2 6105 pumps with rusty shafts and both are loose

[wampuscat]

I have two Tunze 6105 pumps that when I pulled out of my tank to clean, I found both pumps to have rusty shafts and magnets and one of the shafts is very loose and the other is a little loose.

On top of that every time I turn around one of them is not working and I have to play with the cord to get to work again.

Thanks,
Billy

 

[rvitko]

How old are the pumps? If they are newer than 2012 the shafts should not be able to rust, they are pure titanium, the magnets cannot rust at all, they are a ceramic magnet (ferrite). Both can pick up and be stained by bits of stray iron, iron based phosphate removers being the most common but I have seen them pick up staples, steel wool dust etc when out for cleaning. If the pumps are pre mid 2010, those shafts could rust but they were also removable at the time, they were a stainless/titanium alloy and would develop some rust where covered by the bushings and disk.

 

[wampuscat]

Hey Roger,

Both pumps were purchased on 02/08/2013 from FAOIS in Oldsmar, Fl. What about the loose shafts? One of them is really loose and the other is just a little loose?

 

[rvitko]

I don't think it is rust, I suspect it is just a stain from something iron based which entered the pumps. If the drive units were somewhat stuck to the shaft by this build up, they may have pulled out a bit, I would first try lightly tapping them back in with a hammer and a punch of some sort since when fully seated they will be a bit below the top edge of the hole. A small screwdriver with replaceable bits with the bit removed is a good make shift punch or drift to reseat the shaft, it gives a socket for the shaft to rest in. Do not hit hard or you can bend the shaft.

 

[DNA]

I found the rust on my pump to be originating from brown algae.

One of my 6105 has been slightly louder than my other 3 Tunze pumps from day one, but it's been slowly progressing and recently it's been stopping and starting frequently so I had to investigate. It turns out the drive shaft is off center causing the magnet to rub against the drive block.

The shaft did not want to get any deeper into it's socket with gentle tapping and it sits just a hairs with below the opening of the hole.

I removed the shaft and it came off very easily. Then I placed it in a stationary drill and turned the shaft next to a level surface. The shaft was bent a little so I straightened it.

When inserting it again in the drive block it was even looser than when I pulled it.
Now I can remove it with my fingers by rocking it.

The pump is still louder, but does not stop any more.

I think I get it why the shafts are not removable any more and I don't think my pump will last for long. Should I try to glue the shaft in place or claim warranty on this?
Order Date:: Tuesday 24 April, 2012

 

[rvitko]

I would submit for a warranty claim.

 

[wampuscat]

Noticed one of my 6105's was not running AGAIN, pulled pump out to look it over and found that the pump was rusting way worse than it was the first time I posted about it and it is right at the bushing, disk and below. Roger can you give me an email address to send you pics please.

 

[rvitko]

Yes, Tunze at sbcglobal dot net

 

[wampuscat]

Sent you an email from michelle renae booth

 

[wampuscat]

Hey Roger,

Can I have the address to send these in please?

Thank you

 

[rvitko]

Tunze USA
2121 Cole Springs Rd
Buda TX 78610

 

[DNA]

The people downstairs complained about added noise from my tank.
It turned out the metal drive shaft has twisted apart near the base on one of my Tunze 6105.
This is 6105 pump number two to fail in a similar way. Still one to go.

This looks like a design flaw or poor testing to me and would like to know if Tunze is doing anything for their customers?
I bought three of these in april 2012 and will certainly not buy spare parts for such a short lifetime.

I think I may have read somewhere that the 6105 had a redesign because of this, but I'm not sure.

 

[rvitko]

This was a problem with the metal in early units with the fixed shaft. Please contact Tunze Germany, I am sure they will help you.