MCE600 pump stopped working | The Aquarium Solution

MCE600 pump stopped working

Question:

Hi,

I have a MCE600 and i think i may have a problem with the aquabee pump.

The skimmer hasnt been skimming very well recently and in the past few days
the aquabee pump has been turning itself off randomly.

So yesterday i striped it down and gave it a good clean in warm RO water,
after this the skimmer foamed alot more and seemed to be back in business
but again it's still turning itself off then after a while comes back on
then goes off again.

just wondering if you have any ideas?

Thanks Pete

Answer:

Hi Pete

The pump is turning off as its tripping its internal protection. This is
usually because the impellor seizes due to lime scale build up in the
impellor housing.This reduces the amount of water lubrication between the
impeller and housing and in extreme cases the build up can catch the
impeller magnet.

RO water wont descale any calcium carbonate deposits within the pump.I suggest
you give it another strip down and soak the unit it EZ clean solution or at
a push 50% warm water to Vinegar solution. Also make sure the air intake
venturi is free from debris and blockages by taking a small drill bit and
cleaning out the hole by hand.

Also blow out the air tap and check the impeller spins freely on the shaft
without excess play on the shaft(side to side) if this is the older model
pump.The new model pumps impeller has an integrated fixed shaft that spins
in a ceramic insert within the grommets rather than inside the impeller magnet so if
its a new style pump don't expect the impeller to spin on the shaft.
Let me know how it goes

Regards Tony