Having 9010 and 9005 issues

[kalfsbeckj]

I've had both skimmers for around 10 months now.

I have noticed my 9010 has slowed down quite a bit in the last month. I have taken the pump and and made sure that the airline was clear and soaked the pump in vinegar. When I clean the collection cup out it take about 2 days for bubbles to start building in the neck. The water level is at the blue line b/c anything below that the bubbles don't form at all. And the blue screw it out only about 4 turns.


With the 9005 it has slowed down so much to the point to where it hardly makes bubbles anymore. I've clean the pump out and checked everything several times. It's been 3 days since it has been cleaned out and water level has been constantly at the blue line and no bubble have formed in the neck at all.


I'm getting frustrated considering I've spent 600 bucks on two skimmers and I don't see them lasting a year at this rate.

Is this normal? Any help would be appreciated.

 

[rvitko]

Are you using these in tank or in sump? Have you disassembled and cleaned the pumps and venturi nozzles? The most likely culprit is build of calcium and debris in the nozzles and impeller assemblies reducing the efficiency, soaking alone is not sufficient you must disassemble and clean the parts with a brush and vinegar. The only other probable culprit is something was assembled wrong or they are submerged too deep but this would depend on whether they are used in tank or in sump.

 

[kalfsbeckj]

Both skimmers are used in tanks. Water level is at the blue line. I have cleaned the airlines and cleaned the venturi nozzle. I have cleaned the impeller also. What else should I clean? Doesn't look like you can disassemble anything else from the motor housing.

 

[rvitko]

Do they make any unusual noises- percolating sounds? Have you checked that the upper bearing is not stuck to the impeller assembly (magnetic rotor)? This is a common cause, the rotor then has to drag the upper bearing instead of spinning on it. Another thing I have seen a lot of lately is people installing the red oring above the upper bearing rather than below, in either case the pump will not spin at full speed. Are you sure the airlines did not get pinched between the pumps and the housing? Whatever the problem is I am sure it can be solved.

 

[kalfsbeckj]

The airline is definately not pinched. Where is this red o-ring that you are talking about. I can take a look at that tonight.

 

[rvitko]

It gous under the upper bearing, it is at the bottom of the hole the impeller sits in, upper bearing is part 3000.610, it often is stuck to the magnet rotor- 3000.630. The oring is part 3000.612 and should be underneath 3000.610, not above it.