Reef Octo Askoll 1500 start up issues ?

[mbrady4him]

Askoll 1500 pump start issues
I just bought a used Reef Octopus skimmer with an Askoll 1500 pump, was used with heavy calc and never cleaned for over 1 year. I first tested it and it had trouble starting up, would only start after moving the impeller a few times. When I unplugged it and plugged it back in several times, after about five times it would not start up again unless I moved the impeller again. I took it home and put it in a 30 gal tank with 2 gallons of vinegar with the tank half full of water, ran pump for several hours, it shut off once on me got it to restart by moving the impeller. I took the pump impeller and housing apart for a good cleaning, reassembled and it is about the same, it will not restart every time you unplug it.
Q. Would a new impeller fix this? It feels like there is a weak spot when moving the impeller.
Q. If the impeller is a good fix where can I pick up one, I found SWC impeller and housing, but it’s very expensive, there must be somewhere I can just buy the impeller.
Q. If I can’t find the replacement impeller, should I just run it until it dies, I have a backup Euro-Reef skimmer or just go with a new Bubble Blaster HY 5000 or pay $300 for another Askoll 1500?
Thanks for the help
Mark

[Chris27]

Likely the pump is overheating and shutting down....that is if the impeller and pump are nice and clean and undamaged. A new motor block may be the way to go.

If you crack this thing open, you should find the pump body you need....

http://www.fosterandsmithaquatics.co...m?pcatid=12824