aquabee pump impeller supposed to be "free spinning" on the shaft?

Ding2daDong · 05/07/2010, 01:45 PM

Hello everyone,

I just recently purchased a used DAS ex-1 protein skimmer and everything seems to be working fine except the aquabee pump is VERY loud. I had an ex-1 a year or so back in my dads office and this wouldn't last a minute in there without my dad freaking out because of the noise.

So, before I return it, I want to try and fix it if possible.

The impeller is not free spinning on the shaft which I think it should be. Here are some pictures. Can you tell if anything is wrong?

I appreciate any help so I can better handle this situation.

Thank you

-Matthew

CMcNeil · 05/07/2010, 02:37 PM

The shaft is NOT supposed to free spin on the impeller.it spins in the ceramic bushings.that spacer in pic 3 should be pushed all the way to the impeller,that might be the problem.

Ding2daDong · 05/07/2010, 02:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CMcNeil

The shaft is NOT supposed to free spin on the impeller.it spins in the ceramic bushings.that spacer in pic 3 should be pushed all the way to the impeller,that might be the problem.

It seems like the shaft is completely stuck, which seems okay, but am I supposed to be able to push that part in where the gap is? It just seems so fragile and I have really pushed it and it doesn't move.

Thanks for the help,

-Matthew

rishma · 05/07/2010, 03:01 PM

the space between the needlewheel and the white cap does not look right. I dont recall seeing that on my pumps. I think the white cap should be tight to the needwheel top.

It should not be really noisy, and they do quiet down after breaking in for a few weeks. but I think there is something wrong in the 3rd picture from the top.

CMcNeil · 05/07/2010, 03:37 PM

find something that fits over the shaft but touches the spacer(some small diameter PVC pipe should work).then drill a 1/4" hole in something to insert the bottom of the shaft into.then lightly tap the on the tube you placed over the shaft,this should seat that spacer.tap lightly and you shouldnt break the shaft.

Ding2daDong · 05/10/2010, 09:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CMcNeil

find something that fits over the shaft but touches the spacer(some small diameter PVC pipe should work).then drill a 1/4" hole in something to insert the bottom of the shaft into.then lightly tap the on the tube you placed over the shaft,this should seat that spacer.tap lightly and you shouldnt break the shaft.

You really think I can do that without cracking the impeller itself? I just would hate to break it and be stuck with a broken skimmer and out $150. I tried looking online and these impellers seem to be really hard to find.

I really appreciate the help everyone.

Thanks

-Matthew

Crowed · 05/11/2010, 07:42 AM

Older versions of AguaBee's had free spinning shaft, new version dnt. In non-spnning version shaft should be more resistant to breakage, scratchs.. especially in CaCo3 reactors when sand can get between shaft and magnet, etc..

Crowed · 05/11/2010, 07:49 AM

How old is your pump? Every pump is more or less louder in first weeks of use, until all parts dnt wear a little bit..

Zebodog · 05/11/2010, 08:33 AM

Based on the pics, you have the newer style with one piece shaft and ceramic bushings.

As others have stated, the shaft in pic3 is not seated on the impeller correctly and will contribute to inconsistent performance and additional noise.

Place a deep socket over the shaft and gently tap the shaft back into position. When you re-assemble, use a little grease on the ceramic bushings and lube the o-ring on the front face plate.

05/07/2010, 01:45 PM	#1
Ding2daDong Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: South Florida Posts: 2,723	aquabee pump impeller supposed to be "free spinning" on the shaft? Hello everyone, I just recently purchased a used DAS ex-1 protein skimmer and everything seems to be working fine except the aquabee pump is VERY loud. I had an ex-1 a year or so back in my dads office and this wouldn't last a minute in there without my dad freaking out because of the noise. So, before I return it, I want to try and fix it if possible. The impeller is not free spinning on the shaft which I think it should be. Here are some pictures. Can you tell if anything is wrong? I appreciate any help so I can better handle this situation. Thank you -Matthew

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05/07/2010, 02:37 PM	#2
CMcNeil Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: St.Petersburg,Florida Posts: 7,368	The shaft is NOT supposed to free spin on the impeller.it spins in the ceramic bushings.that spacer in pic 3 should be pushed all the way to the impeller,that might be the problem.

05/07/2010, 03:01 PM	#4
rishma Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Mississippi Posts: 1,206	the space between the needlewheel and the white cap does not look right. I dont recall seeing that on my pumps. I think the white cap should be tight to the needwheel top. It should not be really noisy, and they do quiet down after breaking in for a few weeks. but I think there is something wrong in the 3rd picture from the top.

05/07/2010, 03:37 PM	#5
CMcNeil Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: St.Petersburg,Florida Posts: 7,368	find something that fits over the shaft but touches the spacer(some small diameter PVC pipe should work).then drill a 1/4" hole in something to insert the bottom of the shaft into.then lightly tap the on the tube you placed over the shaft,this should seat that spacer.tap lightly and you shouldnt break the shaft.

05/11/2010, 07:42 AM	#7
Crowed Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 244	Older versions of AguaBee's had free spinning shaft, new version dnt. In non-spnning version shaft should be more resistant to breakage, scratchs.. especially in CaCo3 reactors when sand can get between shaft and magnet, etc..

05/11/2010, 07:49 AM	#8
Crowed Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 244	How old is your pump? Every pump is more or less louder in first weeks of use, until all parts dnt wear a little bit..

05/11/2010, 08:33 AM	#9
Zebodog Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Mississauga, ON Posts: 692	Based on the pics, you have the newer style with one piece shaft and ceramic bushings. As others have stated, the shaft in pic3 is not seated on the impeller correctly and will contribute to inconsistent performance and additional noise. Place a deep socket over the shaft and gently tap the shaft back into position. When you re-assemble, use a little grease on the ceramic bushings and lube the o-ring on the front face plate.