Royal exclusiv vertex alpha 170
- Thread starter Chris k
- Start date
slief
RC Sponsor
That looks normal. I’d check the lower bearing in the motor block. Take it out, clean it and reinstall it properly. Take a look at post 2 in this thread for removal and installation of the lower bearing in the RD1 pumps.
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2573406
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2573406
Quick video http://cloud.tapatalk.com/s/5d0f8d47b76d8/20190623_153052.mp4
Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk
Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk
slief
RC Sponsor
That definitely is noisy. I’d make sure the bottom bearing is cleaned and properly reinstalled. There is an o-ring that holds the bearing into the bearing cavity. You will need to press the bearing into the cavity and there is a groove inside that bearing cavity that the o-ring will seat into holding the bearing in place. If that o-ring is damaged and or the bearing moves freely inside that cavity, then you will need a new bearing. Make sure the bearing is seated in place properly before putting the impeller back in. Also make sure the round plate between the magnet and needle wheel spins freely on the impeller shaft. If there is calcium buildup between the bearing on the plate and the impeller shaft, that can cause some noise. If the noise persists after cleaning and re-installing the bearing, then the next thing I’d try is running the pump in some straight household vinegar for 10 minutes. That would eliminate and buildup in the bearing that is in the plate between the magnet and needle wheel. Then run it in fresh water and see if that solves it.
slief
RC Sponsor
When you say the bearing in the plate seems loose, do you mean that the plate has a bit play on the shaft or that the bearing is moving in and out of the plate? A bit of play is normal but the bearing should be firmly inserted into the plate. It does not go in flush into the bottom of the plate though as there is a flange on the bottom side of that bearing that serves as a stop point where it goes into the plate. If the bearing is loose in the plate, you can try pushing down on the plate so that the back of the bearing is up against the magnet. As you press downward on the plate, that will push the bearing into the plate. Don't push too hard though as you don't want to damage the plate. It could be that the bearing in the plate is worm in which case, you'd need a new impeller.
Looks like I possibly need a new impeller. The bearing was loose in the plate, I pushed it back in but I'm not sure how good it is I didn't want to push too hard.
After starting it back up its a good bit quieter than the video but not what it should be.
Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk
After starting it back up its a good bit quieter than the video but not what it should be.
Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk
slief
RC Sponsor
I am pretty sure this is the correct impeller. I sent an email off to Germany to verify. I should have a confirmation first thing in the AM and will update accordingly.
https://royalexclusiv.com/Spare-Par...ouble-Cone-150-180-MRD-pump-600-700::894.html
I'd also suggest getting a replacement bearing so you can swap the lower one while you're at it.
https://royalexclusiv.com/Spare-Par...K/screws-consumables/carbon-bearing::243.html
slief
RC Sponsor
It’s not worth putting money into a full pump. That pump happens to be a great pump anyways and upgrading to a pump like an RD3 will cost more than the skimmer is worth. If you were seeking an upgrade, fix the pump you have, sell the skimmer and get a Double Cone 180. It would be a huge upgrade over the Alpha and you’d end up with a far more consistent skimmer that is much less finicky.
slief
RC Sponsor
I just confirmed that the above impeller in my previous link is the correct one for your skimmer pump.
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