6060 spinning but no water coming out!

[csig]

Hi. Something tripped the GFCI that my 6060 is on. When I reset it, the 6060 didn't start up. It's been a few months, so I soaked it in 100% vinegar for an hour, cleaning intermittently.

It looks very clean now. The impeller spins easily on the bottom bearing. I reassembled everything as per instructions and put it in the tank. Now the impeller spins, but nothing comes out! Is it possible that it's spinning backwards? The strange thing is that I can't feel any flow whatsoever -- backwards or forwards. I've been fitting and refitting this and can't seem to make it work.

Any ideas would be appreciated.

[Edit: I just found another similar posting. I've made sure the internal unit is assembled correctly -- e.g., with o-ring at bottom, then bearing, then rotating magnet with impeller, etc. It still runs the same. However, based on the previous email, I checked the brakes. When I fit the assembly and turn it the way it would normally turn when running, I feel a slight catching every half turn or so. Are these the brakes? I've turned the impeller so they retract as much as possible. However, I can still feel something catching every half turn. Would still appreciate any guidance on this. Thanks!]


Thanks.
Curt

 

[rvitko]

Yes, it could be spinning backwards. If you are missing the red oring at the bottom of the assembly or the brakes are damaged it can spin backwards. Their is a thread at the top of the forum on cleaning that may help.

 

[csig]

Looks like I posted while you were posting!

I read that thread based on another post of yours. I'm soaking the parts again to see if that helps at all. I'm not optimistic, but we'll see.

the red o-ring was at the bottom the whole time, so that shouldn't be a problem. When reassemble the unit, I affix it to the bottom of the "upper internal bearing" and then put the bearing on the drive unit (where it naturally fits). I then slide the whole thing into the rotor compartment.

One question: should the top of the bearing disk be completely flush with the top of the bearing bush? When I assemble it, the bearing disk sticks up about 1mm above the bearing bush. I don't want to push it in too hard and break it.

Thanks.
Curt

 

[rvitko]

That sounds normal. It has to be a simple mechanical problem. The only other thing I could suggest is make sure the brake shoes move in and out properly.

 

[rvitko]

One thing you can do to test it is hold the magnet in one hand and turn the prop in the other, if it turns 360 degrees without stopping the brakes are bad.

 

[csig]

I can turn it 360 degrees clockwise with no resistance. When I turn it counter-clockwise, I feel resistance every 180 degrees, but it doesn't stop it.

If this is a sign that the brakes are bad, is there a way for me to fix it by reseating the brakes? Are is it likely that something has broken?

Thanks.
Curt

 

[csig]

Sorry. I just realized that I misunderstood your last post. I was referring to how it turns when I hold the rotor compartment in one hand and turn the propellor with the other.

When I hold the magnet in my left hand and turn the propeller with my right, here's what happens:

* clockwise:
-- starting with brakes closed (all the way in), I cannot turn it.
-- starting with brakes open (out), it keeps turning with a slight catch every 180 degrees.

* counterclockwise:
-- starting with brakes in, the brakes pop out and I can keep turning it without a problem.
-- starting with brakes out, it just keeps turning.

With the brakes all the way in, there is about 90 degrees of play, where I can turn it both ways. If I try to turn it clockwise past that point, it stops. If I turn it counterclockwise past that point, the brakes pop out.

Given that, how do the brakes sound?
Curt

 

[csig]

Just another observation. I reassembled it and plugged it in, but out of water. It kind of sputters and grinds a bit and shakes while it's rotating. When I then put it in the water, it starts turning much more rapidly, but still doesn't create the usual flow. It also sounds quite a bit louder than usual. Usually it's virtually silent. Now there's a loud buzz while it's in the water.

thanks.
Curt

 

[rvitko]

Either the brakes or the little nubs they engage on are bad. PM me your address and on Monday we'll get parts sent out to you.

 

[csig]

Just wanted to follow up and say thanks to Roger for getting me the part. I installed it, turned on the powerhead, and it's running great! This is really terrific customer service.

Thanks again!
Curt