Mak 4 quit after 8 months. What do I do?

[Kevro]

Hi everyone!

I have a MAK 4 pump that I got from Premium Aquatics 8 months ago. I turned it off to do routine maintenance on my tank and when I went to turn it back on, it just hums but doesn't move any water.

I still have the original box and receipt.

Premium Aquatics, who I have have had very good service from up until now, is basically clueless as far as what I should do. I cannot find the instructions/owner's manual and figured Premium Aquatics would at least know what I need to do to remedy the situation.

Right now my sump & protein skimmer is useless. I had to move my heaters in the main tank. And water changes/topoffs have become much more cumbersome!

Can anyone offer any suggestions. I don't expect Premium Aquatics to replace the pump, but I guess I expected a little more support than what I got.

Thanks In Advance!
Kevro

 

[jdeets]

Take out the impeller and clean the impeller and the hole the impeller fits into. It sounds like something got into the impeller and jammed it.

 

[Tremelle]

Have you tried going to the manufacturer's website, if they have one, and see if they have any info? Or they may at least have an email address or 800 telephone number to call for advice?

 

[danmhippo]

while you are at it, pull out the magnet by the pins. Check if there are 2 small black end-caps at either end of the pin. (someone correct me if I am wrong that Mag impeller pins does not have end caps.....I remembered they do) Make sure the end-caps are in place and the pin is properly seated.

 

[Kevro]

I don't mind trying the things you've listed, as long as it won't affect the manufacturer's warranty.

Thanks,
Kevro

 

[jdeets]

Kevro--it would be more likely that NOT doing the things we've suggested would void the mfr's warranty. The things we've suggested are basic periodic pump maintenance. Your concern is the equivalent of not wanting to change the oil in your car because you were afraid it would void the warranty.

 

[pez]

I had the same problem recently (my pump is a sight older than 8 months though - 5 years). Turns out I had some air trapped in the pump and it wouldn't start to spin. Got the air out and everything is working fine now. This was a Mak-4/Gen-X

-Tom

 

[Kevro]

jdeets,
I totally understand where you're coming from, it's just that some manufacturers are really anal about people trying to fix things themselves because sometimes they make the problem worse. If there's just something clogging the impeller, I can certainly take care if that without a problem, I was mainly referring to the more extreme measures like pulling the magnet out, etc.

I'll let everyone know how things go.

Thanks Again,
Kevro

 

[RUaBatfish2]

Kevro, I run a MAK4 for my skimmer and I just looked at the pump label and it has a phone number under Pacific Coast Aquarium Supply. It's 503-625-7936. I'm sure the pump is still under warranty. I am very suprised Premium doesn't know how to handle this.
Damnhippo, this is a MAK4/GenX external pump. You're referring to a Mag Drive.

 

[jdeets]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by RUaBatfish2:
<STRONG>Damnhippo, this is a MAK4/GenX external pump. You're referring to a Mag Drive.</STRONG><HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

RU--I was thinking the same thing--that it was a Mag instead of a Mak. So my suggestion may not make all that much sense...

 

[bowfront]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Kevro:
<STRONG> I was mainly referring to the more extreme measures like pulling the magnet out, etc.</STRONG><HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

LOL

Kevro all pumps (external and submersible) require some form of periodic maintenance, which usually includes removing the magnet and cleaning it. Try soaking it in a container of half white vinegar and half water if the magnet doesn't spin properly on the ceramic shaft. I don't own a Mak 4 so I don't know exactly how they are designed but most magnetic drive pumps operate similarily.
If all else fails you may need to replace the impleller but this is doubtfull due to the age of your pump. Good luck.

 

[Iron]

yup mine did this after about 8mo take it part and clean all the crud= like new. cleaning every 8mos is great compared to clean some pumps every few weeks.

 

[Dewey]

I had the same thing happen. It must be cleaned, especially if your Ca levels are good. When you take it apart there should be a bunch of crud stuck all over (keeping it from spinning freely). I soak mine in Vinegar for hours and clean it off.