osmolator pump

[gbtower]

So, I've had my osmolator running for several years with very little issues. Recently, I've been noticing that it will flash the red led very often. I usually just reset the power and it catches up. But then I noticed that it wasn't catching up anymore. So I reset the power and lingered around for a bit. After a minute or so, I noticed that the pump wasn't making any of it's characteristic noise. So, I reset it again and the pump didn't start this time. So I checked the connections and the screw terminals for the pump were corroded and one of the connections had actually melted the plastic housing on one end of the terminal. The melting had not occurred at this most recent occurrence since it was not hot at all. It just dawned on me that, a couple days ago, I recall trying to find out (unsuccessfully) the source of a strange burning odor that we were smelling in the house (we just chalked it up to some of the neighbors). Since I figured bad connections can often result in arcing, I cut off the corroded ends of the wires and wire nutted the newly stripped ends together. I reset power and the pump appeared to be running fine. But after a couple secs (maybe 15), the pump gradually stopped running over the course of 1-2 secs (not an abrupt stop, but a winding down). The yellow led was still on. I killed power for about half a minute and then restored it, only to see the same scenario repeat. I didn't notice any additional burning odors, but I have now just left the power off. What is this a symptom of? If corrosion had caused a bad connection, would it have damaged any components? Is it time to retire this venerable unit?

Thanks,
Gerald

 

[rvitko]

Usually when the terminal block gets wet, the water wicks up the wires and corrodes them. What you will have to do is cut back the black lead coming off the osmolator probably about 12" to fresh copper wire, retin the ends, buy a new European Connector block at Radio Shack and reconnect the pump, the pump may have the same issue and the wires may also need to be cut back. The unit has a sensor that detects excess watt draw and shuts down the unit.

 

[gbtower]

I cut back the wires only about 6" each for now, since that's all the slack I can spare. When I re-setup the tank within the next month, I'll be able to have more slack to cut more off. The pump runs stronger and longer now, but it still dies off after about a minute. Once I can bring the level up to normal, it should be able to handle it until I can fix it more properly with an extension or repositioning.

Thanks Roger,
Gerald

 

[rvitko]

I can get you a new cable, honestly you could just use 24 gauge speaker wire.

 

[horstman2]

Wow what is going on with these things. I heard this company was top notch, thus the $$$$
but wow are things messing up...

 

[rvitko]

Umm, this was clearly user error and not a product defect. Stuff happens and I have been there mysefl with various equipment so I am not faulting Gerald but if you put a cable near saltwater it will corrode and need replacement.

 

[gbtower]

To clarify, this osmolator must be over 6 years old now. So a little corrosion is not entirely unexpected given what it's been through.

And if you don't yet believe in the value of Tunze (in the US), I'd like to point out 2 things.
- The products are well-engineered. If something breaks or wears down, it can probably be replaced, often by yourself. Other products are often not as user serviceable. Murphy or Father Time will eventually find you and it's good to know that you don't have to replace the entire unit when you just need 1 part.
- Just browse this forum. Roger will either answer your question, tell you how to fix the problem, fix the problem for you, or all of the above. Usually faster, friendlier, and more thoroughly than you might expect, too. And this applies to $300 pumps as well as to $20 magnets.


BTW, thanks for the offer on the wire, but I've got enough of that. Just need more time, if you've got some of that to spare

 

[horstman2]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9086559#post9086559 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by gbtower
To clarify, this osmolator must be over 6 years old now. So a little corrosion is not entirely unexpected given what it's been through.

And if you don't yet believe in the value of Tunze (in the US), I'd like to point out 2 things.
- The products are well-engineered. If something breaks or wears down, it can probably be replaced, often by yourself. Other products are often not as user serviceable. Murphy or Father Time will eventually find you and it's good to know that you don't have to replace the entire unit when you just need 1 part.
- Just browse this forum. Roger will either answer your question, tell you how to fix the problem, fix the problem for you, or all of the above. Usually faster, friendlier, and more thoroughly than you might expect, too. And this applies to $300 pumps as well as to $20 magnets.


BTW, thanks for the offer on the wire, but I've got enough of that. Just need more time, if you've got some of that to spare

After cruising more on the form I now understand the quality of this company and the efforts of Roger. I mis spoke a couple of times and aplogize. Thank you for taking the time to tell me it is 6 years old, I was thinking ot was brand new. Have a good day.