Osmolator is being finicky

[jpluttme]

I've noticed over the past few months that my osmolator has become rather finicky when it comes to sensing the water level and turning on the pump. Some days, it works perfectly. Other times, it will fail to turn on the pump and the water level will go down an inch or so below the sensor. I have to take the sensor from the holder and sometimes rub the sensor with my fingers to get any kind of film off of it for it to start pumping. I can then put it back and it will continue to fill the tank until the proper level is reached.

Is there a particular way to clean the sensor, or as this has just recently become an issue, is the sensor or wiring shorting out?

I bought it mid-late August of 2008.

Thanks.

Justin

 

[rvitko]

It sounds like the sensor is covered by a mineral film based on the symptoms. Soak it for 1-2 hours in vinegar and wipe it off with a soft towel and you should be all set. Be careful to never scratch the sensor.

 

[jpluttme]

Sounds good. I typically use EZ-Clean from DD Aquarium to clean my impellers, pumps, and such. Can this be used as well on the sensor, or would it be too harsh? Thanks for your help!

 

[rvitko]

I would guess EZ-Clean is either Citric or Sulfumic acid (same as Kaboom and many bathroom cleaners), both would be fine, it can't be anything too strong or it would have a lot more warnings and be unsafe for most plastic parts.

 

[jpluttme]

Hi Roger-

Gave the sensor a good soak in EZ Clean and still the same issue. Today I noticed the water level down about 1/4" below the sensor. I took then sensor off and by doing so dipped the tip of the sensor in the water before bringing it out of the tank. When the sensor was out of the tank, the pump began to start and so I put the sensor back in place, where it worked until the proper level was reached.

 

[rvitko]

Any update from over the weekend? It may be the sensor is failing, they should last many years but it may have some defect that has resulted in a short life.

 

[jpluttme]

I heard it go on once this weekend to top off the tank while I was in the room. I will keep my eye on it the next day or two to see if it keeps up with the evaporation or fails to turn on when needed.

 

[jpluttme]

I let it go a week just to be sure and encountered the same issues with the sensor. In addition, today I noticed that when I took the sensor out of the water the pump didn't turn on but the light was orange. Unplugged the unit twice and shook the pump in the water. On the 3rd try it worked.

 

[rvitko]

Are you sure the connector for the pump is not corroded? It sounds like the controller works but something is interrupting power to the pump, there are a few possible culprits.

The pump may be dying, this pump usually last only 2-3 years.

The connector or wiring may have been wet at some point, the connector will corrode and the wiring will wick in water and oxidize, the high resistance will cause the pump to not operate.

The controller has a circuit breaker that cuts off the pump if it draws more than 800mA on units made before 2008 and 1200mA on units made since. Corroded connectors or wiring or a short head pressure or higher voltage power supply can all actuate this safety. The purpose of this safety is to prevent the pump from starving the board of the power needed for its safety functions. It is also possible for this circuit breaker to fail.

It sounds like your sensors all work but there is an issue with powering the pump. If you are sure the connector is free of any corrosion, it may just be time for a new pump, they run about $20.