9410 skimmer pump

[Xartni]

Hello, I've had the 9410 skimmer for a few years and it has been running great. However, while I was out on vacation, the water level ran low (long story...). When I returned, the pump was off, I am assuming it was running dry for some time.

I took it apart and cooled it off, put it back together and it runs, but now it has a really loud rattle, hum, vibration. Could it be the needle wheel/bearing or is it the pump itself. Is the needle wheel available as a spare part or do I need to buy a new pump? I took it apart several times and cleaned out where the needle wheel goes, but it still makes the noise.

Regards,

Jason

 

[rvitko]

Yes, the needlewheel is part 9420.047 and includes the bearings, you can order it on Tunze.com. My guess would be the silicon rubber over the ceramic bearing tore, allowing some vibration, or the ceramic is chipped or damaged. Make sure the bearings you have will still press into the sockets in the front cover and back of the pump. In a run dry what generally happens is the calcium and minerals heat up and cement the shaft to the bearing, the bearing is then dragged and can heat up the plastic and deform the sockets so the bearings no longer fit. In this case a new pump would be needed.

 

[Xartni]

Thanks for the response. This is probably a dumb question, but the bearings are the red/white pieces that go on the ends? Those pieces still slide on and off easily and fit in both the front cover and the back of the pump.

Thanks,

Jason

 

[rvitko]

Yes, if that is the case then you should just need the needlewheel 9410.047.

 

[Xartni]

Thanks!

 

[Xartni]

Well, just replaced the needlewheel and the vibration is still there. I am guessing at this point I will need to replace the pump. Looking at the web site, looks like you sell the motorblock separately. Since I already have a new needlewheel, and all of the strainer, air lines, etc are ok, is that all I need? Have the pumps been updated at all where the stuff I have would no longer fit?

Thanks

 

[rvitko]

Depending on age, we have made some small improvements but nothing that renders any part incompatible. You would just need the motor block.

 

[Xartni]

Just want to say a big "Thank you" to Roger. The new pump is so much quieter than even the old one when it was brand new. The improvements are great too. I like the thumb screw on the air line vs the old clamp that my old pump had.


Jason

 

[rvitko]

Thank you!