Blue line pump

[putemup]

Over the past week my Blue line 40 pump has sporadically stopped working for no apparent reason two or three times. The motor on the pump continues to run but it sounds like the blades aren't spinning and the unit is not moving water.

To restart the water motion I simply have to cut the power to the pump for about a minute then restart the unit and at that point all is well.

I've had the pump for about 4 years.

What is causing this?
Is it time for a new pump?

 

[seth the wine guy]

Have you taken the pump off and cleaned it?

 

[acroholic]

Seth The Wine Guy;920597 wrote: Have you taken the pump off and cleaned it?

+1......sounds like calcium buildup. Take it apart and soak the impeller in vinegar overnight.

BlueLine/Panworld pumps operate like this: The motor is attached to a round spinning magnet. The spinning magnet turns and makes another magnet spin that is attached to the impeller. Any buildup of calcium or other gunk on the impeller can cause friction and make the impeller/magnet combo stop, while the motor/magnet combo keeps spinning.

Try cleaning it like Seth suggests before buying a new pump or a new impeller.

 

[putemup]

I have had to replace a broken impeller in the past. But I have not ever cleaned the unit. Is there any chance of the motor overheating and catching fire while its running and not moving water?

 

[acroholic]

PutEmUp;920611 wrote: I have had to replace a broken impeller in the past. But I have not ever cleaned the unit. Is there any chance of the motor overheating and catching fire while its running and not moving water?

I would doubt it, but don't know for sure. In all my time in this hobby, I have never heard of any Pan World/BlueLine pump catching fire.