Problem replacing dart seal

herpboyben · 11/07/2009, 07:23 PM

Im having a problem replacing the seal on my dart. I cant get the screws holding the volute to the motor to come loose. I need this seal replaced replaced asap. thanks
Ben

addicted2reefin · 11/07/2009, 08:49 PM

there is nuts on the back, did u try taking those off?

herpboyben · 11/08/2009, 09:17 AM

yeah i tried taking them off. the screws holding the wetside right behind the volute to the motor are stuck so i cant get them loose.

Pyrrhus · 11/08/2009, 10:45 AM

I think those screws are hex head, try a small wrench.

herpboyben · 11/08/2009, 11:24 AM

I tried to take them off with a pair of needlenose pliers like the directions said but it ruined the head on the screws. I finally got them off with a pair of vise grips, but in the process I broke two of the screw heads. I cant get the broken screws out so I think I just ruined my pump

tkeracer619 · 11/08/2009, 11:37 AM

If the screws are not threaded onto anything I suggest trying to tap the screws out with a nail and hammer.

Otherwise send the pump to reeflo or take it to the machine shop in Mooresville.

herpboyben · 11/08/2009, 04:56 PM

thats the problem, the screws that snapped are screwed into the motor housing.

psychostieg · 11/08/2009, 05:41 PM

If you go to sears hardware, they have a special bit set that is for tapping screws that are messed up. Just go in, and tell them that you have a screw that is stuck with a stripped out head. I believe that the bit set runs between 15 and 30bucks. Let me know how it works out. I'm about to replace the seal on my dart too..... Should be fun...

dahenley · 11/08/2009, 05:43 PM

here is a link on how to replace the seals in a reeflo pump.
http://www.melevsreef.com/dart_seals.html

as for the screws. you need to find out if they are Metric or SAE. you can take it to a local electric motor shop. (there is usually a shop that rebuilds starters alternators and misc other electric motors) or you can see how faithull you are with your own abilities and drill out the screw and retap it. (being a mechanic, i wouldnt have a problem doing it for myself) they dont have to be perfect because the holes on the housing are slotted so it will be fine.

i hope that helps you.....

dahenley · 11/08/2009, 05:47 PM

the screw extractor's that sears sells are fine for bolts and screws unless they are seized in something. then the only way is to drill and tap.
you can try the 30$ extractor kit, but go ahead and pick up the right bit and tap. (if the extractor works for you, then return the others. chances are you will use them though)

luther1200 · 11/08/2009, 06:02 PM

You need screw extractors with left hand drill bits. Drill a tiny hole in the center of the screw with the left hand drill bits. Sometimes the screw will catch on the bit and come right out. Thats why you need left hand bits, a regular bit will tighten it more if it catches. You can do it with regular bits if you can't find the others though, (its just a lot easier with LH bits). Once you have the hole drilled just put the extractr in the hole and turn it and the screw should come out.

herpboyben · 11/08/2009, 07:37 PM

okay il try the the left hand bit.

scottwhitson · 11/08/2009, 07:43 PM

Chances are if you twisted the screws off they are siezed in there pretty tight and the extractors are not going to work. Take dahenley advice and pick up the next bigger size drill bit and tap.

luther1200 · 11/08/2009, 07:51 PM

But there is no harm in trying to get it out first.

scottwhitson · 11/08/2009, 07:54 PM

Very true just trying to save a trip to the store.

dahenley · 11/09/2009, 07:48 AM

good luck and let us know

11/07/2009, 07:23 PM	#1
herpboyben Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Mooresville, NC Posts: 329	Problem replacing dart seal Im having a problem replacing the seal on my dart. I cant get the screws holding the volute to the motor to come loose. I need this seal replaced replaced asap. thanks Ben __________________ Will work for frags PBITAWA Current Tank Info: 30g frag tank, 45 hex reef, 180g reef in the works

11/08/2009, 09:17 AM	#3
herpboyben Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Mooresville, NC Posts: 329	yeah i tried taking them off. the screws holding the wetside right behind the volute to the motor are stuck so i cant get them loose. __________________ Will work for frags PBITAWA Current Tank Info: 30g frag tank, 45 hex reef, 180g reef in the works

11/08/2009, 10:45 AM	#4
Pyrrhus Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Tempe, AZ Posts: 2,713	I think those screws are hex head, try a small wrench. __________________ Severe Knowledge In Plumbing

11/08/2009, 11:24 AM	#5
herpboyben Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Mooresville, NC Posts: 329	I tried to take them off with a pair of needlenose pliers like the directions said but it ruined the head on the screws. I finally got them off with a pair of vise grips, but in the process I broke two of the screw heads. I cant get the broken screws out so I think I just ruined my pump __________________ Will work for frags PBITAWA Current Tank Info: 30g frag tank, 45 hex reef, 180g reef in the works

11/08/2009, 11:37 AM	#6
tkeracer619 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Westminster, CO Posts: 17,289	If the screws are not threaded onto anything I suggest trying to tap the screws out with a nail and hammer. Otherwise send the pump to reeflo or take it to the machine shop in Mooresville. __________________ Hobby Experience: 9200ish gallons, 26 skimmers, and a handful of Kent Scrapers. Current Tank: Vortech Powered 600G SPS Tank w/ 100gal frag tank & 100g Sump. RK2-RK10 Skimmer. ReefAngel. Radium 20k.

11/07/2009, 08:49 PM	#2
addicted2reefin Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: hell, delaware Posts: 628	there is nuts on the back, did u try taking those off?

11/08/2009, 04:56 PM	#7
herpboyben Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Mooresville, NC Posts: 329	thats the problem, the screws that snapped are screwed into the motor housing. __________________ Will work for frags PBITAWA Current Tank Info: 30g frag tank, 45 hex reef, 180g reef in the works

11/08/2009, 05:41 PM	#8
psychostieg Registered Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Columbus, Ohio Posts: 165	If you go to sears hardware, they have a special bit set that is for tapping screws that are messed up. Just go in, and tell them that you have a screw that is stuck with a stripped out head. I believe that the bit set runs between 15 and 30bucks. Let me know how it works out. I'm about to replace the seal on my dart too..... Should be fun... __________________ In the hobby for 12 years. Currently have a 150 reef with 3 hamilton HQI 250's+ 2 6ft VHO attinics. Run ASM G3 for a skimmer, Wet dry , 24 watt UV sterilizer...have everything from a few hydnophora to a 20" mushroom coral. I'm also from Toledo ohio. Current Tank Info: SPS reef.... I overskim, overpump, overfilter, and like to make things BIG!

11/08/2009, 05:43 PM	#9
dahenley Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Lubbock, Tx Posts: 3,165	here is a link on how to replace the seals in a reeflo pump. http://www.melevsreef.com/dart_seals.html as for the screws. you need to find out if they are Metric or SAE. you can take it to a local electric motor shop. (there is usually a shop that rebuilds starters alternators and misc other electric motors) or you can see how faithull you are with your own abilities and drill out the screw and retap it. (being a mechanic, i wouldnt have a problem doing it for myself) they dont have to be perfect because the holes on the housing are slotted so it will be fine. i hope that helps you..... __________________ Its not just my tank, its OUR tank!!! :-) 240display, reef in progress Current Tank Info: 240 display, a few frags here and there. lots of fish, and lots of watching. (230 big screen getting re-sealed and going to add to the gallonage) My wife has no clue how addicted i really am.....

11/08/2009, 05:47 PM	#10
dahenley Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Lubbock, Tx Posts: 3,165	the screw extractor's that sears sells are fine for bolts and screws unless they are seized in something. then the only way is to drill and tap. you can try the 30$ extractor kit, but go ahead and pick up the right bit and tap. (if the extractor works for you, then return the others. chances are you will use them though) __________________ Its not just my tank, its OUR tank!!! :-) 240display, reef in progress Current Tank Info: 240 display, a few frags here and there. lots of fish, and lots of watching. (230 big screen getting re-sealed and going to add to the gallonage) My wife has no clue how addicted i really am.....

11/08/2009, 06:02 PM	#11
luther1200 Premium Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: NJ, shore Posts: 4,376	You need screw extractors with left hand drill bits. Drill a tiny hole in the center of the screw with the left hand drill bits. Sometimes the screw will catch on the bit and come right out. Thats why you need left hand bits, a regular bit will tighten it more if it catches. You can do it with regular bits if you can't find the others though, (its just a lot easier with LH bits). Once you have the hole drilled just put the extractr in the hole and turn it and the screw should come out. __________________ Matt, 65G reef tank Current Tank Info: 65g reef, mix of sps, lps, few softies. Hoping to upgrade within the year.

11/08/2009, 07:37 PM	#12
herpboyben Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Mooresville, NC Posts: 329	okay il try the the left hand bit. __________________ Will work for frags PBITAWA Current Tank Info: 30g frag tank, 45 hex reef, 180g reef in the works

11/08/2009, 07:43 PM	#13
scottwhitson Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Lewiston, Idaho Posts: 1,395	Chances are if you twisted the screws off they are siezed in there pretty tight and the extractors are not going to work. Take dahenley advice and pick up the next bigger size drill bit and tap.

11/08/2009, 07:51 PM	#14
luther1200 Premium Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: NJ, shore Posts: 4,376	But there is no harm in trying to get it out first. __________________ Matt, 65G reef tank Current Tank Info: 65g reef, mix of sps, lps, few softies. Hoping to upgrade within the year.

11/08/2009, 07:54 PM	#15
scottwhitson Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Lewiston, Idaho Posts: 1,395	Very true just trying to save a trip to the store.

11/09/2009, 07:48 AM	#16
dahenley Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Lubbock, Tx Posts: 3,165	good luck and let us know __________________ Its not just my tank, its OUR tank!!! :-) 240display, reef in progress Current Tank Info: 240 display, a few frags here and there. lots of fish, and lots of watching. (230 big screen getting re-sealed and going to add to the gallonage) My wife has no clue how addicted i really am.....