Reeflo Hammerhead Gold Problems

I am not sure who you are asking about changing the bearings.... but changing the bearings would require sending the pump back to Reeflo. They replaced the whole motor on my backup HHG and it started leaking after 5 days. And I must say whoever installed the shaft seal on that repair did a horrible job ! The seal seat was not even seated completely in the bracket. I have spent half of what it cost for the pump in shipping charges sending both of mine back and forth to Reeflo. The latest seal I installed (Pac Seal 1R318) failed after 22 days. I'm putting the Iwaki back online for the winter. The extra heat it adds keeps my heater off during the winter months. In the spring I will try the REAL silicon carbide seal from Grainger (Dayton 3ACF7) for one last experiment, after that I have no options left.
 
Last edited:
I have a reeflo hammerhead as well - actually on the 2nd one as the first one leaked - even after replacing the seal. I doubt I will ever purchase another one of their pumps...but it doesn't seem there are a lot of better options out there for a high pressure pump. Crazy.
 
I had similar problem. Decided to use in sump Sicce high flow. Works great little heat similar flow. Much more reliable.
 
I replace seals on my Hammerhead, Barracuda and Dart pumps when they start to leak...usually some rusty, salty crusties found down under the pump. I have had seals last for 2 years and some for 1 year...I do use clear silicone to seal around the metal part to the plastic, but I just use water on the ceramic part per the instructions. I am satisfied with the pumps as they move a lot of water for not a lot of electricity.
 
Seal Issue Finally Resolved

Seal Issue Finally Resolved

Hello again all,

US Seal PS-1905 is the fix.

It is a Silicon Carbide seal made for harsh environments.
If the part of the seal that fits in the impeller is WHITE you do NOT
have a Silicon Carbide Seal.

When the one I ordered showed up is was clearly of superior quality than the crap seals I have installed for the past 4 years. The part of the seal that fits into the impeller is a very dark gray. I got mine from Sunplay_dot_Com

If you need to get one just Google "US Seal PS-1905" its about $40.00
 
wazel said:
Hello again all,

US Seal PS-1905 is the fix.

It is a Silicon Carbide seal made for harsh environments.
If the part of the seal that fits in the impeller is WHITE you do NOT
have a Silicon Carbide Seal.

When the one I ordered showed up is was clearly of superior quality than the crap seals I have installed for the past 4 years. The part of the seal that fits into the impeller is a very dark gray. I got mine from Sunplay_dot_Com

If you need to get one just Google "US Seal PS-1905" its about $40.00
Click to expand...

You wouldn't happen to know which seal part number for dart/snapper hybrid? Would love to have backup when needed. Thanks
 
I cannot fault Reeflo for their CS, but you should not have to replace seals every 12-14 months on these HH Hybrid pumps. I bought a new one when I set up my 465 gallon, and the seal was broken. Got a replacement seal from Reeflo while they shipped me a replacement pump,. I fixed it, then bought the one I just fixed as a refurb and saved the replacement pump as a backup. So the seal I replaced started leaking again after 14 months. I had the output ballvalved down and had used the lower flow Barracuda impeller as well, and frankly I am sick of the maintenance these pumps require. Return pumps should not require this level of maintenance.

I owned and used PanWorld pumps for years before buying the HH Hybrid and never had one fail. I bought the pump in the first place when I upgraded to a 465 gallon tank, and Reeflo seemed to be the pump of choice.

My 155 gallon custom sump was drilled for the HH hybrid, of course, so I was reluctant to switch to a different pump, but when I tried to replace the newly leaking seal that had been broken when new, I was totally unable to remove the stupid Barracuda impeller to get to the broken seal! Even my LFS with two guys working on it couldn't get it off, so I can only guess the impeller net is bound to the shaft now.

Anyways, I finally bit the bullet and bought an Iwaki 1/4 horse 70 RLT, and I am so glad I did. I had to modify my plumbing to fit it, and now I have the still working backup HH hybrid as a backup and the Iwaki primary. Great match to my system. I can now run the Iwaki full open, and the flow is a little more than I had on the HH Hybrid ballvalved back, and also run my peripherals. Looking forward to not having to replace seals on this Iwaki. My plumbing is now able to fit either the Iwaki or the HH Hybrid, although I doubt I'll have to use the Reeflo.

If I had realized what a pain ownership and use of the HH was, I would have just bought an Iwaki in the first place
 
This thread just saved me a lot of headache. I was going to purchase a reeflo super dart hybrid, but I think I'm going to go with Iwaki instead.
 
I am having a nightmare with my new Reeflo Super Dart/Snapper gold on my new setup. Multiple leaks since putting the pump into place. I was send new parts and those leaked as well for different reasons. On top of that there is this loud clattering noise from the motor. How can this happen on a new pump. It's been nothing but trouble from the beginning. I wish there were alternatives.
 
What I don't understand is how can there be so many people praising these pumps and so many people with leaking seals and other quality issues?

The only thing I think these pumps have going for them is they are pretty energy efficient for the amount of water they move when compared to Iwaki types, and they also transfer less heat because of the impeller/volute being separate from the motor. But neither of these is worth the hassle of replacing leaking seals every year.
 
How much hotter does the iwaki get? I'm trying to stay on topic here, but just curious.

I see on Marine Depot where Reeflo get's tons of high marks, but there's a few where someone guarantees they'll leak.

If the carbide seal was installed in the very beginning would that keep the reeflo from ever leaking?
 
It's a trade-off. If you cannot tolerate any leaks or this pump is installed in a location where service is difficult, don't use a Reeflo direct drive style centrifugal pump for the application.

Most of the Reeflo pumps use a direct drive pump impeller and housing with a mechanical seal. This seal can and will leak over the normal course of the service life of this pump (3-5 years I think would be good). I have had great service life out of a Reeflo Dart pump (3 years so far), but it's well ventilated and not throttled. This is also a FOWLR tank and there is no real presence of calcium deposits (like what you would expect in a reef tank). I choose this pump due to the installed location of the pump being easily accessible, leaks can be tolerated when they start, and wanted the most flow for my power input.

The Iwaki pump is a mag drive style pump and is seal-less. With the exception of an oring, there are really no other places for the pump to leak. You will likely experience no leaks on this pump during the normal life of the pump, however the power input for the same flow will likely be higher. Heat transfer from the pump end will be higher, but its just a matter of whether you can manage the additional heat.

I'd say for most people's applications, the Iwaki, PanWorld, or Bluelines magdrives would be the most appropriate choice. I still have a Iwaki pump from the 1990s and it doesnt leak :D

Again, just size up your application and use the right pump for the job.

Thanks for all those who have shared their experiences on replacement mechanical seals for these pumps. I will keep the notes and hopefully use them when I have to rebuild this Dart.
 
Triton_Z said:
It's a trade-off. If you cannot tolerate any leaks or this pump is installed in a location where service is difficult, don't use a Reeflo direct drive style centrifugal pump for the application.

Most of the Reeflo pumps use a direct drive pump impeller and housing with a mechanical seal. This seal can and will leak over the normal course of the service life of this pump (3-5 years I think would be good). I have had great service life out of a Reeflo Dart pump (3 years so far), but it's well ventilated and not throttled. This is also a FOWLR tank and there is no real presence of calcium deposits (like what you would expect in a reef tank). I choose this pump due to the installed location of the pump being easily accessible, leaks can be tolerated when they start, and wanted the most flow for my power input.

The Iwaki pump is a mag drive style pump and is seal-less. With the exception of an oring, there are really no other places for the pump to leak. You will likely experience no leaks on this pump during the normal life of the pump, however the power input for the same flow will likely be higher. Heat transfer from the pump end will be higher, but its just a matter of whether you can manage the additional heat.

I'd say for most people's applications, the Iwaki, PanWorld, or Bluelines magdrives would be the most appropriate choice. I still have a Iwaki pump from the 1990s and it doesnt leak :D

Again, just size up your application and use the right pump for the job.

Thanks for all those who have shared their experiences on replacement mechanical seals for these pumps. I will keep the notes and hopefully use them when I have to rebuild this Dart.
Click to expand...

Dan,
I am glad you have had 3 years of service so far, but that is definitely not my experience. If throttling back HH pump causes the seals to fail prematurely, that should be advertised, and would have stopped me from buying one in the first place.

I would be happy with three years of service, but 12 months between leaks sucks, and is not worth the trouble.

Again, Reeflo CS is good, but the pumps need better OE seals.
 
Robby2782 said:
How much hotter does the iwaki get? I'm trying to stay on topic here, but just curious.

I see on Marine Depot where Reeflo get's tons of high marks, but there's a few where someone guarantees they'll leak.

If the carbide seal was installed in the very beginning would that keep the reeflo from ever leaking?
Click to expand...

I don't think the heat transfer is a big issue. I haven't seen the temp in my 465any higher after switching to the Iwaki 70, but there is more heat transfer in an Iwaki/Pan World type pump than a Reeflo because of the design.
 
wazel said:
Hello again all,

US Seal PS-1905 is the fix.

It is a Silicon Carbide seal made for harsh environments.
If the part of the seal that fits in the impeller is WHITE you do NOT
have a Silicon Carbide Seal.

When the one I ordered showed up is was clearly of superior quality than the crap seals I have installed for the past 4 years. The part of the seal that fits into the impeller is a very dark gray. I got mine from Sunplay_dot_Com

If you need to get one just Google "US Seal PS-1905" its about $40.00
Click to expand...

Hi, any update on your pump leaking? I have similar issue after trying two seal kits sent from reeflow. I am about to try out US Seal PS-1905, but like to check on how well that one works.
 
ostrow said:
Yes an update now that time has passed would be great before ordering!
Click to expand...

Can Anyone send private message to "wazel" for the update on here please? I am newbie and it won't allow me until I have 10+ posts. I have similar symptom and need it a cure fast for this damn Barracuda Reeflo pump leaking.
 
Seal update

Seal update

Hello all,

I am happy to report my HHG is running without a single drop of water leaking from anywhere. I must say it is amazing what the right part can do to make you love a machine again. The Silicon Carbide seal did the trick. Also a quick install tip, coat the steel cup that fits into the bracket with a heavy coating of Silicon Plumbers Grease. After you press the cup into the bracket carefully wipe away the extra grease that squishes out on both sides. The half of the seal that goes in the impeller does not need grease. I'm glad I could help you all !
 
PS-1905 U.S. Seal SCS Shaft Seal Assembly

U.S. Seal PS-1905 Silicon Carbide Seal for your most demanding pool, hot tub and spa applications.

Features:
Silicon Carbide, Viton & Stainless Steel
Superior Abrasion, Corrosion & Chemical Resistance
More forgiving when pump is run dry or accidentally loses prime
Compatible with all pool and spa chemicals
Best choice for Salt / Bromine Generator and ozonator applications

Description:
5/8" Shaft
Silicon Carbide, Viton & Stainless Steel
For your Most Demanding Applications
 
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