9005 w/Kit Not Producing

[Tehrab]

I have a 9005 w/extension kit and it's been running for three days as per the manual and there is still not enough foam development to begin filling the collection cup. All of my increments have been small and given plenty of time (couple hours) to take. The highest I can get the foam is about an 1/4" below the bottom of the cup. My skimmer is in my sump and about 6"-7" away from the drain so it is somewhat turbulent but largely bubble free (Siphon drain).

Should I just wait it out some more? Is it possible the amount of turbulence I have it in is just too much? Looking for any help on this as I had a very short cycle and already got an algae bloom so I want to get skimming pretty quickly.

 

[rvitko]

Is water exiting the pipe on the extension kit?

 

[Tehrab]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9647467#post9647467 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by rvitko
Is water exiting the pipe on the extension kit?

Yes, there is, a very gentle flow out of the top.

 

[Tehrab]

OK, I got home tonight and still nothing. I turned it off so I could screw around with some other things in my sump/tank and when I fired it back up, bubbles like mad. I had to quickly turn the air adjuster down as they started to overflow the entire cup *with* the lid on.

It was the strangest thing.

 

[rvitko]

It sounds like the only possible problems are with the air system. Maybe just some water was in the silencer but it is also possible that the pump nozzle is not inside the jet pipe or that the air line nipple is not fully inserted in the venturi. Generally 3-4 turns open is about right for a 9005.

 

[Tehrab]

OK, got home last night and it was no longer producing. I decided to take it apart and see if I could make out anything that might be wrong. I noticed a few things that could be a problem:

1) The pump is seated in the housing crooked. The way it has to go into the tube that pushes water makes it seat inside the housing in a crooked way.
2) I think because of the pump seating incorrectly, the airline is pretty easily kinked due to its position. I have to be very gentle to place it back in without it kinking. I presume the vibration of the pump adds to the problem and re-kinks it over time.
3) When the unit is first started, it makes a rattling noise, like the whole internal assembly is loose. It has done this the past two times I've started the unit.

So, I think I have it diagnosed to a kinked airline but I can't really fix it due to the way the pump is seated and/or whatever is rattling loose inside the housing. Is it possible I just have a defective unit?

 

[rvitko]

You can rotate the outlet to line it up with the jet pipe. The pump likely has a loose bush bearing, this often slides loose in shipping and you just need to push it in. The airline has a guide/retainer, it is a hook along the back of the skimmer. Make sure the airline is above this and it should prevent the kinking.

 

[Tehrab]

OK, I will review those things when I get home tonight.

 

[Tehrab]

I just checked each of those things and no foam. I can't understand why it foamed for a night and now nothing.

 

[rvitko]

Is it submerged too deep perhaps? Does it make any sort of gurgling noises? The only noise when properly installed should be a gentle hiss.

 

[Tehrab]

Update: After checking those things, it ran foamless for about 8 hours. It started producing foam for about 12 hours until I shut the system down to add a new GFCI and upon firing it back up, I got the rattling again and now nothing for about the last 18 hours.

The water level is about half way between the actual intake and the blue water line right below the adjustment screw.

 

[rvitko]

It sounds like something is wrong, can you send it to me? Do not leave it plugged in if the pump is not running.

 

[Tehrab]

Yes, I can send it to you. Just need the address.

 

[rvitko]

Tunze USA
305 Tunze USA
Austin TX 78753