Why won't my new pump work?

[Rychek]

I purchased an Octopus NW-150 today and was very excited to set it up and remove my old CSS 65. However, once I got the skimmer assembled and installed, I plugged it in and very little happened. There was a short burst of bubbles then... nothing. I pulled the pump out and tested it in a tub of water and it appears to be cavitating. The impeller tries to spin, but it never fully engages. Is there anything I can do to remedy this, or am I looking at returning the pump for a replacement?

[ErikH]

you have the impeller installed incorrectly. Make sure it goes into the little rubber pieces. You are overstressing the impeller inlet, and the excess pressure is probably keeping it from moving properly.

[Texreefer]

turn it on and blow into the tubing to force air the opposite way and that will probably solve your problem.. try it

[Rychek]

you have the impeller installed incorrectly. Make sure it goes into the little rubber pieces. You are overstressing the impeller inlet, and the excess pressure is probably keeping it from moving properly.

I checked the impeller and made sure the shaft was properly seated, but that didn't help. I tried running it in very shallow water (just enough to cover the pump), but that didn't help either.


turn it on and blow into the tubing to force air the opposite way and that will probably solve your problem.. try it

I'll have to try this when I get a chance.

[Rychek]

Blowing on the venturi line did the trick! It's bubbling away now. Is this a common problem with Octopus skimmer pumps? Will I need to blow into it every time I want to start the pump, or will the pump "break in" and not need it after a while?

[Texreefer]

I don't know if it is a common problem, it may or may not happen again. mine usually start up fine

[Rychek]

I've tried stopping and starting the pump about four times since I got it working this morning. It has only started by its self once. I may have to take it back. A new pump that won't start reliably is not acceptable.

[LoneStar]

Get in contact with the dealer you bought the skimmer from and get a RMA to return the pump. There is no reason why you should have to fiddle with it so much for being a new pump.

[Rychek]

I took the pump back and the store tested it. It did the same thing for them that it does for me (starts after blowing into the venturi line). I was then told that it can take two to four weeks for these pumps to "break in." They were willing to swap my pump for a new one, but they claimed all Octopus pumps do this. I'm curious about the break in period, so I kept my original pump. We'll see if it "breaks in" or not.