Little Giant external pumps get VERY hot

[britfish]

I am running 2 Little Giant external 1100GPH pumps (3-MDQX-SC) and they both get VERY HOT. So hot that you can't bear to touch them. Is this normal? I have oiled them to reduce friction. If anyone else is using these pumps I'd really appreciate your feedback. Thanks.

[SoLiD]

I have used a 4MDQ-SC. It think it has some kind of internal fan blades in the back or something because when it is running it pushes a good amout of air out the back. Make sure it's not clogged up. Get an Air Can and Blow it Out. When It's off of course. HTH

-David

[britfish]

I checked and there's no internal fan. The only serviceable part is the water impeller which I have removed and cleaned.

[SoLiD]

Are you getting some sort of air coming off the pump when it's running? How new is the model. I bought mine some time last year.

[britfish]

No there's no air comming from the pump. I don't know how old it is as I bought it used as part of a complete system but I think its a bout a year old. I went to the manufacturers website www.lgpc.com (http://www.lgpc.com) and they show an exploded view of the pump and there's no fan.
How hot does yours get? Can you put your hand on it for a while? I can't touch mine as it so hot!

[captexas]

Pumps are electric motors that are turning rather fast and in turn create heat. If there is no fan to help cool the motor it will of course be very warm/hot to the touch. Thats why most internal and some external pumps are known to increase your water temp. The water transfers the heat away. Of course not all pumps are the same, some are worse than others. You might try getting a clip on fan ($8 or so at Wal-Mart) and have it blow on the pumps to help cool them.

[bozack]

I have a couple of LIttle Giant pumps and they seem to run pretty hot but I have always oiled them and get the areas around them clear to keep the air moving.
& years nonstop and no problems.......

[SoLiD]

I will check my pump when I get home and try to post some pictures.