<P>Got a cheap overseas model aquarium pump off ebay. I drilled a hole in my sump well below the water line and connected the intake to the bulkhead via pvc. The return is connected to the tank via vinyl hose. When I pulled the plug on the bulkhead, I could hear water rushing through the pvc down to the pump. When I plugged it in, it was crazy loud, although it was pushing a bit of water. Now it is moving no water and just making a ton of noise. It sounds like a submersible pump that is plugged in outside of water, that kind of intermittent grinding noise. Could it be something that just needs cleaned or oiled, or are these the symptoms of a shot pump?</P>
External Pump not working
- Thread starter boojumsnark25
- Start date
Make sure there is water in the pump. Might have an air-pocket in it stopping the water from entering. If there isn't sufficient water it will make a racket. The impeller might not be seated properly, might be shot (you didn't give it's age), debris caught in it, etc. Pull it apart and clean it and try again.
no idea of the age since it was purchased on ebay. The motor spins in the back, but the propellor thing doesn't move. I took it apart and oiled it and whatnot, but its still not working. I'm probably going to just give up on it and plug the bulkhead and go back to my internal pump (probably should have tested it before drilling the hole...)
yea always a good idea to test a pump BEFORE drilling a hole new or used sometimes you get a defective one. I learned that lesson myself.
I had a similar problem but it was because I used the wrong type of pump for the application. I tried an Iwaki pump on my closed loop, only to find out the model I bought wasn't "pressure rated" meaning it couldn't be used in a closed loop. Pump sounded louder than a shop vac and was barely pushing any water. I don't think that is your problem though because your going the other way, open loop, which I think all pumps are capable of.
One thing I can think of, you aren't restricting/reducing the input size going into your pump at all are you? That would also cause that type of problem. You can reduce the output all you want, but the input side as the be fully open and no restrictions.
One thing I can think of, you aren't restricting/reducing the input size going into your pump at all are you? That would also cause that type of problem. You can reduce the output all you want, but the input side as the be fully open and no restrictions.
If the impeller isn't spinning, there could be calcium deposits causing it to stick. Can you pull it out, or is it stuck in there? If you can pull it out, try soaking it in vinegar for a few hours, and also add vinegar to the housing where the impeller is seated. This should remove the calcium deposit if that's the problem. Give everything a good rinse with water to remove all the vinegar afterwards.
bj:
This may sound strange based on your geometry but your pump is not fully primed.
You can use a garden hose at the bulkhead forcing water into the pump in order to fully prime the pump.
TR