Jebao DC-12000 leaking

[Laardvark]

I'm finishing the plumbing on a new tank build and found that the brand new Jebao DC-12000 pump I'm using has a slow leak (6 drops\minute or so) from the main seal. I opened the pump up and used some plumbers silicone grease on the o-ring and resealed it, still leaked the same. I don't think the seal is well designed- the o-ring just sets on a lip rather then partially recessed in a groove and it tends to twist and unseat on one side when you seat the other.

Something interesting- when I opened it up I noticed the head of the screw closest to the leak is a bit stripped out, as if someone had the same problem, tried (and failed) to fix it and returned it. I contacted the vendor and they said that they only sell brand new equipment. Not sure what to make of it.

Fortunately the vendor is going to take it back so this should all work out OK, but am concerned that this problem arose on a (ostensibly) brand new pump. The pump is pretty impressive otherwise- impressive output for it's size, very quiet, and only gets a little warm (running it externally).

Has anybody else seen or heard anything like this with this brand?

 

[SeedlessOne]

Dont they state for internal use only?

 

[rwb500]

Dont they state for internal use only?

+1

trying to run this pump externally is a bad idea. it is wrong of you to return it just because it cannot function externally. it is not designed to. i wouldn't trust any cheap chinese pump to run externally anyway. they're good pumps but one of the ways they save money is that the plastic housing is relatively flimsy. I use two diablo pumps so its not like I hate them. Just know their limitations.

 

[Laardvark]

Per the vendor as well as searches on google and this forum that turn up numerous threads discussing external use and statements from Jebao that external use is Ok.

A little judgmental there JBW? Sheeesh...

 

[Mrramsey]

I agree that while they say they can be used external I don't think I would. But then again I don't like external pumps. Just another flood risk I have to plan for. I have jebao wp25's nothing wrong with them but they do not use high grade plastics. I would assume the dc pumps are the same.

 

[SeedlessOne]

High performance motor with innovation electronics, and energy savig up to 50% than before.
IC Electronic Dection, automatic power-off proteion upon no water
Motor Protection if rotor is blocked
Super Quiet Operation
Can operatin in Marine and Fresh Water
No Copper components , safety on your tank!
With Wear-resistant Ceramic Shaft, longer operation life
10 Mins Feed Model(Or Pause to resume to normal)
Internel Use Only! DC Pump do not suppose for External Use

That's right from their website.

 

[Mrramsey]

I stand corrected. My bad I was looking at these the the waveline pumps from Ross. Those can be used externally. But as I said even at that I don't think I would.

 

[ca1ore]

Per the vendor as well as searches on google and this forum that turn up numerous threads discussing external use and statements from Jebao that external use is Ok.

Lots of people do thing they ought not to - and then wonder why they have a problem. Buddy of mine has one of these, and while it pumps a ton of water, it is pretty flimsy and I would absolutely not use it as an external.