Emergency help

Christofari · 09-10-2003, 02:34 AM

I turned off my Iwaki 70rlt return pump to try and get a green chromis out of the overflow and now it won't turn on.... Does anybody have any idea why this would happen? I don't want to leave everything off overnight....

QuAcKeR · 09-10-2003, 03:05 AM

Maybe that circuit is tripped... a long shot I know.

SouthernReefer · 09-10-2003, 04:39 AM

step 1: whack it with a large blunt object. (refered to as a "technical tap")
step 2: repeat step 1 until pump operates, or needs replacing.

Mkelly · 09-10-2003, 08:48 AM

Is it primed?

Some info a faq and some reapir info. I don't know a thing about marine depot, dont support them dont know em and dont care but they were the first guys I saw with a link for your pump.

http://www.marinedepot.com/a_pu_iwaki_info.asp

In the unlikely event there are any problems with Iwaki water pumps or warranty work is needed at some point, please contact Iwaki directly at 508.429.1440 for an RGA. Do NOT send a pump back to Iwaki without an RGA number.

Alice · 09-10-2003, 11:05 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by SouthernReefer
step 1: whack it with a large blunt object. (refered to as a "technical tap")
step 2: repeat step 1 until pump operates, or needs replacing.

I call this "percussive maintenance."

Joel · 09-10-2003, 11:29 AM

Quote:

step 1: whack it with a large blunt object. (refered to as a "technical tap")

"tap" it til it sounds expensive.

Christofari · 09-10-2003, 02:33 PM

Thanks for all of your replies. It's things like this that just make me absolutely crazy. I tried hitting it with a hammer and other large objects without any luck. This morning as a last ditch attempt I connected power, picked it up and started shaking it like a mad man. What do you know, it started working...... You would think with an expensive pump like an Iwaki I wouldn't be having these kinds of problems.

Thanks again for all of your help.

tdwyatt · 09-11-2003, 12:43 AM

clean the impeller.

gregt · 09-11-2003, 06:14 AM

Quote:

clean the impeller.

Yep. If you don't, it'll just keep happening.

RWD · 09-11-2003, 09:40 AM

How old is the pump? As the others said you may have to clean the impeller. Take it apart and soak the impeller in some white vinegar. Calcium and other gunk can coat the inside of the pump causing it to stop. Bob

Christofari · 09-11-2003, 01:10 PM

Thanks, I'll have to do that (clean the impeller with white Vinegar). I wish I would have though about that before I PVC piped and glued everything together.... Not that big a deal just cut and redo.

The pump is about 1 year old... Thanks again!

JennM · 09-11-2003, 01:44 PM

Glad Tom said it - I was thinking it as I read. Probably some sand or gunk in the impeller, just enough to make it not want to start up again. A missing eel has been known to cause such a problem ... (EWWWW!

)

I don't know about Iwaki (never have worked on one) but with some of the magnetic drive pumps (ie: Sen) if the pump runs dry for any length of time (read: absent-minded veterinary office workers fail to top off tank), the impeller magnet can overheat and crack, and the pump will continue to work until it's unplugged, then the magnet casing will swell and the pump won't come back on. Hate it when that happens....

Glad you got it to work - but a good cleaning periodically is recommended and necessary.

When you re-plumb the cut PVC, splurge and stick a union in there, so you can undo it easily next time, and put it back easily

Jenn

Casey · 09-11-2003, 03:11 PM

if you dont clean the impellar,then never turn it off

asmith · 09-11-2003, 06:24 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Casey
if you dont clean the impellar,then never turn it off

That is exactly what I do!!!

tdwyatt · 09-11-2003, 08:38 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by asmith
That is exactly what I do!!!

Heh!

...and pray for good weather (so the power doesn't cut out...)