If your PFT Ritmo plastering machine has been running fine and suddenly won’t start again after stopping at the spray gun — don’t jump straight to thinking the machine is blocked.
This is a common issue with Ritmo machines and is often caused by an air blockage, not a pump or motor fault.
Typical Symptoms
- Machine was running normally
- You stop at the air valve to rule off / flatten
- Turn the air back on
- Air comes through the spray gun
- But the machine does not start mixing or pumping
At this point, many assume the machine is jammed — but in most cases, it isn’t.
First Check (Important)
Check the display on the back of the machine.
👉 If it reads 0.00A, this confirms:
- The machine is not under load
- The pump is not jammed or blocked
This is a strong sign the issue is air-related, not mechanical.
Quick Test to Confirm Air Blockage
- Remove the air hose from the front of the Ritmo
- Turn the machine back on
👉 If the machine starts mixing and pumping normally, you’ve confirmed:
✅ The machine is fine
❌ The issue is in the air line
Where the Blockage Usually Is
The most common place is:
- Inside the steel tube in the spray gun
Over time, plaster or render builds up and restricts airflow.
How to Fix It
- Use a round file to clean inside the steel tube
- Flush water through the line to clear out old material
- Reconnect and test again
Why This Happens
The PFT Ritmo relies on air pressure to trigger the machine.
If there’s even a slight restriction:
- The pressure switch won’t drop correctly
- The machine won’t activate
- Even though air still appears to be coming through
Final Tip
Before stripping anything down or assuming the worst:
👉 Always check the amps
👉 Always test the air line
It can save you a lot of unnecessary work on site.
If you’re running a PFT Ritmo L, Ritmo L Smart, or Ritmo X Pro, this is one of the most common faults you’ll come across — and one of the quickest to fix once you know what to look for.