Stuck Magnet??

[ac green]

Roger,

I have had the Tunze stream 6100 for almost a year now. I cleaned them a few times and I knew they were up for a cleaning very soon. This weekend when I came home the alarm was going off.

I unplugged and soaked them in vinegar as instructed as the magnet propeller would not come out. The next morning one magnet came out with ease. However, in the second stream the magnet will not come out. It has soaked for about 2 days now. Today I switched it to warm water to see if that will help.

In any case of it not being able to be removed, do I have any other options besides sending it to you?

The reason I ask, is because I will be going on vacation for a month on August 16th and I would like have my system as maintenance free for the fish tank babysitters.

Thanks in advance
jussmeac

 

[rvitko]

Not really any other options but don't be afraid to carefully give it a firm pull. Grab the prop and shaft nearest the shaft and pull firmly, don't jerk or use undue force just a gradual increasing even pressure. If it doesn't start to move there is no other option. The magnet has to be drilled out and this has to be done very carefully and in 1/32" increments. Warmth does help, I notice lots of pumps people couldn't dissessmble come back very warm from shipping and I am able to pull the magnet right out. Don't over do it, no oven, no torches, just warm rooms like a garage or attic for 12hrs.

 

[ac green]

Thanks Roger, I will give it a try tonight. I take it I should NOT use pliers on the shaft??

 

[rvitko]

You can but remove the prop and don't squeeze too hard- the problem with pliers is you can crush the shaft since your pressure is magnified by the lever.

 

[ac green]

Roger,

I was able to get the magnet out with the pliers last night after removing the screw and propeller. I soaked the magnet in vinegar and water last night and gave it a cleaning this morning.

The bushing(??) on the opposite end of the screw and impellor will not move, on the other stream that piece rotates freely and I would imagine this is what is causing the alarm to trigger.

Can I clean and fix this piece to get working or do I need to get a new one?

If I need to get a new one, would it be possible to get it by next week as I will be on vacation and out of the country starting the 16th.

Thanks in advance.
jussmeac

 

[rvitko]

Pop it off with a slotted screwdriver. Just wedge it in there and pry it off. Then clean it with vinegar and a toothbrush. The best tool I have found is a dental pick to clean all the calcium build up. I found a neat plastic one at OReilly's automotive that they sell as an O ring removal tool. I like it because there is no risk of damaging the plastic parts unlike with metal.

 

[ac green]

Thanks for the quick reply and excellent customer service!

Will give it a try tonight and see how it goes!
Thanks again!