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Help with return pump failure.

I was doing my weekly water change and decided to clean my return pump (Mag 24). I took it apart cleaned off all the crud that was in the propeller and what not. I put it back together and it doesn't pump. It hums like power is going to the pump but the propeller won't turn.

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.
 

Brian

Officer Emeritus
Officer Emeritus
Mike I would take out the impellar again and make sure it is seated properly and that all the gaskets are in place (like the ones on the ends of the impellar)

You can also try to help it along a bit...turn it on and push on one of the blades with a screwdriver....I usually use my finger, but that's probably not safe! :D
 
Thanks brian, I took it apart and put it back together twice before I posted. I did it again to do what you said and jump start it with my finger or a screwdriver. Before I could even get that far I noticed that I broke it. I must have broke the propeller one of the other times I took it apart.

It's official. It's not worth it to clean your pumps.

Any suggestions on a new pump? Preferably an in Sump pump with a 1" return.
 
I broke the impeller .. but a piece of plastic is lodged all the way at the bottom. I tried getting a flathead screw driver down there to get it out but it's not working.

Also the Mag 24 kinda sucks. Too loud and way too much flow for my tank. I have it turned down to only 60% of it's flow rate.
 

pgordemer

Officer Emeritus
Officer Emeritus
FWIW for the future, I clean my pumps the hands off method, and they come out as good as new.

I put 3 gallons of White Vinegar in a 5 gallon container. I set the pump in the container for 24 hours. After 24 hours, I turn on the pump and run it for 24 hours. I then take out and soak it in clean RODI water for an hour and run it for an hour.

It looks as good as the day I bought it and when looked inside with a scope, its completely clean inside. I have brought pumps back from the dead that way and never disassembled one.
 
That's a pretty good way to clean your pumps Phil.

Do you happen to have a backup return pump you use during cleaning?

Carlo
 
I need a back up ... I might go and buy a propeller for my mag 24 for back up and then I'm looking at a Quiet One Pump model 6000. It's pretty cheap and I need something asap.
 
Thanks Andrew, I appreciate it.

I'll have the pump thing figured out by this afternoon hopefully. If not I'll get back to you.

Thanks.
 

pgordemer

Officer Emeritus
Officer Emeritus
NapoliNewJersey said:
I need a back up ... I might go and buy a propeller for my mag 24 for back up and then I'm looking at a Quiet One Pump model 6000. It's pretty cheap and I need something asap.

I am a bit far from you, (Paulsboro, NJ, 08066) but I have MAG9 which is my all purpose spare if you need it.
 

Brian

Officer Emeritus
Officer Emeritus
Mike, I know it's not your store of choice....But Animals and Things usually carry Mag impellers.
 
Thanks guys.

Yeah brian, Will actually told me to call them and I did... they didn't have the impeller for the 24 in stock.

I'm going to order the QuietOne 6000 and the impeller from Dr. FosterSmith and then i'll use the Mag24 as a backup. I figure I wouldn't have had a problem if I had a back up in the first place.

Right now I have a seperate pump (350gph Azoo) rigged up for the time being.
 
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