--- title: Shasta - Monthly Maintenance Procedure description: Monthly maintenance procedure for Shasta DNA/RNA Synthesizer --- [Skip to content](https://support.sierrabio.com/monthly-maintenance-procedure-shasta-dna/rna-synthesizer#main-content) English Show submenu for translations ![](https://support.sierrabio.com/hs-fs/hubfs/JPG%20file%20-02.jpg?width=2000&height=1125&name=JPG%20file%20-02.jpg) Open main navigation Close main navigation - English Show submenu for translations - [Contact us](mailto:support@sierrabio.com) [Contact us](mailto:support@sierrabio.com) How can we help you? - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. 1. [Sierra Biosystems Support Center](https://support.sierrabio.com/?hsLang=en) 2. [Troubleshooting & Errors](https://support.sierrabio.com/troubleshooting-errors?hsLang=en) 3. [Shasta - Preventative Maintenance & Quick Fixes](https://support.sierrabio.com/troubleshooting-errors?hsLang=en#shasta-preventative-maintenance-quick-fixes) September 3, 2026 # Shasta - Monthly Maintenance Procedure ## Regular monthly maintenance ensures your Shasta synthesizer performs reliably and extends the life of critical components. Follow the steps below to maintain optimal operation. #### **Required Tools & Materials** - Krytox GPL205 grease - Graduated collection vial (for calibration) - Anhydrous Acetonitrile or Acetone - Lint-free cloth - Replacement O-rings (compatible with the chamber lid and amidite bottle fittings) --- #### **⚠️ Safety Precautions** - Always wear **PPE**: nitrile gloves, safety glasses, lab coat - Ensure proper **ventilation** is active - Never clean electrical components without approval from Sierra Biosystems - Stop immediately and contact Sierra Biosystems support if unexpected resistance, unusual sounds, or physical damage is observed --- ### 🔧 Step-by-Step Maintenance Instructions ### 1. **Inspect Chamber Lid O-Ring** - Check for cracks or compression - Close lid and pressurize via `Manual Control > Chamber` ![](https://support.sierrabio.com/hs-fs/hubfs/image-png-4.png?width=300&height=289&name=image-png-4.png) - Monitor pressure: ≤1 psi drop in 1 minute is acceptable - Apply **Krytox** if leaking; replace O-ring if needed --- ### 2. **Clean Amidite Positions** - Empty amidite bottles, refill with 10–20 mL fresh ACN - Pressurize chamber and use the `Priming` function ![](https://support.sierrabio.com/hs-fs/hubfs/undefined-2.png?width=299&height=61&name=undefined-2.png) - Prime all bottles into waste tray 3 times - Clean or replace any bottles previously used with fluorescent dyes or modified phosphoramidites to prevent cross-contamination - Clear clogged nozzles with lint-free cloth or wire - Inspect O-rings/gaskets and replace if worn --- ### 3. **Pressure Verification – Reagents & Amidites** - Let pressures equalize for 15–30 min - Close reagent breaker; observe ≤0.5 psi drop in 1 min - If pressure drops: check caps and fittings - Repeat for amidites; confirm bottles are properly filled and attached --- ### 4. **Valve Actuation Test** - From `Priming` screen, click each valve - Listen for a **click** and confirm liquid is flowing - Only actuate the prime tray drain valve when the waste tray is full; actuating it while empty may introduce air into the waste line - Replace or inspect valves if liquid is not flowing --- ### 5. **Valve Calibration Verification** - Lower reagent/amidite pressure by 3 psi - Prime all positions - Go to `Calibration > Dispense` - Use a tared vial to measure volume output - If \>±10% deviation: recalibrate the valve using the on-screen calibration wizard - Repeat for all valves, then return pressure to normal --- ### 6. **Inspect for Liquid Leaks** - Inspect: - Dispense array (lid top) - Reagent manifold (lid back) - Waste drainage (inside rear) - Replace damaged fittings and clean any spills --- ### 7. **Instrument Cleaning** > ❗ Never use acetone/ACN on Plexiglass - Clean dispense nozzles, chamber bottom, and actuator tops with dampened lint-free cloth - Wipe chassis, avoiding electrical connectors and Plexiglass - Dry all cleaned areas with a clean lint-free cloth - [Pre-Installation & Installation](https://support.sierrabio.com/pre-installation-installation?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Pre-Installation Requirements](https://support.sierrabio.com/pre-installation-installation?hsLang=en#pre-installation-requirements) - [Site & Lab Preparation](https://support.sierrabio.com/pre-installation-installation?hsLang=en#site-lab-preparation) - [Installation & Initial Setup](https://support.sierrabio.com/pre-installation-installation?hsLang=en#installation-initial-setup) - [Troubleshooting & Errors](https://support.sierrabio.com/troubleshooting-errors?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Software Errors & Communication Issues](https://support.sierrabio.com/troubleshooting-errors?hsLang=en#software-errors-communication-issues) - [Chemistry and Protocol-Related Issues](https://support.sierrabio.com/troubleshooting-errors?hsLang=en#chemistry-and-protocol-related-issues) - [K&A - Preventative Maintenance & Quick Fixes](https://support.sierrabio.com/troubleshooting-errors?hsLang=en#ka-preventative-maintenance-quick-fixes) - [Shasta - Preventative Maintenance & Quick Fixes](https://support.sierrabio.com/troubleshooting-errors?hsLang=en#shasta-preventative-maintenance-quick-fixes) - [Shasta - Hardware Issues](https://support.sierrabio.com/troubleshooting-errors?hsLang=en#shasta-hardware-issues) - [Training Videos and Guides](https://support.sierrabio.com/training-videos-and-guides?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Shasta Software](https://support.sierrabio.com/training-videos-and-guides?hsLang=en#shasta-software) - [K&A Next Gen Software](https://support.sierrabio.com/training-videos-and-guides?hsLang=en#ka-next-gen-software) - [K&A Legacy Software](https://support.sierrabio.com/training-videos-and-guides?hsLang=en#ka-legacy-software) - [K&A - Troubleshooting Videos](https://support.sierrabio.com/training-videos-and-guides?hsLang=en#ka-troubleshooting-videos) - [Shasta - Troubleshooting Videos](https://support.sierrabio.com/training-videos-and-guides?hsLang=en#shasta-troubleshooting-videos) - [Software Updates & Release Notes](https://support.sierrabio.com/software-updates-release-notes?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Release Notes](https://support.sierrabio.com/software-updates-release-notes?hsLang=en#release-notes) - [Downloads](https://support.sierrabio.com/software-updates-release-notes?hsLang=en#downloads) - [Update Instructions](https://support.sierrabio.com/software-updates-release-notes?hsLang=en#update-instructions) - [Product Documentation & Policies](https://support.sierrabio.com/product-documentation-policies?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Technical Documentation](https://support.sierrabio.com/product-documentation-policies?hsLang=en#technical-documentation) - [Specifications](https://support.sierrabio.com/product-documentation-policies?hsLang=en#specifications) - [Warranty & Service](https://support.sierrabio.com/product-documentation-policies?hsLang=en#warranty-service) - [Oligonucleotide Chemistry & Methods](https://support.sierrabio.com/oligonucleotide-chemistry-methods?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Synthesis & Strategy](https://support.sierrabio.com/oligonucleotide-chemistry-methods?hsLang=en#synthesis-strategy) - [Post-Synthesis Processing](https://support.sierrabio.com/oligonucleotide-chemistry-methods?hsLang=en#post-synthesis-processing) - [Quantitation & QC](https://support.sierrabio.com/oligonucleotide-chemistry-methods?hsLang=en#quantitation-qc) - [Special Topics](https://support.sierrabio.com/oligonucleotide-chemistry-methods?hsLang=en#special-topics) - [Support & Contact](https://support.sierrabio.com/support-contact?hsLang=en) - [Uncategorized](https://support.sierrabio.com/uncategorized?hsLang=en) [![](https://support.sierrabio.com/hs-fs/hubfs/JPG%20file%20-02.jpg?width=2000&height=1125&name=JPG%20file%20-02.jpg)](http://sierrabio.com) [mailto:Support@sierrabio.com](mailto:Support@sierrabio.com) Copyright © 2025, Sierra BioSystems