Varios 8 Seized Impeller

[Ehder]

Hello everyone. So after having a varios 8 in storage for a few years and suddenly needing it again, my impeller is completely seized up. Likely due to organics that i didn't 100% clean out before storage.

Has anyone out there used muriatic acid (hydrochloric acid) to clean their equipment without ill effects? I've already busted the impeller completely up to try to get the magnet out but it is just solid and does not move. Soaked it in citric acid for 3 days already.

Any suggestions would be appreciated!

 

[BeanAnimal]

I have seen a lot of posts indicating that the permanent magnet on the impeller swells due to internal corrosion.

Muriatic acid is likely going to create more damage to the rest of the pump.

 

[Ehder]

I have seen a lot of posts indicating that the permanent magnet on the impeller swells due to internal corrosion.

Muriatic acid is likely going to create more damage to the rest of the pump.

I was afraid it might be corrosion

 

[JeffB418]

I’d try soaking it citric acid for a day or two. Remove the housing so it’s just the propeller. There’s a vent port just about the propeller that goes behind the core and out the bottom where the impeller seats. Try pushing some of the citric acid solution into that port. I’ve had some propellers get build up on them and I could see it drying out. Citric will help it break up.

I run over a dozen varios pumps from 2 to 10s for years and never had an impeller fail to date. So I’m not fully sure it’s that.

 

[CBonito]

I’d try soaking it citric acid for a day or two. Remove the housing so it’s just the propeller. There’s a vent port just about the propeller that goes behind the core and out the bottom where the impeller seats. Try pushing some of the citric acid solution into that port. I’ve had some propellers get build up on them and I could see it drying out. Citric will help it break up.

I run over a dozen varios pumps from 2 to 10s for years and never had an impeller fail to date. So I’m not fully sure it’s that.

Agreed. I own 3 varios pumps and they kick butt. I've been really happy with them.

 

[BeanAnimal]

This is not likely calcification, there is nothing to dissolve. The impeller has swelled into place. It is common with these pumps, and others with similar impellers.

 

[Pridedcloth3]

Propeller moves water horizontally
impeller moves water vertically

Just throwing that out because I've seen both used here.

 

[BeanAnimal]

Propeller moves water horizontally
impeller moves water vertically

Just throwing that out because I've seen both used here.

horizontal vs. vertical is not the correct distinction.

A Propeller creates Axial flow, along the axis of rotation (linear).

An impeller accelerates fluid outward from the center, perpendicular to the axis of rotation (centrifugal).

 

[JeffB418]

it's also possible that the shaft is seized into the ceramic bearing on the front plate. have you tried removing the impeller assembly? remove the housing and use a flat screwdriver and pop the assembly from the housing. you can try freeing that. worst case you can buy a replacement assembly.

 

[Pridedcloth3]

horizontal vs. vertical is not the correct distinction.

A Propeller creates Axial flow, along the axis of rotation (linear).

An impeller accelerates fluid outward from the center, perpendicular to the axis of rotation (centrifugal).

Correct, I was using a more simplified description because not everyone will get that. A boat has a propeller to move but the impeller is what cools its engine by move water vertically. So it is absolutely correct. Or do they not do that at all?

 

[JeffB418]

My bad for using the wrong term... I am just trying to help people here.

 

[Pridedcloth3]

Alot

My bad for using the wrong term... I am just trying to help people here.

It happens, I was purely letting you know. One day you may be in a parts store and end up arguing with a cashier that shouldn't be working there.

 

[BeanAnimal]

Correct, I was using a more simplified description because not everyone will get that. A boat has a propeller to move but the impeller is what cools its engine by move water vertically. So it is absolutely correct. Or do they not do that at all?

"Horizontal" and "vertical" describe vectors relative to the horizon.

Propellers move fluid axially -- parallel to their axis of rotation.

Impellers move fluid perpendicular to their axis of rotation.

Either can move fluid horizontally or vertically.

A propeller in a tube, acting as a pump, is still a propeller, not an impeller.

A squirrel cage fan, even without a shroud, is still an impeller, not a propeller.

Centrifugal movement of fluid vs linear movement of fluid.

 

[CBonito]

Alot

It happens, I was purely letting you know. One day you may be in a parts store and end up arguing with a cashier that shouldn't be working there.

He would probably walk out before they asked if it has AC.

 

[Ehder]

Oh I've completely busted the impeller assembly and shaft trying to get this bugger out. Its been soaking in concentrated citric acid for many days now...

I even sent my drill after it and pounded on it with a 3lb hammer haha!

I have an extra assembly i can use, just need to get the old one out! Not interested in spending another 500

 

[CBonito]

Oh I've completely busted the impeller assembly and shaft trying to get this bugger out. Its been soaking in concentrated citric acid for many days now...

I even sent my drill after it and pounded on it with a 3lb hammer haha!

I have an extra assembly i can use, just need to get the old one out! Not interested in spending another 500

Well it's looking like you sure showed that thing!!!
I'm dying over here. I'm not laughing at you. I'm laughing with you.

I think @BeanAnimal was spot on that this thing swelled up in there and it's locked man. It might even be cracked inside too from the expansion. It's not bound up with calcium, it's in there the same way a concrete fastener works. Ever try pulling one of those out?

This baby needs a proper viking funeral.

 

[Ehder]

After nearly a week of trying to get this bugger impeller out of my Varios 8, i finally decided to take a different approach. I went out and got some PB blaster to see if that would loosen anything up. Nope! It just leaked right through out the back of the pump! This told me that it it definitely was corrosion on the magnet. So i went out and got me a 1-1/8" hole dozer drill bit. I took drastic action and drilled right through the magnet. Only took 30 minutes! Got it out and the pump is just fine!! Best 14 bucks I've ever spent!!

 

[BeanAnimal]

I wanted to like these pumps - still have on as air pump on Octo skimmer. I think they are better than the Vectras and some others, but I still think they are kind of crap. I have had (2) 6's die. Dead motor blocks.

 

[CBonito]

After nearly a week of trying to get this bugger impeller out of my Varios 8, i finally decided to take a different approach. I went out and got some PB blaster to see if that would loosen anything up. Nope! It just leaked right through out the back of the pump! This told me that it it definitely was corrosion on the magnet. So i went out and got me a 1-1/8" hole dozer drill bit. I took drastic action and drilled right through the magnet. Only took 30 minutes! Got it out and the pump is just fine!! Best 14 bucks I've ever spent!!

Not to be outdone by a stupid pump...the stakes were pretty high on this one.

You're a freaking superhero!!!

 

[CBonito]

I wanted to like these pumps - still have on as air pump on Octo skimmer. I think they are better than the Vectras and some others, but I still think they are kind of crap. I have had (2) 6's die. Dead motor blocks.

Really? That sucks.
I have 3 in service now for 2 years and they've been good. I have a spare 6 on the shelf just in case though.
I like these pumps a lot, but I don't hold any pump in such esteem that I'll allow myself to be stuck without an out if one dies. Unfortunate it has to be that way.