Recommended cleaning procedure?

[HBtank]

I just wanted to see what you recommend in regards to wetside cleaning.

I usually soak mine in vinegar (is that recommended?) for as long as it takes to remove all visible external build up and then scrub them clean in any area I can reach with my brush tools.

I have not been taking them apart, should I be taking them apart and cleaning everything individually and then reassembling them? I am thinking I might be missing alot of buildup?

Also, is there any guide to breaking the wetsides down and putting them back together? I gave up when the magnet kept pulling my screwdriver away...lol

Thanks for any help.

 

[killagoby]

What are you cleaning? Pumps? Powerheads?

 

[HBtank]

Vortechs.... of course

My standard procedure for other pumps is to run them in a vinegar solution for awhile, break them down and clean everything, and reaasemble.

I am just a little more catious when it comes to my Vortechs. And running them in vinegar is not possible, at least for me.

 

[EcoTech Marine]

We recommend that you remove the nozzle from the wet frame and drop both into a vinegar solution and then give it a good scrub. Every one to two months should be adequate.

-Tim

 

[killagoby]

Gotcha! Didn't see what forum I was in. Sorry!

 

[HBtank]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12017624#post12017624 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by EcoTech Marine
We recommend that you remove the nozzle from the wet frame and drop both into a vinegar solution and then give it a good scrub. Every one to two months should be adequate.

-Tim

Define "nozzle".

Also, is there any guide to taking apart the wetside. I was curious for not only cleaning, but just inspecting them periodically for wear and if I ever need to replace parts, such as has been mentioned is needed every 18 months.

Thanks

 

[IceCap Service]

The "nozzle" is the outer cage which acts as a guard for the impellar. Taking them apart is very simple. Just remove the nut, them prop, followed by the drive shaft. Make sure the bearing stays seated perfectly flush in the wet frame.
There is no real need to replace any components on a set time frame or schedule. The time to replace a component such as a drive shaft is when it starts getting noisy and shows signs of wear.

Another valuable piece of advice. Keep that screwdriver away from the magnet. All you will do is scratch the coating and then trouble starts. That will void the warranty on the parts. Just tighten the nut finger tight.

 

[HBtank]

Thanks.

I knew it was easy. I just like having exact instructions before I go and end up "forcing things". I am built like an ogre, and have been known to rip lids off of jars because I forgot to uncrew the correct way..

 

[melev]

To get the plastic cage off of the base, place it on your kitchen countertop, rubber side down. Press down slightly and twist. Poof - it's open and ready to clean better.