DOC 9012 Skimmer not producing bubbles

[Newms118]

I have a 9012 Skimmer that is sitting in my sump. I just finished cleaning it because it wasn't producing enough skim. I took it apart, soaked it in water with vinegar to remove calcium build up inside the motor. I scrubbed everything with a toothbrush and then assembled it again. It started producing a lot of bubbles and I left it running in the water with vinegar for overnight to make sure everything was nice and clean. I then rinsed it well with RO/DI water and put it back in the tank. Now, the motor turns on but no bubbles are produced. I took it semi-apart to see what was happening and the propeller is spinning like it should but no bubble production. The air tubing is unobstructed and I can see when it turns on it sucks in air but maybe its not spinning enough to pull in air (if that makes sense)? I took it apart again and I dont see any obstruction for it to rub against. And the propeller with the blue blades will spin freely if I hold the magnet part and spin the top. So basically, nothing is sticking or rubbing that would slow the propeller down.

Any idea what I'm dealing with hear? If you have any clarifying questions, just ask.

 

[Newms118]

So based on the instruction manual, the thing I was calling the propeller is the drive unit. So is there a way to buy a replacement drive unit for the 9012? I'd prefer to not have to buy an entire new 9012 bc of this issue.

Can someone let me know if the blue top of the drive unit (I think its called the gyro) should be able to freely spin on the magnet? Mine does, but I just want to know if its supposed to be firm and not rotate. I ask bc if the magnet is spinning with the pump, and the blue top portion is loose, perhaps the blue top portion is not spinning fast enough in the pump. Also, my manual says that there is something called the bushing and attenuation disk. Where are these located? I can see something that resembles on of them on the top of the gyro/blue top portion.

 

[rvitko]

The bushing and attenuation disk are down in the motor at the base of the shaft, you need a pick/hook tool to pull them up off the shaft but generally they should be maintenance free for a few years at least. If you can just PM me your address I will send a drive unit. All spare parts are available for this product and most any product we make and can be ordered on Tunze.com.