let the plumbing nightmare begin

[CMcNeil]

ok......so another day and another problem my 6 way isnt working right.i dont understand why.i plug it in it spins fine,once the pump is on it doesnt seem to be switching ports.only thing i can think of is i need more magnets to spin it.the pump may be pushing into the drum with enough force to freeze it to the top.
MFLAMB would you be able to take a pic of the inside of your om?id like to see how many magnets and how big they are.well i did get 4 of the 6 inlets hooked up and the tank is currently sitting in the garage full of water.i have the dart running to keep it from getting stagnant.i plan on letting it sit till the weekend for leak testing.
heres the 2"inlet

and heres the 4 back inlets connected

 

[ReefArtist]

Sorry to hear about your problem. It did work with the lower volume pump so it would be a good guess that the pressure from the dart is doing it. Can you cut back on the water pressure to see if it starts working?

I like the flex tubing or whatever it's called, is it hard to work with?

 

[CMcNeil]

it is called spaflex,they use it in jacuzzis(i think thats spelled right)and is easy to use.you can glue it just like pvc pipe.i dont think if i close off the inlet valves it will help at all.i would imagine that this would cause more pressure to the drum.i cant restrict the pump intake soooooooooo im kinda at a standstill on the 6 way.i guess i will have to disassemble the valve and add more magnets.i really hate to do this but think i have too.

 

[mflamb]

Let me know if you need me to take apart the 4 way. I can do it tomorrow after work.

 

[CMcNeil]

well i have a pic of the oms guts.but it is small what id really like to know is how big the magnets are in diameter.the motor is turning the drum but only when the pump is off.i can switch which port gets water too,but i have to turn the pump off for the drum to spin.the top of the magdrive does spin when the pump is on but the drum is locking.maybe i could shave 10/1000"and put a shim between the drum and the valve body.but yes if you have the time to take a look for me,that would be real nice of you.

 

[mflamb]

Ok, as soon as I get home, I'll take it apart and takes some pics.

 

[CMcNeil]

tyvm

 

[ReefArtist]

Checkinhawk - I'd be careful shaving any of that off because that could be your problem. The pressure from the water could be pushing the drum against the valve body - just an idea to keep your eyes open to another possibility. Make sure you only change one thing at a time, this is from experience (ex manager of test lab). Your "not enough magnets" I think might be your answer also, but could it also be "not strong enough magnets"? Just some ideas to throw out there.

 

[CMcNeil]

mflamb.....DONT TAKE YOURS APART.i got mine going,it seems that by not having all 6 lines hooked up was causing the drum to slightly **** and lockup.i just got the last 2 lines hooked up and it works perfect.heres a video of one of the jets.

 

[ReefArtist]

Woohoo!! That is so cool and it looks like nice flow at that. did you have all the lines on one side or did you alternate them? If one side I could see that causing a problem but not if they were alternate openings (1, 3, 5). Even out the water pressure on the drum. It works - congratulations!

 

[mflamb]

Very cool. I was just checking to see if you had anything new. That looks great!!!

 

[CMcNeil]

yeah the flow is real nice.those are 3"wide flare nozzles making the top current.last night i only had ports 1-4 hooked up.this left 2 ports right next to each other not hooked up.i think it cause the drum to push up at an angle,causing it to lockup.im just happy it is working and the back glass hasnt blown out lol.

 

[ReefArtist]

That is so cool, so now what's your next step?

 

[CMcNeil]

im thinking im going to disassemble the closed loop set up and drain the tank.then i can paint the back black and start setting it up in the house.

 

[CMcNeil]

here is the final setup of the closed loop.i think it came out fairly claean and doesnt take up that much space.

 

[mflamb]

A very clean job, and no leaks!!!

 

[CMcNeil]

i found a few minor leaks,but i plan on retaping everything before its running again.tyty for the comps and offers of help