new streams are noisy, is this normal?

[jeffbrig]

I just set up my TS24 kit and the 6100 streams are significantly louder than I expected. I can understand some motor hum, but this is more grating, it reminds me of a large airpump vibrating on a hard surface. As a point of reference, it is many times louder than a Maxijet 1200. Both pumps are making the noise, although one is a bit louder than the other. The sound level follows the pump speed (faster=louder). I can hear them sitting across the room on my couch. This can't be normal, can it? Will this sound diminish as they break in?

I removed the streams from their mounts, and the noise is still present when they are handheld. This rules out vibration against the side as the cause of the noise.

Any thoughts?

Jeff

 

[rvitko]

I would take them apart and double check the drive unit install, they may make some noise but if it is as loud as you are describing something has come loose and the pumps could be damaged. It sounds like the prop is rubbing on something. Use your manual to go through the parts and make sure everything is correct, reassemble it underwater and it will be much quieter this way.

 

[jeffbrig]

Thanks, I'll give that a shot and let you know what happens.

 

[Fliger]

Almost every stream I had was a little noisy coming outta the box. I always took them apart and never found a problem. They all settled in after a while. Then when I moved them to the magnets they were loud as well, but after time quited down. Just a slight motor hum, and when they click on & off.

Usually when I buy a product and think there is something wrong, I feel the need to return it right away before I'm stuck with a POS out of warrantee. I never feel that way with Tunze - Roger or the vendors are always great about problems and stand behind the products.

Good luck, can't wait to see more pictures! I'm printing out your photos and taking them to Lowes. I might bug you to email me a couple detail shots in the process.

Regards,

David

 

[jeffbrig]

I opened up the noisier of the 2 streams yesterday. I'm not sure if the propeller shaft / magnet assembly was properly installed, I don't remember having to twist to pull it out of the motor body. The propeller edge was clean, so I don't think it's had any direct interference problems.

With it open, I didn't see anything obviously wrong. The white plastic shaft piece had a little extra material partially covering a hole (injection mold artifact?), so I trimmed that. I also noticed that each of the brakes had a tiny chip missing, but based on propeller direction, these appear to be on the trailing edge, not the leading edge. The chipped pieces did not appear to be inside anywhere, so that may have happened during mfg or assembly. I snapped a few pics while I had it open so I can post one later if that helps.

On re-assembly, it seemed to be a little quieter. I'm hoping they settle or break in with time.

David, thanks for sharing, that's what I was hoping to hear. Good to see you're still following my tank setup, hadn't heard from you in a while. Let me know if you need anything specific and I'll see what I can do.

Jeff

 

[Fliger]

I had a chip off of the brakes on both of my 6200's - Roger replaced one, I should check the other one next time I clean them. I'd bet it's something Tunze is looking into.

I follow your thread every day! But there are enough people yelling exactly what I would yell ... PICTURES, PICTURES, MORE PICTURES!!! It's too bad it's not in the large tank forum. I'm lucky I even found yours since I never get over to the Reef Discussion forum, too crowded over there.

 

[rvitko]

Make sure that top collar piece (called the bush bearing in the manual) is fully seated.

 

[jeffbrig]

Here's what I found when I took out the impeller assembly

Note the plastic obscuring the one hole (has been removed), and the chip on the brake. Does this look OK to you Roger?

 

[rvitko]

Jeez, we should hire you as our photographer! I don't see anything that should be a problem, that hole you cleared is wear water enters to cool the pump. The brake shoe has a small piece of the corner missing but that really shouldn't cause any problems, I can send you a pair though if you PM me an address. That photo really has some awesome detail.

 

[johnnstacy]

Sorry to hijack but I had the same issue with noise coming from one of my 6100's. I took it apart and found the same little white piece hanging there which I cut off. Also though, There are chips on the magnetic rotor. The are on the end opposite the drive shaft. Not sure how to better describe the location. They are on the edge of the large magnetic rotor. Not on the smaller round black end. Hope you understand. Could this be causing my noise and vibration. It is significantly louder than the other one. I can hear it in the next room.

 

[johnnstacy]

Also thought I would mention that I am not using a controller right now and this particular stream seems to speed up and slow down slightly on it's own about every 45 seconds or so. Sounds like there is cavitation. I did check to see if the bush bearing was seated flat and it was.

 

[jeffbrig]

Roger,

PM sent, thanks!

johnstacy, double check that the drive shaft/magnet assembly properly seated in the housing. If you pull gently on the propeller, it should not come out unless you twist it first to release. When I first re-assmebled mine I failed to seat it properly, and the speed seemed inconsistent when I ran it. I opened it back up, re-seated the shaft so that it locked into place, and it was much better.

 

[johnnstacy]

Yes, I tried that and yes, when I placed it back in the housing, it slightly twisted to fully seat. After reassembly, the noise hasn't changed.