Split impeller
 

Hi there,

So my Skimmer started running really loud over the weekend. Finally took the pump apart to figure out what was going on with it and it turns out the impeller magnet has cracked and swollen.

So, J&L list them as back-ordered and I have an email out to Concept to see if they carry it. In the meantime, where do I run the bigger risk? Running the magnet in the skimmer and possibly exposing my tank further to whatever leaches out of the magnet, or going skimmerless until I can track down a replacement impeller?

Also, anyone know of any retailers I should try to see if they've got one and can ship to Red Deer? It's a vertex in-180 with the Resun pump.

Thanks,

Any chance you can run a different pump until you find the replacement part?

No extra pumps that would work unfortunately.

Send me a pic of how the pump hooks up Chris, I might have a pump you could use until you find an impeller.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8377/8...2e70b8c765.jpg
DSC01101.jpg by CDeeth, on Flickr

Here's a shot of it out of water, the connection to the skimmer body is metric, a 1" female is too big and a 3/4" female is too small. The connection is about 5 and 1/4" up the body of the skimmer.

Reading now that the "IN" series by vertex is discontinued in favour of their upcoming omega series, doesn't bode well for replacement part hunting.

You could do a mod and add a 90* hose fitting & glue it into the water inlet, then use a Dc5000 pump & a little bit of hose. I will have a look when I get home from my job tomorrow & see if I have anything that might work.

A mod may be an idea we will have see.

Another question; the impeller magnet is swollen at the split, and bulges out about a quarter inch on one side near the bottom. Will that have wrecked the pump by wearing down the walls inside the housing?

Yes & eventually it will completely seize up & cause the pump to overheat totally wrecking the pump.


Stay clear..... this Bear bites off limbs!!

Hmmm,

So is there any reliable way to guesstimate the damage done to the pump already. I noticed the noise started last week and got really loud over the weekend but I didn't get a chance to tear it apart until last night, so lets say 5 or 6 days of noticeable loudness and god knows how long it's been banging around without me noticing.

I don't know how keen I am to throw $45 after a new impeller if the pump only has a limited life left

It's hard to say the damage done. It could last months with a new impeller but it could just be days. Unless you where in the market to replace the whole skimmer I would look at doing a mod to a more reliable pump.


Stay clear..... this Bear bites off limbs!!