Problem with Gen x pump pipe threads

ezhoops · 03/08/2006, 10:29 PM

trying to hook up my gen x 55 to my MRC-2 skimmer and the riser or outlet on the gen x pump will not stop leaking. Its a Female pipe thread connection. I have the FPT connected to a 1" true union. I've tried tape, white paste and everything has leaked. I am getting really frustrated. Tomorrow I plan to use the slow set TFE paste.

any other suggestions.

I think the problem is that the pump threads are plastic and the the pipe is PVC, I'm guessing though

samsfishnchips · 03/08/2006, 10:51 PM

"I think the problem is that the pump threads are plastic and the the pipe is PVC, I'm guessing though"

no thats not the problem,

can you take a pic?

and hope you are not trying to hook this skimmer with just hard pvc...

sam

jdieck · 03/08/2006, 11:02 PM

Also check that the pump housing has not cracked around the threaded area as overtightening can easily do it. remember that the threads are conical (tapered) and the more we tighten the more the male fitting try to expand the female fitting.

ezhoops · 03/09/2006, 09:50 AM

Quote:

and hope you are not trying to hook this skimmer with just hard pvc...

No, not exactly. I have limited space so my plumbing is a little unusual but I have from the pump a FPT adapter, 2 45's and then about a 2.5' piece of spa flex and then it connects to a coupler to the beckett intake.

pics will come soon

Aquaduck · 03/09/2006, 10:48 AM

Those pumps use an O ring to seal the fittings. Look at the hose adapters that came with the pump, you will see an O ring on them. It's there for the reason that if you try and use too much teflon tape and force to tighten the fittings the pump housing will crack. I know this from experience. I ended up permanently glueing the fittings in place using PVC transition cement.

ezhoops · 03/09/2006, 12:17 PM

I got NO O rings with my pump or hose adapters.

Jayson · 03/10/2006, 11:09 AM

use some aquarium silicon on the threads of the pump. Screw your fitting on the pump and let dry for a few hours.

jdieck · 03/10/2006, 12:07 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Jayson
use some aquarium silicon on the threads of the pump. Screw your fitting on the pump and let dry for a few hours.

Good advice but I think it will be better to apply the silicon to the fitting threads rather than the pump threads if the pump is female. This way while screwing in the fitting, the excess silicone is left out rather than being pushed into the inside of the pump where it might restrict the flow or get into the impeller and volute areas. If you wish in addition to the fitting you can also use a small amount of silicon only on the first two or three threads on the pump side.

Jayson · 03/10/2006, 12:48 PM

pump is male threads fittings are female thread.

jdieck · 03/10/2006, 01:14 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Jayson
pump is male threads fittings are female thread.

Sorry, I got confused by the statment in the first post:
...outlet on the gen x pump will not stop leaking. Its a Female pipe thread connection.

03/08/2006, 10:29 PM	#1
ezhoops Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Royal Oak, Michigan Posts: 3,530	Problem with Gen x pump pipe threads trying to hook up my gen x 55 to my MRC-2 skimmer and the riser or outlet on the gen x pump will not stop leaking. Its a Female pipe thread connection. I have the FPT connected to a 1" true union. I've tried tape, white paste and everything has leaked. I am getting really frustrated. Tomorrow I plan to use the slow set TFE paste. any other suggestions. I think the problem is that the pump threads are plastic and the the pipe is PVC, I'm guessing though

03/08/2006, 10:51 PM	#2
samsfishnchips Premium Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: New Jersey Posts: 2,328	"I think the problem is that the pump threads are plastic and the the pipe is PVC, I'm guessing though" no thats not the problem, can you take a pic? and hope you are not trying to hook this skimmer with just hard pvc... sam __________________ Every moment is a chance for happiness. Current Tank Info: 90G 99% SPS

03/08/2006, 11:02 PM	#3
jdieck Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Maumee, OH Posts: 15,673	Also check that the pump housing has not cracked around the threaded area as overtightening can easily do it. remember that the threads are conical (tapered) and the more we tighten the more the male fitting try to expand the female fitting. __________________ Did I write what I wrote? What the heck am I talking about! Well..... Nevermind. Current Tank Info: 225 gal reef, DSB, 40 g sump w/ LRT100 return, 37 g pre-sump, 3 MH 250 W 15K, 4 96 W PC dual actinic,ETS 1500 Skim.w/LRT70, 20 lb Ca R., 40 W UV, 1/3 HP chiller, two 350 W Htrs, Neptune II Cont., 330 P LR/ 330 P LS. 55 gal Refugium

03/09/2006, 12:17 PM	#6
ezhoops Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Royal Oak, Michigan Posts: 3,530	I got NO O rings with my pump or hose adapters. __________________ "Keep your Friends Close, Your Anemones Closer" Current Tank Info: Working on 60 cube, sicce 3.0 return pump, 29 gal sump with fuge,Bubble Magnus NAC6 Skimmer, Aquaticlife 4 bulb T-5 VHO, 29gal Rare Clown breeding

03/09/2006, 10:48 AM	#5
Aquaduck Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Waterloo, Ont. Canada Posts: 1,076	Those pumps use an O ring to seal the fittings. Look at the hose adapters that came with the pump, you will see an O ring on them. It's there for the reason that if you try and use too much teflon tape and force to tighten the fittings the pump housing will crack. I know this from experience. I ended up permanently glueing the fittings in place using PVC transition cement.

03/10/2006, 11:09 AM	#7
Jayson Moved On Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Canada Posts: 159	use some aquarium silicon on the threads of the pump. Screw your fitting on the pump and let dry for a few hours.

03/10/2006, 12:48 PM	#9
Jayson Moved On Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Canada Posts: 159	pump is male threads fittings are female thread.