SCWD Mod

Psycho graphic · 12-09-2006, 03:53 PM

I'm getting ready to try modding a SCWD. So far I've got the top cut off and sanded smooth for the ABS fittings to be glued in place.

My goal is to enlarge the outputs for a little better flow.

I also plan to try to add another input to the top for more flow and hopefully by doing so, slow the flow going in through the bottom causing it to switch slower. I don't like how fast the stock SCWD switches ( about 5 seconds)

If the mods fail, I should at least have a SCWD that can be opened for cleaning.

After opening the unit up and dissassembling it, I'm surprsed these things don't clog up and stick within 15 minutes of use. There are 4 sets of tiny planetary gears for gear reduction and added torque to get the drum to spin. These would be jammed by the smallest bit of debris, which I would think is the reason most fail.

I would like to thank Zahner for donating his non working unit. I was able to get his working again after about 30 seconds of cleaning. The problem is from the factory, you can't get to the "guts" to clean it.

The top cut off and the gear drive and drum removed from the housing.

The drum removed from the gear drive.

The gear drive disassembled.

A pic with a penny for size comparison.

fritz · 12-09-2006, 05:12 PM

Oh man this thread is going to rock! ( I already love it) please keep us posted as to your progress.

loismustdie · 12-09-2006, 08:25 PM

Can I fix my broken SCWDs with the info you are providing? Or once they stop switching are they done?
Nice thread.

leoskee · 12-09-2006, 08:44 PM

Im not sure if the 2nd and 3rd link will work but try it out anyway.

There are several threads on RC that might help you.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...d&pagenumber=2

http://www.infoblvd.net/jkaszynski/tank/scwdnormal.avi regular scwd

http://www.infoblvd.net/jkaszynski/tank/scwd1inch.avi scwd mod

digitalreefer · 12-09-2006, 11:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by loismustdie


	Can I fix my broken SCWDs with the info you are providing? Or once they stop switching are they done? Nice thread.

Chris I'd be curious to dismantle one too if you have a broken one. Assuming you can't fix it with the info provided of course!

loismustdie · 12-10-2006, 12:13 AM

I have 4 on my tank and only 1 left that works.

Psycho graphic · 12-10-2006, 08:43 AM

Before anyone cuts one up that is'nt working, have you tried soaking in vinegar? The reason I posted the gear drive is to show everyone how small the gears are so they can see how easily they can jam. I'm going to look for thr ABS parts today. I don't know If I'll have any luck finding them on Sunday though.

One part of this mod will make it so you have access to the "guts" in order to clean or unjam it.

Psycho graphic · 12-10-2006, 12:58 PM

Leoskee, thanks for the link, there is a post there of exactly what I planned to do, well almost exactly.

scarf_ace1981 · 12-10-2006, 01:23 PM

psycho great thread. i'd like to see tons more diys on MR

leoskee · 12-10-2006, 03:13 PM

I was thinking of giving it a try but since Im going to go with a closed loop I never got around to it. But I would still like to see what you are going to do. Good luck.

12-09-2006, 03:53 PM	#1
Psycho graphic Trouble Maker! Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Forks Township Pa. Posts: 766 Reefer Ratings: (8) Friends: (0)	SCWD Mod I'm getting ready to try modding a SCWD. So far I've got the top cut off and sanded smooth for the ABS fittings to be glued in place. My goal is to enlarge the outputs for a little better flow. I also plan to try to add another input to the top for more flow and hopefully by doing so, slow the flow going in through the bottom causing it to switch slower. I don't like how fast the stock SCWD switches ( about 5 seconds) If the mods fail, I should at least have a SCWD that can be opened for cleaning. After opening the unit up and dissassembling it, I'm surprsed these things don't clog up and stick within 15 minutes of use. There are 4 sets of tiny planetary gears for gear reduction and added torque to get the drum to spin. These would be jammed by the smallest bit of debris, which I would think is the reason most fail. I would like to thank Zahner for donating his non working unit. I was able to get his working again after about 30 seconds of cleaning. The problem is from the factory, you can't get to the "guts" to clean it. The top cut off and the gear drive and drum removed from the housing. The drum removed from the gear drive. The gear drive disassembled. A pic with a penny for size comparison. __________________ Who Pee'd in the Gene Pool? Last edited by Psycho graphic; 12-09-2006 at 04:07 PM.

12-10-2006, 08:43 AM	#7
Psycho graphic Trouble Maker! Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Forks Township Pa. Posts: 766 Reefer Ratings: (8) Friends: (0)	Before anyone cuts one up that is'nt working, have you tried soaking in vinegar? The reason I posted the gear drive is to show everyone how small the gears are so they can see how easily they can jam. I'm going to look for thr ABS parts today. I don't know If I'll have any luck finding them on Sunday though. One part of this mod will make it so you have access to the "guts" in order to clean or unjam it. __________________ Who Pee'd in the Gene Pool? Last edited by Psycho graphic; 12-10-2006 at 12:58 PM.

12-10-2006, 12:58 PM	#8
Psycho graphic Trouble Maker! Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Forks Township Pa. Posts: 766 Reefer Ratings: (8) Friends: (0)	Leoskee, thanks for the link, there is a post there of exactly what I planned to do, well almost exactly. __________________ Who Pee'd in the Gene Pool?

12-10-2006, 01:23 PM	#9
scarf_ace1981 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: NYC Manhattan Posts: 4,856 Reefer Ratings: (67) Friends: (0)	psycho great thread. i'd like to see tons more diys on MR __________________ Finch breeder

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12-09-2006, 08:44 PM	#4
leoskee Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 605 Reefer Ratings: (2) Friends: (0)	Im not sure if the 2nd and 3rd link will work but try it out anyway. There are several threads on RC that might help you. http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...d&pagenumber=2 http://www.infoblvd.net/jkaszynski/tank/scwdnormal.avi regular scwd http://www.infoblvd.net/jkaszynski/tank/scwd1inch.avi scwd mod

12-10-2006, 03:13 PM	#10
leoskee Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 605 Reefer Ratings: (2) Friends: (0)	I was thinking of giving it a try but since Im going to go with a closed loop I never got around to it. But I would still like to see what you are going to do. Good luck.