PKS Skimmer Pump Problems

[Utah Fatman]

I picked up a used Euro-Reef 180 protein skimmer that had a PSK 2500 pump with a needle wheel istalled. So far it has been a great skimmer for me. I have cleaned up the pump and it runs great, but if I shut it down to feed I have to take the venturi off and start the pump by turning the needle wheel with a screw driver, then hurry to put the venturi back on before the water level floods the skimmer cup. It's pretty much a pain in the butt.

The shaft is not broken (but does have some worn spots) and everything seems to be in place and working, it just won't start on it's own. Before I buy a new pump can anyone provide some insight into what I can do to get this thing to self-start? It's in the back of the sump and very hard to reach to start.

Thanks!

 

[S.B.D.]

I putt 4-5 teflon washers on the shaft so that they elevated the mesh-plate free from the pump housing.
Now my pump starts without any issues.

But don't overdo it with the washers, the fix works best when the plate runs as close as possible to the housing.

There are also some pinwheels that you can get that fit the PSK, these seem to solve the start issue.

S.B.D.

 

[Utah Fatman]

Thanks, where do you put the washers? Between the pump side of the pinwheel housing and the pinwheel?

Thanks!

 

[Utah Fatman]

Just an update. I got a few nylon washers and put them in in the back on the impeller. The pin wheel isn't hitting the housing any longer. It starts on its own without problems. Thanks for the help!