Failed Mag Drive?

[Itchy Trigger]

My protein skimmer runs on a Mag Drive pump. It had been running for a few years without incident, when a few months back, I turned it off to clean the skimmer cup out, and upon turning it on again it did not start up. I figured it was just clogged with crap or maybe a wayward snail. Gave it a good cleaning and it then started back up, no problem. So I figured it was a fluke. But then it happened again. This time I gave the pump a firm whack with the heel of my hand and it started up again. This happened each time I would turn the skimmer off and now it's happening and no matter how much I whack it, it won't start. But if I open it up and clean it, it will start. Even if no crap was in there. And there usually isn't. Once or twice I've just let the pump sit for 20 minutes or so and then when I turn it on it starts. Today I haven't been able to get it to start again, so I'm thinking I just need to buy a new pump... Or am I missing something? Has anyone else experienced this?

 

[ericarenee]

Is the magnet beaten up much... It can often be a sign that you need a new impeller and bushings.
I have a mag 9.5 that i know is over 20 years old and is on its second impeller.It was doing exactly as you describe but it can be the motor as well...The impellers for mag pumps are quite cheap and easily found everywhere.. But there is really no for sure way to tell which one is the issue.. Also Check to see if the Va lute is warped it can cause it to bind ..

 

[Itchy Trigger]

Is the magnet beaten up much... It can often be a sign that you need a new impeller and bushings.
I have a mag 9.5 that i know is over 20 years old and is on its second impeller.It was doing exactly as you describe but it can be the motor as well...The impellers for mag pumps are quite cheap and easily found everywhere.. But there is really no for sure way to tell which one is the issue.. Also Check to see if the Va lute is warped it can cause it to bind ..

Thanks... Yeah, the impeller looks clean - no gouges or cracks... I'll check it again, but I guess if we determine it's not the impeller, then just buying another pump is the solution... I too have had Mag Drives last for years and years, so I guess I just got a lemon with this one. :hmm2:

 

[ericarenee]

you know they have a 3-5 year warranty right ..

you can also get Danner on the phone. They send me new impeller assembly for my mag 24 because i called them asking why it was so loud. she said they are loud but will send new impeller to try..

 

[Itchy Trigger]

Good idea. I'll give em a call tomorrow! :thumbsup:

 

[ksicard]

What your describing happens when the impeller swells slightly. Instead of cleaning try sticking a flathead or something similar into the pump and just slightly moving the impeller and it should start back up. If this happens then just buy a new impeller and your set to go. I've been using mag drives for a long time and my mag 18 or 16 was doing this after 10 years of use and so I purchased a new impeller and its completely fine now and is now 14 years old still going strong.

 

[Itchy Trigger]

What your describing happens when the impeller swells slightly. Instead of cleaning try sticking a flathead or something similar into the pump and just slightly moving the impeller and it should start back up. If this happens then just buy a new impeller and your set to go. I've been using mag drives for a long time and my mag 18 or 16 was doing this after 10 years of use and so I purchased a new impeller and its completely fine now and is now 14 years old still going strong.

Interesting. Will try that with the screwdriver. Thanks!

 

[Vinny Kreyling]

IF it is swollen try an emery board over the area until a new impeller arrives.

 

[Itchy Trigger]

IF it is swollen try an emery board over the area until a new impeller arrives.

Thank you. I was able to get it started last night by carefully poking a screwdriver into the pump inlet. Will contact Danner today and hopefully get a new impeller soon.

 

[italquam]

My protein skimmer runs on a Mag Drive pump. It had been running for a few years without incident, when a few months back, I turned it off to clean the skimmer cup out, and upon turning it on again it did not start up. I figured it was just clogged with crap or maybe a wayward snail. Gave it a good cleaning and it then started back up, no problem. So I figured it was a fluke. But then it happened again. This time I gave the pump a firm whack with the heel of my hand and it started up again. This happened each time I would turn the skimmer off and now it's happening and no matter how much I whack it, it won't start. But if I open it up and clean it, it will start. Even if no crap was in there. And there usually isn't. Once or twice I've just let the pump sit for 20 minutes or so and then when I turn it on it starts. Today I haven't been able to get it to start again, so I'm thinking I just need to buy a new pump... Or am I missing something? Has anyone else experienced this?

What skimmer are you using it on? I use a Mag 18 for a return pump and has been solid for over 5 years, my previous was a Mag 12. Those pumps are just built like tanks

Sent from my HTC 10 using Tapatalk

 

[Itchy Trigger]

It's a LifeReef skimmer. Pump is a Mag 12. Yeah, I've never had a failure with one. Ever. Hopefully it's just a funky impeller. Doesn't LOOK bad/swollen - at least not the last time I looked at it a few weeks ago.