Please click on an FAQ link below to view information regarding that question.   Question: Why should I filter my wine? What are the advantages?   Answer: Whether to filter or not has been debated by winemakers as long as there have been filters. Some winemakers feel the only way to make wine is the 'natural way', letting the wine clear on its own, even if it does take a year or so. Other winemakers filter their wines to clear them so that they can bottle much quicker, thereby reducing the chance of problems. Why filter wine if it will clear on its own? A clear wine is more appealing, the color is brighter. Filtering may make a wine drinkable sooner. A sterile or fine wine filter will remove most yeasts that may cause sediment and possibly refermentation. The disadvantage of filtering is the possible reduction of color and tannins, and possible oxidation. Because of this, we recommend that you don't filter red grape wines, but filter fruit and white grape wines. There are several types of filters available, ranging from an inexpensive gravity feed (Vinebrite Filter), to fully closed pressurized multiple plate filter systems, like the Buon Vino Mini Jet and Super Jet. These systems are similar to larger systems used by high volume wineries. A big disadvantage of gravity feed is the introduction of oxygen and bacteria. The Buon Vino models eliminate oxygen contact.   Question: Why Should I use "Buon Vino" Filter Pads?   Answer: 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.   Question: When and how do I lubricate the gears on the Mini Jet Pump?   Answer: 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". You should also see a mark, either black or red, on the top of the "8", and a mark in the middle like a pin hole. There are two slots on either side of the figure "8" plate. 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.   Question: I have air going into my pump and my wine is foaming.   Answer: 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 port 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.   Question: Wine is leaking too much out of the Buon Vino pads.   Answer: 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.   Question: I need a new motor. The back fan is not turning and my pump is not working.   Answer: 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. This problem is identified by a buzzing sound coming from the motor, but your fan at the rear of the unit is not turning. 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.   Question: I have no prime from my pump on my Super Jet Filter.   Answer: This particular pump works on a check-valve system. The check-valve is a functioning part of the pump and will deteriorate due to the acidity from the wine. It is easily replaced. By not allowing solid particulate like oak chips etc. to get into the pump your check-valve will last longer. This part will eventually need changing.   Question: I need a new motor for my Super Jet Filter, because I am not getting any suction.   Answer: If your motor is running when you turn it on, you do not need a new motor. You need to replace your check-valve.   Question: My gauge on my Super Jet Filter is not registering.   Answer: Again, due to the acidity in wine the small plate that registers your pressure will deteriorate and you simply need to replace it. Unscrew the gauge to remove it and replace it with the new one. Make sure you put Teflon tape on the threaded portion, to prevent any leaking.   Question: I just put a new set of pads in my filter and my gauge shot up very quickly.   Answer: Check to see if you have placed your pads and/or filter plates in the filter housing correctly. Identify the type of wine you are making to the grade of pad you are using. If your gauge rises quickly, this means that your pads are saturating quickly. You may need to filter with a coarser pad. Do not start filtering from the bottom of your container, especially if you have sediment. The pump could draw the sediment into the pads and quickly saturate them. Start filtering about half way down your container. The gauge increases in pressure proportionately to the saturation of the pads. The more saturated your pads get the more back pressure is created, therefore the higher the pressure on your gauge. Recommendations: * Always flush out your pump well after use and avoid getting solids into your pump. This will make your check-valve last longer. * Clean and dry off the whole machine prior to storage. * Rack your wine prior to filtering. * Lubricate your tightening screw with petroleum jelly or food grade grease. Keep the screw running freely. * Avoid getting liquid on the motor section.