New pump won’t start, can anybody help?

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dannybeveridge

Aquarium Advice Newbie
Joined
Jan 14, 2019
Messages
2
Hi guys,

I’ve read plenty of “my pump won’t start” threads but this seems to be something different.

I bought a cheap 12v pump off eBay (https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com.au%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F282427844250) but it wouldn’t start.

It’s brand new, so it’s not clogged but I unscrewed the face plate to expose the impeller, which I found had a magnetic shaft sitting in a recess.

With the power on, I could JUST see it wanting to move but remaining “stuck.” So with the impeller still exposed, I have it a little push in the right direction. Nothing - it never picked up momentum and almost immediately stopped. It took quite a big “flick” of the impeller to get it turning fast enough to “sync” with the electromagnets that we’re no doubt behind the recess cover.

Once I’d given it a good kickstart, though, it kept running and I was able to screw the plate back on and pump some water. Unfortunately whenever it stops, I couldn’t get it going again unless I pulled it apart and helped it along.

I tried forcefully sucking water through, hoping the water flow would be enough to kick start it but no. I tried running it for half an hour, hoping it would all “bed in” but again, didn’t work.

Does anyone if this is normal behaviour? Am I doing something wrong? Is there some secret way to kickstart it like with a magnet or something? Or is the device likely faulty?

Thanks in advance
 
When my impellers stop working I take the impeller out and scrub the housing with a toothbrush that the magnet sits in. It usually has a little gunk up in it. Then it seems to work again for me. Also scrub the top if the impeller and inspect the shaft for any build up. Worth a shot before throwing it away.
 
If this is a new unused pump that was like this out of packaging then I think its a faulty pump. Do as fisher said and make sure nothing is in area the impeller slides into. If it still doesn't work then I would say faulty pump. What pump is this?
 
Just that el-cheapo one on eBay that I posted the link to.

I wonder if maybe I should grease it?
 
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