Vortech Issue?

[texhorns98]

For some strange reason my Vortech MP40W just dropped off my tank! I went to reattach it and it was locked up. Took it apart and the spot where the ceramic bearing goes through the wet side assembly was broken. Weird. Anyway, I had a replacement part from another issue a while ago, so I installed that. Ever since then, the whole pump vibrates when it gets going and then eventually moves itself off of the dry side and everything falls apart again. I can run it low with no problem but once it reaches peak flow, it happens again. Maybe an issue with the spacer?

The wet side assembly has a slight wiggle to it, meaning I can slightly move the propeller drive back and forth. Is this normal?

 

[budsreef]

I run two 40s in my 120G, a 20 in my frag tank and have a spare wetside. I've noticed that some of them wiggle as well but I don't know if that is normal or a sign of wear. I regularly swap them all out with each other as I clean them and have seen certain combinations of wet and dry side that causes a little more vibration and falling off than others. It shouldn't fall off if everything is OK.

I'd take it apart again, soak it in vinegar water and/or bleach water and then put it back together and try it. Make sure when you are doing the initial allignment that you are doing it at high speed.

 

[jef4y]

Budsreef;544850 wrote:
I'd take it apart again, soak it in vinegar water and/or bleach water and then put it back together and try it. Make sure when you are doing the initial allignment that you are doing it at high speed.

I'd go this route too. If that doesn't work, check with EcoTech as their support is fantastic.

 

[texhorns98]

I've cleaned the bejesus out of it! I'm going to try adjusting the spacer on the dryside, maybe. If I set it to 5/8", the magnet should be stronger, no?

 

[gnashty]

I thought a vinegar soak was a no no for the vortech wet side?

 

[jmaneyapanda]

texhorns98;544977 wrote: I've cleaned the bejesus out of it! I'm going to try adjusting the spacer on the dryside, maybe. If I set it to 5/8", the magnet should be stronger, no?

That was my first thought

 

[snowmansnow]

contact EcoTech. They have GREAT CS, and will probably fix it even if it is out of warranty. At least this has been my exp.

b

 

[oz]

How old is the MP40? They seem to update the wetside setup constantly improving the bearings, driveshaft, propellor, etc. May be worth just calling them and buying the wetside upgrade, pretty inexpensive and improves efficiency.

 

[jonathan]

Oz;545028 wrote: How old is the MP40? They seem to update the wetside setup constantly improving the bearings, driveshaft, propellor, etc. May be worth just calling them and buying the wetside upgrade, pretty inexpensive and improves efficiency.

I have seen 3 revisions to the wetside components since I have had mine and the latest versions are a huge improvement over the original design. Make sure the ceramic bushing (white) is fully seated (and flush) into the wet frame. A vinegar bath is fine for cleaning the wetside. It is even mentioned in the manual as being the proper method.

 

[texhorns98]

Yeah, I'm mixing different wetside components now, so that might be some of the problem. You're right though, their customer service is top notch! Of course, it SHOULD be with what they charge for their pumps!