problem: tunze nano wavebox clicking

[uhuru]

I just started using tunze nano wavebox and right away its clicking everytime the pump pulses. Sounds like a clock!

I bought this used. Previous owner had it for a few weeks but claimed it was too much for his nano tank. I have tried different voltage settings and the click is still there even at 12V. Was I sold a broken wavebox??

 

[shawnz28]

No it isnt broken, likely is a simple fix like replacing or adding a disk behind the impeller. If you take the impeller out can you see if there is a disk(washer) behind it on the shaft?

 

[rvitko]

As Shawn said, most likely this disk is too thin and the best would be to remove the disk and install another, one can be slid over the old one and the noise will be less but removal and replacement will virtually eliminate the noise. There can be other causes, you might check the alignment of the prop with the opening in the front of the wavebox, it doesn't have to be centered but it should line up to where the prop doesn't hit the sides, this is done by hand and prone to some error so it is not likely perfectly centered. The other possibility is the propeller is the wrong one or worn, but the disk is the culprit in 80% of the cases.

 

[uhuru]

Ok I will check tonight. The prop looks centered just fine with the opening of the wavebox, and the propeller doesn't look worn. Thanks.

 

[rvitko]

What you want to check for on the prop is if you hold the magnet the prop is attached to in one hand, the prop blades should be stiff and hard to turn, it can move about 270 degrees before it hits a firm stop, it may not seem that tight but it should seem tight enough that it couldn't free spin only from the resistance of water.

 

[uhuru]

Ok just got back in town and had a chance to check out the impeller. I don't see a disk of any kind behind the impeller. I can slide the impeller up or down along the shaft about 2 - 3 mm. When I put the impeller shaft assembly back in and reconnected the pump, the clicking went away for a short while, but then started up again. I also checked the prop blades and they are as you described, relatively hard to turn and with a firm stop. I took some pictures and will upload soon in case I'm just not looking in the right place for this disk.

 

[rvitko]

The impeller should pull completely off the metal shaft and the shaft should never be pulled out of the motor, it must stay in the pump permanently or the pump is ruined. The disk is at the bottom of the shaft but it must be carefully removed without pulling out the metal shaft.

 

[uhuru]

ok, sorry for the mixup in terminology. I never pulled out the metal shaft, just the impeller. I found the disk, it looks pretty thick to me but maybe it needs to be thicker. Uploading pics now...

 

[uhuru]

 

[uhuru]

Again when I pull out the impeller and put it back in, the clicking goes away for a while, but then comes back.

 

[rvitko]

Everything looks good, I don't have an answer except sometimes the disk can move, or even be too thick or too thin, in which case a new one would solve it. I can send you one if you PM me your address. The disk is essentially a shim to space the drive unit in the coil, if it is shimmed too low it claps down on start up, if shimmed too high it flies forward on start up.

 

[uhuru]

PM'ed you my address. Thanks!

 

[uhuru]

Got the new disk - thanks Roger. Unfortunately, the clicking is still there. I compared the 2 disks and they are essentially the same. As before, the clicking went away for a while after reinstallation, but eventually returned. Any other ideas?

 

[Rosscopeco]

Hi there,
Roger helped me locate a similar problem with my nano wavebox. It ended up being a crack where the motor is mounted to the wavebox base. Only one side was cracked and it was barely noticable.
Apart from that I find that mine still makes a click every now and then that can be heard on either start up or stopping.

 

[rvitko]

I have no other ideas, I would have to see the unit and try to find the problem.

 

[uhuru]

Will you charge me money to look at it? Like I said above I bought it used. Previous owner said he barely used it but actually I don't trust him anymore, so I don't know how old it really is. I have a feeling it was clicking for him too and he just didn't bother to tell me.

 

[rvitko]

No, no charge

 

[uhuru]

Ok thanks Roger. I'll let you know when I send it, but it won't be for a few weeks as I figure out what to use temporarily in its place. Right now I only have a 6055 in the tank with it I might add one more.

 

[Silfer]

sorry to bump this, but why can the metal shaft not be removed?

thanks

 

[Rosscopeco]

sorry to bump this, but why can the metal shaft not be removed?

thanks

The metal shaft is fixed and is part of the motor casing. I guess if you pulled it out it would leak or at least require the shaft to be epoxied back before the pump could be used again.

While the thread has been revived it would be good to know how the OP went.
Did you manage to figure it out Roger?