(3) 6040 powerheads with swollen cords after cleaning

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rc1626

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Hi Roger,
I just finished cleaning (3) 6040 powerheads and noticed the part of the cords that were in the water/vinegar solution expanded. Not sure if pumps are still safe to use. I also cleaned a 10 year old 6055 and a cobalt MJ1200 with no swelling at all. Water/vinegar mix was about 1/2 gallon of white vinegar to about 4 gallons of water in a 5 gallon bucket. Any help would be appreciated.
Rob

Although hard to see pic attached.

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rvitko

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How old are the pumps? Were the pumps run in the solution so it got hot or just soaked? I wouldn't expect this from 50/50 vinegar and water but strong acids or heat can do this.
 

MTBake

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I have had this happen as well. The cords became brittle and started to crack apart on me. Those power heads went into the trash as a result. I now avoid using vinegar to clean them. Just a brush and ro/di water these days. I also had 2 of 3 6015s seize on me after soaking them.
 

rvitko

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That should not happen. If the pumps are run in a small bucket, the solution gets very hot and the heat and acid can deform the cables, but otherwise they should not be harmed by a mild acid. The best way to clean the pumps is to remove the drive unit, soak the motor, drive unit and front housing for about 2-3 hours in 50/50 vinegar and water, rinse and reassemble and use a brush to get any really stubborn build up.
 
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rc1626

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They were not run in the bucket. Have never done that when cleaning pumps. They were put in the bucket with vinegar/water and put in the garage for about a day and a half. Warm water from the tap.....never hot. Pumps were ordered 12/22/2016 from BRS. I've owned my share of Tunze pumps and have always cleaned the same way. Never had this issue.
Thanks.
 

rvitko

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They are under warranty, just email me your receipt. Tunze at sbcglobal dot net For the future, I might avoid the garage, at least in the summer, a warmer acid solution can be more aggressive on the cables. My garage is easily 110 this time of year and hotter if a hot car is parked in it, I am not sure how this happened, but I have only seen it myself from the combination of heat and acid.
 
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rc1626

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Thank you so much! Advice well taken. I will definitely change my cleaning procedures. Receipt sent.
Rob
 
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