool will do the
Such
Tools are
Properly maintained tools,
Many accidents are
Allows for better control of the
Tool Service
1.
Tool service must be performed only by
qualified repair personnel.
maintenance performed by unqualified repair
personnel could result in injury.
2.
When servicing a tool, use only identical
replacement parts. Follow instructions in
the Maintenance section of this manual.
Use of unauthorized parts or failure to follow
Maintenance Instructions may create a risk of
electric shock or injury.
Service or
Tool Use and Care
1.
Use clamp or other practical way to secure
and support the workpiece to a stable
platform.
your body is unstable and may lead to loss of
control.
Holding the work by hand or against
Specific Safety Information
1.
Be sure that the unit is plugged into a
properly grounded receptacle.
check receptacle before plugging in machine.
Check the power cord to see that there are no
cuts or frays, and that the grounding prong on
the plug is still in place.
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If in doubt,
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Model 88™
2.
If the power cord supplied with the machine
is not long enough, be sure to use a 3-wire
heavy-duty extension cord no more than 50
feet long and in good condition.
Using
lighter cords can result in severe power loss
and motor overheating.
3.
Wear leather gloves provided with the
machine. Never grasp a rotating cable with
a rag or cloth glove.
Could become wrapped
around cable and cause serious injury.
4.
Never operate machine with guard removed.
Fingers can get caught in the mechanism.
5.
Do not overstress cables.
Overstressing
cables because of an obstruction may cause
twisting, kinking, or breaking of the cable and
may result in serious injury.
6.
Machine is designed for one-person
operation.
Operator must control switch and
cable.
7.
Be careful when cleaning drains where
cleaning chemicals have been used. Avoid
direct contact with skin and eyes.
Drain
cleaning chemicals can cause serious burns as
well as damage the cable.
8.
Do not operate machine if operator or
machine is standing in water.
Will increase
risk of electrical shock.
9.
Wear safety glasses and rubber soled, nonslip shoes.
Use of this safety equipment may
prevent serious injury.
10.
Before starting each job, check that the
cable is not broken or kinked, by checking
for wear or breakage.
Always replace worn
out (kinked or broken) cables with genuine
GENERAL replacement cables.
11.
Only use this tool in the application for
which it was designed. Follow the
instructions on the proper use of the
machine.
Other uses or modifying the drain
cleaner for other applications may increase risk
of injury.
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter
(GFCI)
Your machine is equipped with a ground fault circuit
interrupter, which protects you against shock if a
short circuit should occur. Check that receptacle is
properly grounded. Test the GFCI before each use.
1. Plug into 120-volt receptacle.
2. Push test button. Indicator light will go out and
power to machine should cut off.
3. If light does not go out when test button is
pushed, equipment should not be used until
proper repairs can be made.
4. To restore power after test, push reset button.
With the reset button depressed, if the machine
doesn't start, stops while running, or if the
operator experiences a mild shock,
the machine!
Take it to a motor repair center or
do not use
return it to the factory for repairs.
The section of cord between the
Note:
Note:
wall plug and the GFCI is not in the
the wall plug and the GFCI is not in
protected circuit.
the protected circuit.
The section of cord between
Cables and Connectors
Your machine comes with one of two cable
connectors; “G” connectors for General
®
cables,
and “L” connectors to match Electric Eel-type
cables.
To couple the “G” cables, slide the tab on the male
connector into the slot in the female connector,
then turn the ring
until the button
pops up. To
disconnect, push
the button in with the coupling wrench. Then turn
the ring until it lines up with the slot in the
connector and slide cables apart.
To couple “L” cables, line up the solid pin in the
male connector with the L-shaped notch in the
female connector. Depress the spring pin and
push the male
connector into the
female connector.
To disconnect,
push down the spring pin with the coupling wrench.
Turn the male connector a quarter turn, then pull
the cables apart.
Cable Application Chart (Table 1)
Cable
Size
*1-1/4” Proflex™ 3" – 10"
1-1-4" Flexichain™ 3" – 6"
**7/8" Proflex™ 2" – 3"
*Proflex cables are available in 4, 8, and 10 ft. lengths.
Heavy-duty 5/8" inner spring and extra space outer
spring sections also available.
**Available only with "L" Connector (Part #6L78).
Adapter required (Part #78L-CDC).
Cable
Type
Pipe
Size
Typical
Applications
Large Drains, Long
Runs, Roots
Tight Traps, Difficult
Bends, Roots
Small Drains (No
Roots)
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Model 88™
Cutter Application Chart (Table 2)
Catalog #
Cutter
Spear
Head
Hook Auger
2" UCutter
3" Heavy
Duty
Side Cutter
3" Heavy
Duty
Saw Blade
“G”
Conn.
G-SHD L-SHD
G-HA L-HA
G-2UC L-2UC
G-3HDSC
G-3HDB L-3HDB
“L”
Conn.
L-3HDSC
Typical Applications
Starting tool, gets the
water flowing
Starting tool, to
remove loose objects.
Starting tool, for
cutting and scraping.
Finishing tool, for
scraping inside edges
of pipe.
Heavy duty tool for
cutting roots.
4" Rotary
Saw
G-4RSB L-4RSB For cutting roots.
Blade
Retrieving
Tool
G-RTR-2 L-RTR-2
Note: There are no fixed rules for what cutter to use. If
one tool doesn't take care of a stoppage, simply try
another.
For removing loose
objects and broken
cables.
Operating Instructions
1. Use LEATHER gloves only, when handling the
cable. A cloth glove might get caught between
the coils of the cable while it is rotating.
2. Insert cutting tool in female connector at the
front of the cable section. A good tool to start
with is the Spear Head or 2” U-Cutter. On
cables with “G” connectors, be sure the
connector locking ring is turned far enough for
the plunger pin to click into place. On cables
with “L” connectors, twist the cables until the
plunger pin pops out.
3. Push the cable section and cutter into the pipe.
If first cable goes easily, push several sections
into the pipe until resistance is met. Then
attach the male end of the last cable to the
machine.
4. On machines using the “G” cables, you can
connect the male connector of the cable to the
machine by twisting the knurled ring on the
Cable Drive Coupler until the plunger pin clicks
into place. On machines using “L” cables, twist
the cable until the plunger pin springs out.
5. Pull the machine back until the slack is out of
the cable. With the motor switch in the
Forward
position and, while standing behind
the machine, press down on the switch
mounted on the handle and walk with the cable
into the line. Do not allow slack in the cable
since this will cause cable whipping. If the
cable starts to buckle or twist, take your hand
off the switch and the motor will spin in the
opposite direction to relieve the twist.
DO NOT PUSH THE MACHINE FASTER THAN
THE CABLE FEEDS INTO THE LINE. IF YOU
DO, THE CABLE WILL WHIP AND MAY KINK.
6. When all but the last two or three feet of cable
section have fed into the line, stop the machine.
If you are using the “G” connectors, simply twist
the knurled ring on the Cable Drive Coupler 90°
and detach the cable from the machine. If you
are using the “L” cables, disconnect the cable
from the machine using the Coupling Wrench.
7. Pull the machine back from the drain opening
about ten feet. Attach the female coupling of
the next section to the male coupling of the
cable in the line. Then connect the male
coupling of the cable to the machine. Repeat
until you have reached the stoppage.
8. If the section is not feeding through a trap or
bend, remove the switch from the handle of the
machine and place it near the drain opening so
it can be used as a foot pedal. Then take the
Cable Feeding Tool and press it against the
cable at the drain opening. Step on the foot
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Model 88™
pedal, and the cable’s rotation against the
Cable Feeding Tool will work the section
through the trap. Never try to force a cable
through a P-trap smaller than 4” in diameter.
9. If the motor begins to slow down or the clutch
starts to slip, you have probably reached the
stoppage. Stop the machine and switch motor
in reverse. Run machine for a few seconds.
Then stop and switch to forward rotation.
Repeat this procedure until water starts to flow.
This is often the best way to work through the
stoppage.
10. Run the machine in reverse to pull sections out
of the line. After the line is opened with a
Spearhead or 2” U-Cutter, follow with larger
blades which scrape the inside edges of the
pipe, assuring a real cleaning job.
It's often helpful to have a small
Hint:
stream of water running in the line to
wash the cuttings away while the
machine is in operation and after.
FOLDING HANDLE
To make the Hot-Rodder more compact, it is
equipped with a folding handle. By lifting up the
sliding collars on each side of the handle, you can
fold it forward. When the handle is raised, the
collars will drop into position, locking the handle in
place.
SAFETY CLUTCH
The safety clutch is located between the motor and
the Cable Drive Coupler. It is designed to protect
your cables from breakage and is factory preset to
slip at 100 in. lbs. of torque. Under normal usage
of your machine, no adjustments need to be made
to the clutch. If you find it necessary to change the
clutch tension, the following procedure should be
used:
1. Remove the clutch cover and loosen the screw
in the large hex nut on the front of the clutch.
Turn the nut in to increase tension and out to
reduce it. Then tighten the screw.
2. If you do not intend to change the tension on
the clutch very often, you can fold over one of
the metal tabs on the washer between the nut
and the body of the clutch so that it presses
firmly on the hex nut. You can, of course, alter
the pressure on the clutch at a later date by
bending the tab back up, adjusting the nut, and
bending a different tab against the nut.
3. Remember that the clutch is put on the machine
to protect your cables! Therefore, do not
tighten to the point where sections will be
damaged before the clutch slips.
GEAR REDUCER
Model 88 gear reducers are filled with lubricant to
the proper level before leaving the factory. Should
it become necessary to remove the lubricant in the
field, the following steps should be followed for
refilling:
1. Remove the Vent/Fill plug at the top of the gear
reducer.
2. Remove the Level plug at the middle of the side
of gear reducer.
3. Use a funnel or other device to add lubricant
until it appears at the side opening (Capacity:
1.25 pints).
MAINTENANCE
To keep your machine operating smoothly, it is
essential that all bearings and bushings be
lubricated. Oiling moving parts is particularly
important where machine comes in contact with
sand, grit, and other abrasive material.
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Model 88™
CABLE MAINTENANCE
To get maximum service from your cables, be sure
that they are clean and well oiled. This not only
provides running lubrication, but greatly extends
the life of the cables as well. Our SNAKE OIL is
ideally suited for this purpose, since it not only
lubricates the cables, it deodorizes them as well.
TROUBLE SHOOTING GUIDE (Table 3)
Problem Probable Cause Solution
Cable kinks or breaks.
Operator forcing the cable. Do not force the cable. Let the cutter do the work.
Too much slack between machine and drain. Do not allow slack between machine and drain.
Cable used in wrong size drain line. A cable that is too large or too small in diameter for a line is
more likely to kink. (Consult Table 1—Cable Applications.)
Cable exposed to acid Clean and oil cables regularly.
Cable tangles or kinks. Operator forcing the cable. Do not force the cable. Let the cutter do the work.
Motor stops while foot pedal is
Hole is pedal or hose. Replace as required.
depressed
Motor turns in one direction but
Reverse switch failure. Replace reverse switch.
not other.
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter
trips and will not reset.
Damaged power cord or extension cord. Replace cords.
Short circuit in motor. Take motor to authorized repair center.
Faulty ground fault circuit interrupter. Replace Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter.
Motor turns but cable does not. Safety Clutch engaged. Do not force cable.
PARTS LIST
Cat. No. Description Cat. No. Description
88-100 Frame Complete 88-235 Spring Washer (2)
88-101 Frame Only 88-240 Locking Washer
88-110 Axle 88-245 Clutch Shaft (5/8”)
88-120 5” Caster 88-300-1 Motor & Gear Head Complete
88-120-1 6” Caster 88-300-2 Motor & Gear Head Complete
88-121 Caster Bolts (4) 88-301 Motor (1725 RPM) Disc. (See 88-300-1)
88-130 Front Bearing Post 88-301-1 Motor (3450 RPM)
88-130-A Bushings (2) 88-301-2 Motor (1750 RPM)
88-130-B Grease Fitting 88-302-1 Gear Head Only (7 to 1 Ratio)
88-130-C Post Adjusting Bolts (2) 88-302-2 Gear Head Only (3.5 to 1 Ratio)
88-131 Post Bolts, Nuts, & Washers (3) 88-302-A Gear Head Vent Cap
88-150-1 Handle Hinge Assembly 88-302-1-A Gear Head Vent Cap
88-150-1-A Hinge Top 88-303 Gear Head Mounting Bolts (4)
88-150-1-B Hinge Bottom 88-305 Motor Mounting Bolts,Nuts & Washers(4)
88-150-1-C Hinge Roll Pins (2) 88-310 20 ft. Power Cord with GFCI
88-155-1 Handle Locking Sleeve 88-311 Air Foot Switch & Rev. Switch Complete
88-160-2 Handle with Pedal Holder 88-311-A Box Only with Cover & Screws
(from Serial #1270 and Over) 88-311-B Foot Pedal and Hose
88-160-2-A Locking Collar Shop Screw 88-311-C Clamps (2)
88-170 10” Wheel 88-311-D Foot Pedal
88-171 Hat Type Push Nuts (2) 88-311-E Power Switch Diaphragm
88-172 Spacer Washers (2) 88-311-F Air Hose (11 ft.)
88-190 Plastic Clutch Face Cover 88-311-G Reverse Switch
88-200 Clutch Assembly 88-311-H Rubber Boot (Rental Units Only)
88-201 Clutch Housing with Set Screws GFI-88 Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter
(Through Serial #1797) 5/8 G-CDC Cable Drive Coupling with “G”
88-201-1 Clutch Housing with Set Screws Connector for 5/8” Shaft
(Serial #1798 & Over) 1/2 G-CDC Cable Drive Coupling with “G”
88-205 Drive Plate Connector for 1/2” Shaft
88-205-A Round Socket Head Bolts 1”x1/4”(6) 5/8 L-CDC Cable Drive Coupling with “L”
88-210 Clutch Hub with Roll Pin Connector for 5/8” Shaft
88-215 Adjustment Nut 1/2 L-CDC Cable Drive Coupling with “L”
88-215-A Brass Slotted Head Screw 1/2” (2) Connector for 1/2” Shaft
88-220 Friction Disc (2) 7/8 L-CDC Cable Drive Coup. for 6L78 7/8" Cables
88-225 Spacer Bushing 88-DECAL Set of Safety Decals
88-230 Fixed Plate 88-VIDEO Instructional Video
SEE BACK COVER FOR SCHEMATIC DIAGRAM
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