I have changed three seals and working on two more on my 5 ampmaster 3000 pumps. All are leaking.
I think, after looking at three of my seals that I know why mine are leaking. Not because of faulty workmanship, or abrasives but a buildup of calcium on the spring that holds the seal under tension. the surface of the seal looks good but the spring is totally caked with calcium deposits and the spring is not compressable at all. I mean no movement period. I would imagine the seal has to be under some amount of tension to hold tight and take up slack from wear and from what mine look like there is no way that could happen.
My new seals they sent me were very good and had good spring travel. Once installed they were great. I wonder if I could just take the pump off line and run it with viniger once every3 to 6 months and make these last much longer. I am going to give that a try. I think that is the real problem with these on our reef tanks. Just make sure you catch it before it starts to leak as then particles can get in the seal surface and ruin it for sure. Once the spring gets frozen and you get some wear on the seal and the spring can not compensate for the wear then the resulting gap allows leaks and fine particles in to start eroding your seal surface.
I am thinking I will have to replace these seals every year with the high calcium in my tank unless I am much more proactive.
FWIW
Jeff
I think, after looking at three of my seals that I know why mine are leaking. Not because of faulty workmanship, or abrasives but a buildup of calcium on the spring that holds the seal under tension. the surface of the seal looks good but the spring is totally caked with calcium deposits and the spring is not compressable at all. I mean no movement period. I would imagine the seal has to be under some amount of tension to hold tight and take up slack from wear and from what mine look like there is no way that could happen.
My new seals they sent me were very good and had good spring travel. Once installed they were great. I wonder if I could just take the pump off line and run it with viniger once every3 to 6 months and make these last much longer. I am going to give that a try. I think that is the real problem with these on our reef tanks. Just make sure you catch it before it starts to leak as then particles can get in the seal surface and ruin it for sure. Once the spring gets frozen and you get some wear on the seal and the spring can not compensate for the wear then the resulting gap allows leaks and fine particles in to start eroding your seal surface.
I am thinking I will have to replace these seals every year with the high calcium in my tank unless I am much more proactive.
FWIW
Jeff
