6105 not working

[ianjirka]

Hello,

I am having a problem with one of my 6105 ( I have 4 ). This one I believe was purchased on 4/6/11 -- (I bought 2 then and another 2 on 9/6/11). This is the "new generation with titanium alloy shaft"

This one has had problems with stopping on it's own. I thought it was related to a loose power jack or problems with the power supply, because sometimes 'fiddling' with the connection would help. That got me ~1 month.

Two days ago, the pump simply stopped, so I tested the power supply. It is delivering a steady 18.18v. I then took the pump apart and cleaned it. There was some goo inside but the impeller would turn manually. I reassembled and the pump still wouldn't run. It was trying to -- I could feel some minor vibrations that would stop/start ~15-20 seconds.

I then gave it a 20% vinegar bath overnight, reassembled and ran it. It started right up, but made a whining noise which went through a few different pitches (my guess it was wobbling) and stopped after ~20 seconds. I haven't been able to get it to turn on again.

Impeller looks fine AFAICT

Anything else I can try here or should I send it in?

Thanks much,

-Ian

 

[rvitko]

Check that if you hold the shaft still between your thumb and forefinger, you can spin the magnet on the shaft, if it is stuck to the shaft it will do what you describe and in normal operation the shaft does not move.

 

[ianjirka]

Check that if you hold the shaft still between your thumb and forefinger, you can spin the magnet on the shaft, if it is stuck to the shaft it will do what you describe and in normal operation the shaft does not move.

Ah, that was exactly it. I didn't know the shaft could be removed it was wedged in there so tight -- cleaning the rest of the pumps now

Thanks Roger,

-Ian

 

[andysolo]

Check that if you hold the shaft still between your thumb and forefinger, you can spin the magnet on the shaft, if it is stuck to the shaft it will do what you describe and in normal operation the shaft does not move.

I'm a bit confused. You say that "in normal operation the shaft does not move". Does not move how? So should it spin or not. Mine does not make a lot of noise, but also does not spin on the shaft, so I was not sure if it's normal or not.
Thanks!

 

[rvitko]

The shaft is "static", the magnet spins on the shaft. If the magnet is stuck to the shaft, it can drag the shaft, the result will be a lot of noise, damaged bushings and eventually a burned out pump or power supply.

 

[andysolo]

So soaking it in vinegar should help? It's strange because my pump is relatively new.

 

[rvitko]

Generally this will occur within 3-6 months depending on calcium level and KH, it can occur even faster if calcium supplements are added near the pump or fine sand is present. Typically you will need to forcibly pull the shaft out with pliers, being careful not to bend or damage the shaft (wrap the jaws of the pliers with electrical tape and grab only the ends that will be covered by the blue bushings). Once seperated, you can then soak in vinegar to remove the build up.

 

[ianjirka]

Roger,

I'm still having some issues with this pump and hoping you have an idea for me to try. I cleaned it as you suggested above and it worked for -- seems about a month Now it intermittently stops. Sometimes (~50% of the time) it'll restart after I turn it off/on (typically because I hit 'feed' on my apex). I took it apart again, and verified the magnet rotates freely on the shaft. I soaked it in vinegar again anyway. It still happens to me occasionally.

Any thoughts on what to try/look for?

Thanks much,

-Ian

 

[rvitko]

I would try it without the controller to rule out a cable issue, I would also make sure the potentiometer knob is turned up all the way on the cable connector box.