Help...return pump went out

[StephNewman]

Looking to borrow a return pump for about 5 months or will buy one cheap. I had a little giant on it but it went out tonight. I tried fixing it but can't figure out what is wrong. It makes noise but it not spinning. I took the propeller part off and there was alot of grainy material so cleaned it out and put back together but it still is not turning the propeller even though it is making sounds like it is running.
I have a 120 gallon tank with a 75 gallon sump. I have another external pump that I plan on using when my new house is built to pump all the way from the basement so I think it would be too power to use on only a 4 to 5 foot head loss that I have right now.
Anyone have a return I can buy for cheap or borrow that they think will work. It can be internal or external.

 

[logiktest]

Hey Steph,

Check it out:

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1895531

If it sounds like its running, that's a good sign. It is very possible that the magnetic "Pulley" came loose, or slowly re adjusted over time due to the set-screw working out of adjustment gradually. If this was the case, Step three in this article would be the appropriate time to check for this scenario by plugging the pump back in, and checking clearances between the pulley and the impeller housing for fitment.

 

[StephNewman]

Thanks, I will try that I guess though I'm not sure what the clearance is suppose to be. Is there anyone in town that could maybe look at it and fix it?

 

[logiktest]

Basically, you want to make sure the magnet hasn't slid too close to the impeller housing.

 

[StephNewman]

Okay, after taking most of it apart and cleaning everything up, it was still making noise but wouldn't always spin. Finally I thought maybe it just needs to be oiled so I got some oil and that seems to have done the trick. However now it is leaking at the seam. Going to retake it apart and try to get the screws, bolts as tight as possible and put it back on the tank tomorrow. Hopefully I get it to stop leaking. Probably just needed to be oiled but at least it got a good cleaning.

 

[logiktest]

Whoa Steph,

Do NOT over tighten the hardware. Those are metal screws threading into plastic, and WILL strip out if if too tight. The only purpose for them is to hold the parts together, none of the hardware or fittings need to to be "tight", just snug.

When you say it's leaking, are you talking about water, or oil?

Water:
If your leaking Water from the impeller cover, check the O-ring to see if it's brittle, or cracked, or just not seated correctly. Silicone grease may help an old O-ring seal better.

Oil:
When you oil the pump through the holes on top, excess is supposed to run out of the bottom. That's how you know there is enough.

If it was just oil, clean up the oil, and stop where you're at. Enjoy your freshly cleaned and lubed pump.

 

[StephNewman]

It is up an running. I removed the impeller cover and rescrewed everything back together and not leaking anymore. It was water from impeller area, not oil. Everything seems to be going good now though.

 

[stcharles_stl]

Gotta love happy endings in this hobby!

 

[StephNewman]

Unfortunately happy ending didn't last long. It seemed to be working fine but then just stopped. No noise or anything coming from it anymore. I think it is done for.

 

[logiktest]

Dang. If your coming to Pizza Night, I'll take a look at it for you.

 

[StephNewman]

I will try to make it to pizza night but we are moving that day from the house we sold into an apartment while our new house gets built so depends on how I feel. For now I am using a quiet one 3000 to at least keep circulation going. It isn't in the best of shape either though. It sometimes quits working and you have to bang it against something to get it to start working again. It was the only extra pump I have though. Might try stopping by gateway on wed to see if they have any used pumps at a decent price.