Tunze 5017

[bmack]

Noticed late last night that the small make up pump was turning off and on in quick bursts. Sensor is in the sump so thought it might be something impeding the flow. Everything appeared fine.
This morning pump not operating and water level low.
Turned everything off hoping for a "reset" and pump started for a short period(30 seconds) and then off well before the level came back up.
Orange light indicating pump operation is coming on. Green light flickers when pump is in operation. When the green light goes out pump stops with orange light still on.
Can get this to repeat by simply turning off the unit and turning it back on.
Checked all connections and everything looks fine.
Pump is relatively new(under 6 mos) Unit is around 6 years old.
Pump or whole unit?
Pump can certainly be replaced. Can unit be fixed if that is the issue?

 

[rvitko]

These issues are a bit complicated. About 3 years ago we beefed up the pump, it has a double seal so it is more durable and uses more power as a result. An old osmolator with a new pump must be run at 9V and with very clean connections or the thermal circuit breaker will trip due to the higher load. I would be sure the transformer is set to 9V and the connections are clean and wires are bright shiny copper, they tend to wick in water and blacken and oxidize with age and sitting in puddles. This can typically all be repaired and the breaker upgraded, but I would try this first and see if that solves the issue.

 

[bmack]

Thanks Roger,
I have been getting a little different result since I posted this message.
Now it is like the unit is shutting off (both orange and green go out) and comes back on again a couple times before stopping altogether. The orange light then comes on and eventually the red. It seems to be the thermal circuit breaker issue you describe above?
Transformer is set to 9V and connections look good.
I guess that's the risk you run with older equipment, but supports the Tunze claim to quality. Heck I am still running a 230 skimmer( I think I have the model correct) that i bought from JP Burleson in 98!
I am open for direction on what you think my next steps should be.
Thanks in advance

 

[rvitko]

I get back on the 10th, I anticipate returning to about 20 repairs and I my usual output is 4-6 repairs per day. I will do them in the order received as my warehouse manager will stack them by date of arrival. If you can wait about 2 weeks, I would suggest sending it in. My gut feeling is this is now beyond the PTC, I say that because this only cuts power to the pump, without it a runaway pump is possible that takes all the power and starves the board of any ability to run its logic functions. The lights should still work as should the alarm float. Either way, some type of repair or discounted replacement is possible.

Tunze USA
305 Victor St
Austin, TX 78753