Calling all pump doctors

[SnowManSnow]

my octopus 2000 pump for my skimmer is the one in question. I had it out trying to figure out what the problem is... it turns "fine" dry, but with a slight bump. When I submerge it its like it isn't turning the prop all the way around or something and the bump is more evident. There's nothing PHYSICALLY that I can see that is obstructing anything.

Is it toast?

B

 

[Ben1]

I dont think these pumps should ever be run dry. In anycase did you check the usual things like impeller sharft, calcium deposits. etc...?

 

[SnowManSnow]

well by running it dry, I just mean plugging it in for like a half second to make sure everything spins right.

There's nothing obvious that is wrong with it.

B

 

[Anonymous]

Spin it out of water with a toothpick or something and see how easy it is for the impeller to move around. Sometimes the magnet is cracked, or there is some imperfection on it that make it worthless.

 

[Anonymous]

did you do anything mod-wise to the impeller? It could have been thrown out of ballance.

B

 

[SnowManSnow]

I did the thread wheel mod, but the impeller is almost brand new and looks great.

If I spin it out of the water it will only go so far and then catches. It isn't anything IN it that makes it do this. I just thought that that was where the magnet was.

so... i spin it about a quarter turn then it kinda catches and snaps back.

SHOULD it spin 360 without a hitch?

Thanks,

b

 

[SnowManSnow]

BTW I want an MCE500 if anyone has one for sale

 

[Anonymous]

It should snaps back to the same spot every time, no matter how much you turn. If there is more than one spot, the magnet is broke (I assume it is a monolithic type... I don't have these pumps).

Another issue is that you mod it, and as Bingo said, it can ruin the balance. Most powerhead impeller are not that picky (the wheel have a lot of plays since it is not attached fixed to the magnet), but it is still a good possibility.

 

[SnowManSnow]

ok ill make another post in a bit with a link to a youtube video. havin a macbook is cool cause i can record with the onboard cam then post directly to youtube with no hitches I'll have it up in a few so everyone can see exactly what its doing.


BTW if you HAVE a kick butt skimmer you want to get rid of let me know. I want a tier above octopus, asm, coralife and that sort of thing.

THanks

B