Iwaki 55-RLT

[Alfredo De La Fe]

Hey All:

Dont know if this is the right forum, but there is no specific forum for discussing Reef tank equipment.

Anyway, we are trying to fix my Iwaki pump and ran into a problem. The impeller of my pump is very different than the impellers being sold online. My pump is the Japanese version and is older.

At some point it really slowed down at pushing water. Hopefully it is the impeller and not the motor. Any way of testing the impeller?

Thanks,

Alfred

 

[Aquatic Life Direct]

do you have any pics? The impeller should turn smoothly. If its hard to turn i suspect the motor itself.

 

[cali_reef]

Post some pictures of the impeller and the housing.

 

[Alfredo De La Fe]

I could not get my camera working today. Which is a bit stressful, considering that I planned on photographing some coins tomorrow!

Anyway, I will try to borrow my wifes camera.

Thanks,

Alfred

 

[Alfredo De La Fe]

Ok, my impeller looks like this (but it is white):

http://www.marineandreef.com/MD_100RLT_Impeller_Iwaki_p/riw00147.htm

The impellers I am finding for the 55RLT look like this:

http://www.championlighting.com/product.php?productid=18902&cat=0&page=1

Are they interchangable?

Alfred

 

[cali_reef]

The black one looks like a pressure rate pump impeller, the latter none-pressure rated. or is it the other way around?:headache:

 

[cali_reef]

what happen to the old impeller? did you drop it on the floor?

 

[RGibson]

None of the impellers look like one for a Iwaki 55-RLT .

 

[Alfredo De La Fe]

The pump just stopped pushing water, the flow rate I was getting was a trickle. The only thing I can think of is that it is time to change the impeller. It is either that or the motor. The impeller certainly looks fine. But could it have been demagnetized (or "whatever" happens to powerhead impellers when they go bad but look like new?)

My Gen-X 4 back-up pump is not working that much better and is NOISY. I dont have $350 to spend on a new pump right now... I was hoping to be able to salvage the Iwaki, it was a great pump.

Alfred

what happen to the old impeller? did you drop it on the floor?

 

[cali_reef]

Try soaking the impeller and housing in strong vinegar overnight (my personal choice is water down acid) and check the holes on the impeller for blockage by snails or Ca build up.

Do you use Kalk?

 

[Alfredo De La Fe]

The impeller and housing were clean, they had a thin coat of slime, but they are not in bad shape. I assume that either the impeller went bad or the motor did. But it is an awefully expensive assumption- an impeller will run me over $100.

Alfred

 

[cali_reef]

Try plugging in the pump without the impeller and front housing, listen for the motor to ensure it is turning at a high speed. I am not sure if the impeller would be the problem.

You should be able to pick up a used 55 RLT for less than $100.

 

[RGibson]

Try plugging in the pump without the impeller and front housing, listen for the motor to ensure it is turning at a high speed. I am not sure if the impeller would be the problem.

You should be able to pick up a used 55 RLT for less than $100.

If the motor will not start without the impeller spend the ring by hand if the motor starts you need a new a capacitor,you will fine it on top of the motor.

 

[RGibson]

You can get a new capacitor from Iwaki Walchem Holliston MA-tel 508-4291440.