par max water pump kaput

[Wil]

My Par Max 2.9 stopped working today.

 

It spluttered for a minute or two and now wont pump anything. The motor does however continue to chug away and the unit vibrates as much as it used to. There is just no suction created.

 

I opened it up and couldnt see anything wrong, but neither could I see how the thing was meant to work!

 

Does anyone have an idea of what might have gone wrong?

 

 

Cheers

 

Will

[Keeping Up]

I assume you haven't run out of water?

[cloggy]

Air lock ???

[Wil]

What do you mean by Air Lock? Trapped air pocket?

[nbfiresprite]

blocked filter?

[Wil]

I took everything apart, cleaned the filter, blew through the pipes, and ran the pump by itself.

 

There seemed to be no suction created by the pipe even though it was vibrating lots

[b0atman]

if its a diaphragm pump then its probably split not sure what you get in repair kits which I think are available keep us informed on progress

[bottle]

If an impeller type pump the impeller has come adrift from the drive shaft or the fins have disintegrated.

 

Time to take it apart and have a look.

[BruceinSanity]

If an impeller type pump the impeller has come adrift from the drive shaft or the fins have disintegrated.

 

Time to take it apart and have a look.

The Par Max is a multi-diaphragm. I believe repair kits are available and some folk on here have successfully repaired such pumps, but others of us have failed miserably and found that buying a new pump was much easier. The problem for me was getting the pump body to seal up again. It is at least an easy swap as it has quick release connectors.

[jckm2000]

If you're buying a replacement yhink about changing to a Johnson, much better imo...

[frangar]

O

If you're buying a replacement yhink about changing to a Johnson, much better imo...

Or a ParMax 4..... Bigger motor and pump means less runtime so it all runs cooler and no lack of flow or pressure when someone fills the kettle and someone else is in the shower!

 

Cheers

 

Gareth

[Wil]

Thanks for the suggestions. Well a par max 4 be a straight swap out? Ie same connectors?

[frangar]

I think the ports are the same so you should be able to just use the old ones....it's a bit bigger diameter so if your pipework isn't flexible that might be a problem....it also has a slightly higher current draw which might be a problem if the wiring is borderline.

 

Cheers

 

Gareth

[Wil]

Know anywhere I can buy one in London?

[frangar]

Uxbridge boat centre might be worth a call....I'm in the midlands!

 

Cheers

 

Gareth

 

Edited to add

 

Make sure whatever pump you get it's got the same cut out pressure as the original one.....ParMax' can be either 25psi or 40psi....40psi might be a bit high if you have a calorifier

Edited February 14, 2014 by frangar

[Wil]

I don't have a calorifier.

 

Just taps, shower, and a morco boiler. Reckon 40psi is ok?

 

I actually ordered the 40 psi one yesterday so would need to amend the order 1st thing in the morning if it's not!

[b0atman]

morco boiler wont work if water pressure too low what pressure is faulty pump ?

[Wil]

Faulty pump was 25psi and as the Morco boiler never performed that well I thought I'd give 40psi a go. Think that's wise?

[frangar]

I'm afraid I've not got any real experience of morcos...the only thing I would say is that it's quite a jump from 25 to 40 psi....might be worth keeping an eye on joints and pipework just in case the extra pressure puts strain on any weak points.

 

Cheers

 

Gareth

[Wil]

ok thanks