osmolator problem

[sm01]

I have been using my Osmolator since August 2005 and have been using it with the Tunze kalk dispenser since Feb 2006.

A couple of days ago, I noticed the level in my sump was low. The sensors are working properly, but the pump is behaving erratically. It will pump for 90 seconds or so and then slow down and stop, even though the sensor knows the water level is still low. The pump will not work again unless I unplug let it rest 5-10 minutes. Once I do that, it will run for another 90 seconds and then stop again.

I am running my pump at 12volts as it didn't work properly at 9volts after I added the kalk dispenser.

I have disconnected the kalk dispenser and still have the same pump problem in 12 volts. However if I move down to 9 volts the pump seems to run fine.

I'm puzzled because this setup was working fine for a couple of months. What is wrong?

Thanks.

 

[Melbourne]

In my experience the pump is supposed to run at 9 volts in the US, at least on my 3 osmolator systems that is what I run at. If you switch to 12 volts you will notice the same behaviour as what you noted.

The other thing you will want to check is if your feed/outlet line is obstructed - I think that is what is causing your pump not to feed at 9 volt.

 

[rvitko]

It could also be a bad pump or transformer.

 

[sm01]

Roger,

Does running the pump at 12V reduce its lifespan?

How do I determine if the pump or transformer are bad?

Thanks in advance,
Saahil

 

[rvitko]

Yes, it does reduce the lifespan. I would just send everything in to be checked out, it gets pretty complicated because the transformer can sometimes put out AC current instead of DC and that can be a cause.