Alarm keeps going off on my 6000

[tszetela]

I have a 6000 with a single controller and the alarm keeps going off. I did a complete cleaning as described in the sticky above but the pump keeps seizing and setting off the alarm. Now for ââ"šÂ¬Ã…"œa littleââ"šÂ¬Ã‚ background. The pump is a year old (almost to the day) and in the past I have cleaned it a few times before the alarm ever went off as part of my regular maintenance program. It is set to pulse from ~30% to ~80% and is a 30% during the night cycle. About a month ago it started ââ"šÂ¬Ã…"œchirpingââ"šÂ¬Ã‚ and I did a quick cleaning of the magnet but I did not pull out the bearing and washer. Well last week the full out alarm went on so I pulled the pump and ended up having to fill the magnet hole with vinegar for a few hours to get the bearing and o-ring out. I also did a thorough cleaning of the magnet. When I plug it back in (with or with out the controller) it will run for a while then seize and start repeatedly. One additional note, as a result of a chiller failure and resulting temp spike I lost just about all of my SPS so my Ca and Alk. are just a little high but there is no new build up on the impeller. This was also a week or 2 before the alarm started chirping so I am assuming the the temp (and reduced demand for Ca) increased calcification on/in the pump.

So what do I do now?

(and sorry for the long post!)

 

[rvitko]

By what you describe it has to be a simple mechanical problem, maybe one of the brake shoes is damaged or the magnet is cracked. You should only be able to turn the prop about 90 degrees while holding the magnet, if it turns 360, the brakes are shot. Check that out first.

 

[tszetela]

There is a little resistance to turn it but it spins 90 degrees.

 

[rvitko]

Well, do you want to send it in? The other option would be to buy a new drive unit, if you have a second pump you could try that ones drive unit for a test.

 

[tszetela]

I spoke with Steve at Preuss' Pets and he said if I bring it up there he will take a look at it and we can switch out the magnet with one of the new ones and see it that solves the problem. If I will need to send it in after that I'll let you know. Thanks for the help!

 

[tszetela]

Well a week later I still have not made it up to Lansing and I'll bet you are busy as can be considering you are going to be leaving the end of next week, so I think I'll just order a new drive unit and test it out to see if that solves the problem. The question is does anyone have the new drive unit (6100.700) in stock yet?

 

[rvitko]

I do. If you order it from tunze.com that is the fastest way, just be sure the order is submitted from the USA section of the site so I get it.

 

[tszetela]

Cool! I will order right now!.

(Done! Your order no.: 9823426894935410)

 

[tszetela]

Well that didn't work. Installed new drive unit and the pump ran for about 5 or 10 min then alarm started going off again. I guess I will package it up this weekend and send it in. Do I just send in the pump and controll box or should I send in the power plug as well?

 

[rvitko]

Just the pump and control box. Unfortunately I leave for Germany Monday so I won't be able to get to it until I return. I will be back on the 23rd but probably only working a half day depending on jet lag and if I catch a cold which is pretty much the usual. I will get to it as soon as I can. You might also see if Steve could help you out if you can't wait.

 

[tszetela]

What is the address for shipping?
Is this the place to send it?

Marine International LLC
DBA TUNZE USA
1304 Monica St
Austin TX 78758

 

[rvitko]

Yes.