Sand shark in black sand

[zepplinc20]

I just picked up a sand shark for 150 bucks from an old timer who said it was basically useless in black sand. As soon as I got home I disassembled it, which took some time as the shaft was stuck pretty good and needed some persuasion with all the crap in there. Finally I got the coil cover off and a bunch of blackish sand dumped out. Would it be a safe assumption that was a main contributing factor why he wasn't having any luck?

 

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[Treasure_Hunter]

Yes it could be the issue, coil cover should be cleaned either before or after each use. I clean mine before each use so I know its clean..

 

[Terry Soloman]

It is a great machine in black sand. Just be prepared to dig it all!

 

[pete61]

I just picked up a sand shark for 150 bucks from an old timer who said it was basically useless in black sand. As soon as I got home I disassembled it, which took some time as the shaft was stuck pretty good and needed some persuasion with all the crap in there. Finally I got the coil cover off and a bunch of blackish sand dumped out. Would it be a safe assumption that was a main contributing factor why he wasn't having any luck?

View attachment 2161410

If the sand is magnetic, its almost certain that was the problem.
I can just imagine how those particles were jumping around inside when the pulsing started, probably like ping pong balls on a bass speaker cone.

 

[High Plains Prospectors]

Found my first gold ring with one of those in Puerto Rico. They were good machines.

 

[Tony in SC]

I still use my old Tiger Shark!