Issue with relatively similar CPS from 7800

Question

I have inherited a 7800 from a new job, when I run the standard method for the technique all of the counts come out relatively similar. Running a blank and then a calibration standard returns the same results, approximately. The instrument has been cleaned from the lens all the way back to replacing the sampling probe in the last couple of days. However, I still get relatively the same number for CPS of every element. I attempted to check each of our solutions via the signal monitor, only paying attention to Li. When I run the blank it returns a count of ~150 for Li and when I run the standard I get ~250-300 for Li, using the signal monitor. Along with cleaning everything, I also switched out all the standards for ones ran on a 7850 that came back fine on that instrument. I replaced the ISIS 3 the other day because it wasn't drawing up correctly and I just noticed that an error: 2607 Warning Y-axis movement disabled due to a partially closed top cover today. I am trying to figure out why this instrument returns the same values for all elements. They have not run this instrument for a couple of months and last batch I see, seems to have worked fine. Any suggestions or ideas would be helpful, I appreciate it.

Tom Herzog · Answer

What are the detector voltages? Select the Hardware button, or Hardware/Dashboard from Task manager, and click the Detector image. Select EM setting. What are the voltages for Discriminator, Analog HV, and Pulse HV? 
 Was the instrument off, for an extended period? Or was the vacuum left on for the months of inactivity? As Chelsea suggested, will it make it through the startup routine? With those counts, it will probably stop during the torch axis for low sensitivity. If it fails at Torch Axis, open a new batch from Preset Method 200.8 (low matrix, no ORS). Go to the Tune or Tune Modes Tab depending on software version. Click Configure Tune Way and select Signal Monitor, check the box for Show Hardware settings, and click OK. Just above the top right of the graph area select the resolution/axis tab. You should now see 3 windows. Make sure your 1 ppb Agilent Tune Solution is up to the nebulizer and Start Signal Monitor. Do you see peaks in any of the windows? If so, with the low counts you are seeing, they are probably not centered. 
 If no peaks in the 3 windows, you will want to contact Agilent for service. 
 If you do see peaks in all three windows that are off to the side, then Run Resolution Axis and it should get your signal back. To do this, Click the Hardware button, or in Task Manager select Hardware/Dashboard. Select the Quadrupole image and pick Resolution Axis setting. And run this. If peaks do center, run the Startup routine all the way through. 
 If you only see a peak in Li7 (left most window) let me know. There is a way we can try to walk the others back in.

Tom Herzog · Answer

Those voltages look reasonable for the EM setting. He gas is not used in startup. Do they meet the values Chelsea listed above on the performance report? If there is air in the He line, then counts will be very low until the He line is fully purged. Just turning off the He gas in that mode will not give great sensitivity either, some of the other settings are much different than true no-gas mode. If the performance report is giving good sensitivity and it is just your batch tune that is low counts, then the purge should help.