time for a new pump?

koiguy1969

GIGGETY-GIGGETY!!
Joined
Dec 15, 2008
Messages
10,587
Reaction score
6,409
Location
Michigan zone 5b
well, my 1200 gph (submersable)pump quit on me the other day. removed it, cleaned it, reinstalled it...fired up and really pumped the water. Maybe better than new. it slowed to what appeared a normal flow and seemed fine.I really cleaned the prefilter while i was there even tho i cleaned it earlier. but today it will run for a minute and shut down. (with a clean prefilter, or no prefilter, even in the laundry tub with clean tap water) anyone know if a new impellor and armature shaft will cure this problem? . or is it the circuitry for the motor inside the pump casing is shot?.....i know i see alot of impellor sets for sale to rebuild pumps, but is that just for busted impellors?....good thing i had the fishmate 865 gph pump as backup!! ( but i'm not happy with the big reduction in waterfall flow.).
 
Joined
Jul 9, 2011
Messages
99
Reaction score
14
Location
Naples, FL
Hardiness Zone
10a
Country
United States
Sorry to hear about the pump. I purchased an impeller for a Pondmaster pump. I haven't used it yet. I am dreading the day that I do because I'm not sure it will work. Good to hear that you have a backup ready to go.

Rob
 

koiguy1969

GIGGETY-GIGGETY!!
Joined
Dec 15, 2008
Messages
10,587
Reaction score
6,409
Location
Michigan zone 5b
waterbug......Its obvious it could be the impellor and shaft .. or it could be the circuits inside the pump.... a few other things? ... and what would those be?
nothing else that i can see. its not like anything else on the electrical circuit is stopping...so theres no problem there!! and to back up that fact it does it on any circuit its plugged into. to be the impellor / shaft it would have to be that that magnet has simply lost its power. it cant be motor brushes ..there arent any. so its probable that its the circuitry inside the pumps housing wich is encased in resin. but just in case these shaft magnets can / do lose their power, i was wondering if anyone has had this happen.
 
Joined
Jul 23, 2011
Messages
81
Reaction score
11
Location
Northumberland, UK
Have you tried cleaning the magnetic impeller shaft? sometimes on my aquarium pumps, I get a slimy build up on the magnets which I clean with cotton buds for the internal mags, and just wipe clean the mag on the impeller shaft.
 

DrCase

Moderator
Moderator
Joined
Dec 29, 2007
Messages
4,400
Reaction score
789
Location
Arkansas
Hardiness Zone
7a
It might be time for a new one
Then you can try to repair the old one for a back up
 
Joined
Apr 10, 2010
Messages
3,214
Reaction score
1,299
Location
Phoenix AZ
I have no idea of course...never seen the pump, don't even know the model...but my first guess is if a mag drive pump stopped working well after I cleaned it I'd have to assume the problem is due to the cleaning. I worked a bit of grit into something or scratched the plastic. It's possible it's a complete coincidence and the problem had nothing to do with the cleaning, but that wouldn't be my first guess.

I don't know how magnets would lose power unless they were subjected to a demagnetizing field, it was dropped really hard (hard enough to smash the case), or got baked in an oven.

So I'd clean it again. No idea if that would help. Take the impeller out and soak everything in an acid bath. For a strong acid mix this can take just a couple of minutes, for weak, like straight vinegar I'd leave it in the bath for a few days. Use a brush on it and rinse in clean water.

I would only replace an impeller if broken. However, there's always a chance the dirt is on the impeller and replacing it would work. But that's a total guess, hit and miss type thing I try and stay away from. Plus the cost of an impeller with shipping vs the cost of a new pump...with my luck the new impeller isn't the right one or doesn't fit...well, it's just kind of a lot of risk for not knowing if that's the problem.

I rarely have any luck repairing small pumps. Partly because I just don't have enough experience. But it doesn't seem to me that the sealed components are made to be repaired. I don't generally clean pumps ever, unless obvious that's the issue. Their tolerances are so tight that cleaning can have the opposite of the intended results. For example, a nice bacteria slime is generally all over a pump surface. Clean the slime off with a detergent and you're left with a very rough and tough surface, like sandpaper. It'll feel smooth enough but be rougher than before. Acid in combo with brushing can help that.

And of course don't use any thing abrasive at all. Even a small scratch on a tight fitting plastic part can hose you. And don't add any lubrication ever.

For what it's worth...I remove and toss the pre-filter sponge first thing. They've caused more problems than they ever help imo. But of course this has nothing to do with your current problem.
 

koiguy1969

GIGGETY-GIGGETY!!
Joined
Dec 15, 2008
Messages
10,587
Reaction score
6,409
Location
Michigan zone 5b
TETRAPOND RULES.... I asked them on their facebook page about my pump... well i just checked my email and they thanked me for my sharing ponding, and fry raising techniques on their F/B page,the videos and pics ive contributed. the best part is they told me that they are more than happy to send me a new pump...no charge! ...on top of that i have been asked if theres any preferences i have in their koi food and other pond supplies that i could use...i guess they would like to send me a gift as well.


ok...just heard back....i'm getting a 1900gph pump and a bag of cold water (spring/fall)food...large bag i hope!!
 

koiguy1969

GIGGETY-GIGGETY!!
Joined
Dec 15, 2008
Messages
10,587
Reaction score
6,409
Location
Michigan zone 5b
well my package arrived today....one 1900gph pump..newer model it appears...looks slightly different, new packaging, and has a 5 year warranty... 2 bags of food 1- cold water, and one variety blend...and a package of sludge reducing tablets...may not use them, but the price is right...heres a pic.
SANY1386.jpg
 

HARO

Pondcrastinator
Joined
Jun 30, 2011
Messages
5,485
Reaction score
6,348
Location
Ontario, Canada
Hardiness Zone
5b
Country
Canada
I'll have to start shopping where you shop. Even with my discount, your prices beat the h--- out of mine! John
 

Ask a Question

Want to reply to this thread or ask your own question?

You'll need to choose a username for the site, which only take a couple of moments. After that, you can post your question and our members will help you out.

Ask a Question

Members online

No members online now.

Forum statistics

Threads
31,540
Messages
518,629
Members
13,774
Latest member
Keith94

Latest Threads

Top