Sqeaky snapper

[d3rryc]

Hey, there!

When I checked on my tank this morning, the snapper that drives my closed loop was making squeaky noises. I unplugged it for the time being, but I need to crack it open and find out what's making the noise. Anyone out there dissected a Reefflo pump before and can give me some maintenance tips while I have it open? I figure a vinegar wash is a given, but what's worked well for you, and what caveats should I know about going in?

Thanks!
Derry

[d3rryc]

Ok, so here's the follow-up for anyone who needs to crack theirs open some day. First off, I was REALLY impressed with the engineering. I'm not accustomed to things coming apart and going back together so easily. Box wrenches are a must (I needed 3/8" and 1/4"). The only part that really deviated from the instruction manual was getting the impeller off the shaft. The instructions said to use a flat-head screwdriver to lock the shaft in place while removing the impeller. I ended up using vise grips to hold onto the shaft while my wife held the motor assembly stable in order to screw off the impeller. I washed off the gunk on the internal bits and scrubbed off some corrosion that had developed on an internal steel spring, then put it all back together. The squeak that started all of this is now gone. I'm just glad that the person who designed the plumbing for my rig had the good sense to put ball valves and unions in the lines so that the pump could be easily taken out of the loop!