Dolphin Pump, Leaking

theron · 05-21-2005, 08:43 PM

My Dolphin 3000 pump is leaking already. I purchased the abrasive seals but I thought I would see how long the stock marine seals would last. They lasted 2 weeks. I like the pump but I am surprised that they would ship pumps with faulty seals. My tank is bare bottom with just LR. I would think the seals should be able to handle that.

It is a very small leak but it looks like I am going to have to figure out how to install the new ones. I have the instuctions that came with the new seals. If anyone has any tips for installing them let me know.

Theron

Illusion · 05-21-2005, 10:30 PM

Get a hold of Reefcam.. He has done it many many times... He might be able to give ya some good pointers

James

reefcam · 05-21-2005, 10:44 PM

That's weird that the seal will be leaking by now. Sometimes the impeller may not be tighten enough. In my case today, I tighten my impeller to tight, but all fixed.

The pump is not hard to fix, but if you need help let me know.

I would give Dolphin a call. Maybe they can send you a replacement seal as a back up later.

theron · 05-22-2005, 12:44 PM

Thanks, I will call Dolphin and see what they have to say.

How long is the pump out of service when you replace the seals?

Theron

Illusion · 05-22-2005, 01:08 PM

I believe Jim told me 24hrs

James

theron · 05-22-2005, 01:29 PM

I don't have any corals in the now so it is no big deal to shutdown the CL for a day. Would this be a concern if I had certian types of corals? If the CL is down, the only flow would be from the sump return, ~900 gph?

Theron

reefcam · 05-22-2005, 02:02 PM

24 hour is the best to allow the silicon to cure. I have done it as short as 4 hours, but need to keep the pump in room temperature to allow the silicon to cure. That's the only reason. The seal has 2 pieces. The impeller piece and wet end piece.

Krux · 05-24-2005, 01:15 AM

just don't overtighten the shaft when you reassemble!

dang it chewie where were you when we needed to dismantle mine!

theron · 06-09-2005, 01:55 AM

I just wanted to give an update about my leaking pump. I called Dolphin and they sent me new marine seals, no questions asked. I will keep them as backup. I have the abrasive proof but I have not installed them yet. I have been working on other parts of the tank. I have a cup under the leak for now. I was not using a prefilter. Does anyone use a prefilter with these pumps? I am assuming they are not needed with the abrasive proof seals.

Theron

reefcam · 06-09-2005, 03:03 AM

they recommend a prefilter, but I don't. I have the abrasive seals on, so we will see if they live up to their name.