help in replacing seals on reeflo barracuda

[rtecanoe]

Im trying to replace the seals on my reeflo barracuda. I cant get the impeller off. Should I be turning the impeller against the direction it normally runs in order to remove it?
Thanks

 

[Vinny Kreyling]

Call them, it's your best bet. I hear they are very helpful & they make them.
My thought would be a press fit, I have been wrong before tho, so CALL.

 

[DgenR8]

I'm thinking left handed threads, but do as Vinny suggested, call and ask. If you try to spin it off the wrong way, it will only get tighter. Also, you're dealing with plastic on metal. Heating the shaft to make removal easier is NOT an option.

 

[qy7400]

There's a slot in the center of the fan to lock the impeller with a screwdriver, from there spin the impeller counter-clockwise.

http://reeflopumps.com/dimsmanuals.html

 

[rtecanoe]

Thanks for the help guys. Still havent heard back from reeflo. Impeller doesnt want to come off for anything!

 

[Vinny Kreyling]

Have you tried a strap wrench?

 

[rtecanoe]

Yes, I bought one, works well but still wont budge. Handy tool though!

 

[drunkenclown]

hey guys my specialty is pools I've worked on similar pumps for the last 18yrs. to get the impeller off you need to spin it to the left. so if the impeller is facing you turn left. just a side note if the impeller is that tight and the seal is leaking usually it mean the impeller is either cracked or stripped and that is usually caused or happens after seal failure. if you need help let me know.

 

[rtecanoe]

Thank for the info. the impeller is plastic, im thinking if i cant get it off, i may break it/cut it off and buy an new impeller (think its about $50), if it works it would b worth it as the pump is bout $425

 

[qy7400]

If I remember correctly the ring around the impeller shaft is ceramic and you don't want to damage the spindle threads.

 

[DgenR8]

Thank for the info. the impeller is plastic, im thinking if i cant get it off, i may break it/cut it off and buy an new impeller (think its about $50), if it works it would b worth it as the pump is bout $425

That's a pretty good idea.

 

[suzig]

this impeller pictured below rotates counter clockwise looking at the shaft end. if yours looks the same then it is normal righty tighty, lefty loosy.

if there is a key way like pictured, it is a slip on and you would benefit from using a puller/ heating the impeller to get it off. if it is indeed threaded then place the pump on the back end of the motor with the impeller up and spray some pb blaster in the threads and let it soak a little. i work on all types of pumps and i normally pull the motor apart, put the rotor in a vise and the impeller is much easier to work on from there because the shaft is held in place. if you need a hand send me a pm. could possibly get it done tonight.

**edit- just realized you said its plastic so heating wouldnt be an option but i could still more than likely get it off in one piece for you.

 

[Vinny Kreyling]

I would still call them for help with this problem.

 

[quagmire]

Found these instructions on reeflo's site.

IMPELLER REMOVAL
1. locate the rear shaft screw in the middle of the rear fan..hold with screwdriver....unscrew the impeller counterclockwise(by hand or best with strap wrench)...tap around edges to loosen..IF no go then"¦.
2. insert narrow screwdriver into veins and CAREFULLY torque, if no go then
3. Crack impeller with tool until all that remains is the threaded metal insert"¦spray with wd-40 or liquid wrench, hold shaft with vice grips and unscrew the insert from the shaft TAKING CARE NOT TO BEND SHAFT-we can provide new impeller for $30.50-shipped

 

[qy7400]

This is the seal side of the impeller so if you opt for cutting know what you're going to hit

 

[quagmire]

P.S.
I would try PB blaster penetrating oil instead of wd40.
Spray it and let it sit for an hour or two.
Worth a try before trashing the impeller.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Blaster-11-oz-Penetrating-Catalyst-Lubricant-16PB-THD/202597469

 

[johnike]

Sorry for the hijack, but for those of you that change seals here's the alternative to expensive ones.
Doesn't say saltwater safe, but if you change them on a regular basis or just want to keep one on hand.
I've used these without fail.
http://www.spadepot.com/shop/Pump-Seal-58-PS-1000-P7418C687.aspx

 

[Vinny Kreyling]

Hi John, not to worry about a hack when information is a result.

 

[rtecanoe]

thanks for all the advice guys. After christmas Im going to give it another shot at removal and if not I'll break it off. Im hesitant to use PB blaster or WD 40 as I would be afraid it might find its way back into the tank when using the hopefully fixed pump later on.

 

[drunkenclown]

Worst case if u can't get it off. U can bring it to mike at dp electric motor shop he's on Johnson ave in Bohemia it should be a simple job for him even if it's really stuck n he probably wouldn't charge much.