Tunze osmolator problem

[Spartan]

Ive had an osmolator for about 8 years. Love it! Had to replace the pump a couple years ago. At that time the pump failed completely.

Now something is not working. The sensor correctly detects low water levels. The pump starts but no Kalk water gets pumped.
I ran the pump alone with no tubing; it seems to pump water fine. I cannot judge if the pressure is adequate or not.
I checked the lines and no blockages there.
Then I thought the check valve could be faulty, but when I hooked the pump directly to a line to the canister still no flow.
What is wrong?

 

[rvitko]

My guesses would be that the impeller has an air bubble trapped inside and tipping upside down when running may solve it (purge out the bubble). It may also be that the impeller is slipping, in general the pumps last 2-3 years so it would not be too unusual to need a new one.

 

[BeanMachine]

Woah just did a search to find out why mine was doing the same thing this morning. After it was finished topping off the pump was still running. Tried unplugging and plugging back in and the same.

I've had it running about 3 years.

*Looks like replacement pumps are fairly inexpensive.

 

[rvitko]

That sounds like a different issue, it sounds like your pump is topping off but the controller doesn't shut it off? If that is the case it is more likely that the optic sensor is dirty. Pumps do sometimes last 4-5 years, it just isn't what I would usually expect.

 

[BeanMachine]

That sounds like a different issue, it sounds like your pump is topping off but the controller doesn't shut it off? If that is the case it is more likely that the optic sensor is dirty. Pumps do sometimes last 4-5 years, it just isn't what I would usually expect.

I see. I'll check that tonight. Can I just wipe it off really good and try again? What do you suggest?

 

[rvitko]

First check that it works properly, here is what should happen.

Water level drops below sensor, yellow (pump on) light comes on, pump is on.

Water touches sensor, green led come on, after 10 seconds, the yellow led turns off, so they are both on and the pump continues to run for 10 seconds after the sensor touches the water.

The optic sensor, assuming it has a haze to it when dry of minerals and salt crust, just needs a 2-3 hr soak in vinegar. Be very careful to not scratch it, after the soak, just wipe it with a soft towel.

 

[BeanMachine]

First check that it works properly, here is what should happen.

Water level drops below sensor, yellow (pump on) light comes on, pump is on.

Water touches sensor, green led come on, after 10 seconds, the yellow led turns off, so they are both on and the pump continues to run for 10 seconds after the sensor touches the water.

The optic sensor, assuming it has a haze to it when dry of minerals and salt crust, just needs a 2-3 hr soak in vinegar. Be very careful to not scratch it, after the soak, just wipe it with a soft towel.

Great thanks I will give that a shot this evening when I get home from work. I appreciate the help.

 

[Spartan]

I purged the air, not the issue. Maybe it is the pump, but as I said it does seem to pump well when not connected to tubing...

 

[rvitko]

The pump is very simple, it is just a 9V DC hobby motor like you might buy for a science project at Radio Shack, the shaft goes through a pair of orings to waterproof it and an impeller is pressed on. What can happen is the impeller will slip when the resistance is higher, it is not tight on the shaft. I would also check the tubing for clogs and double check the check valve.

 

[Spartan]

Ok I will check the pump.

The check valve does restrict flow signficantly in the forward direction (it works properly in reverse - no flow), should that be replaced?

If nothing else, I guess I'll try ordering a new pump.

 

[rvitko]

It will restrict flow, it may have some calcium built up and the best way to fix that is to take a small syringe left over from a test kit and use it to push some vinegar through the check valve. You can clean the tubing the same way, let it sit with the vinegar inside for a half hour at least and see if it doesn't work better.

 

[Spartan]

Will do . Thx for your help!