Why is my MJ1200 with SureFlow mod doing this?

Myka · #1 05-25-2009, 12:39 AM

Sometimes it fixes itself, and sometimes I have to unplug it. The propeller is sliding up the shaft, and the petals of the propeller are whacking into a tab on the inside of the basket end. I'm thinking I could nip the tab off, but i'm not sure what it's purpose is. Anyone know why this is happening?

I just bought the pump used, soaked it in vinegar, and put it in my tank. It started doing this right away.

Delphinus · #2 05-25-2009, 12:53 AM

The tab is there to ensure the prop spins in the right direction, since powerheads can spin both ways. If it starts up in the "reverse" direction the prop should suck itself outwards, and then hit that tab and bounce off and start spinning in the forward direction.

If it is constantly hitting it though, then something's up. One thing I have noticed with these SureFlow kits is that the shaft itself will corrode and fall apart. It looks solid until you pull it out of the magnet and then it's obvious that it's done for. I've found with mine I can't really get more than a year out of these Sureflow kits, but who knows, YMMV, I don't really get a lot of good luck with stuff in this hobby myself. But this is what I would check for on yours.

Myka · #3 05-25-2009, 01:07 AM

Thanks Tony! I figured there was a reason for the tab. I just pulled the shaft out, and there is not a speck of rust on it, but it is scratched up. I think that owul dbe normal though...?

Canuckgod420 · #4 05-25-2009, 01:40 AM

mine does that to....all I do is give it a squirt through the front with my turkey baster( detritus getter outter from live rock) and it starts to spin in the right direction.

Myka · #5 05-25-2009, 01:43 AM

I stuck my finger in it, and can get it going again, but it keeps doing this...like every couple minutes.

Tom R · #6 05-25-2009, 03:37 AM

I had one and it sucked water in more than it pushed water out. I tried everything I could think of and finally I changed to the smaller propeller 1600 GPH and worked. I would never buy another one.

Tom R

Denis · #7 05-25-2009, 03:49 AM

Sometimes it helps if you trim the white propeller with scissors. Better than using the black one.

Myka · #8 05-25-2009, 04:07 AM

I only have the white propeller. That's the bigger one isn't it?

EDIT: Upon closer inspection, I think the propeller is spinning the wrong direction. How do I fix that?

Boomboy · #9 05-25-2009, 04:41 AM

try turning it off and then back on, i did a mod on a 1200 not what you are doing and i found that plugging it in made it go one way and then unplugging and plugging back in made it go the other way. just a thought try that and see if it works. i could be totally wrong though.

mike31154 · #10 05-25-2009, 05:04 AM

Sounds weird. As mentioned, AC powerheads will spin in either direction when plugged in and with the original impeller, it doesn't matter, since it's not directional, it pushes water through the volute either way. As noted, the tab is there to try and bounce it into the proper direction when fitted with a propeller.

It is possible that the propeller may be fitted on to the shaft the wrong way around though. When you look at the prop from the side, you should notice that the blade tines are sort of flat on one side and curved, or rounded on the opposite side. If I'm not mistaken, the flat part should be at the front, away from the powerhead body and the curved part at the back. Don't know if that description makes sense. If not, I'll try to come up with a pic or something.

Edit. Photos attached where the pen represents the driveshaft. Correct, Incorrect, and a moded Aquaclear impeller with prop in correct config.

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