ATB 840 skimmer pump problems ....

[eskymick]

I have an ATB 840 v1.5 skimmer. The exact one pictured below.

For some reason, if the air intake tube is blocked for even a moment the pump stops running. Needless to say, if there is a power outage the pump will not restart.
The only way to restart the skimmer pump is to remove the entire unit out of the sump and start the pump dry with the airline tube attached. Only then can the running unit be lowered into the water and continue running.

It must also be stated, that the pump will not start unassisted (even when dry). I must stick a pencil into the volute and give the impeller a “shove” to get it running.
I’ve cleaned the unit over and over again, and there is no dirt or calcium buildup at all.

Am I missing something here? Are there any tips or tricks needed to make this pump/skimmer more reliable?

http://www.rolandmachinery.com/atb.jpg

[mojo~]

which pinwheel are you running. I would stick with the atb small wheel . It really does a great job.

[ganjero]

I have an ATB 840 v1.5 skimmer. The exact one pictured below.

For some reason, if the air intake tube is blocked for even a moment the pump stops running. Needless to say, if there is a power outage the pump will not restart.
The only way to restart the skimmer pump is to remove the entire unit out of the sump and start the pump dry with the airline tube attached. Only then can the running unit be lowered into the water and continue running.

It must also be stated, that the pump will not start unassisted (even when dry). I must stick a pencil into the volute and give the impeller a “shove” to get it running.
I’ve cleaned the unit over and over again, and there is no dirt or calcium buildup at all.

Am I missing something here? Are there any tips or tricks needed to make this pump/skimmer more reliable?

http://www.rolandmachinery.com/atb.jpg


This is a known problem for these sicce pumps. It happens with almost all skimmers that use them.

[eskymick]

This is a known problem for these sicce pumps. It happens with almost all skimmers that use them.

That's not what I wanted to hear. :-(

[cubsare1]

I had this problem with my when I first got it, talk with Victor and he had me send it to him (postage paid by him) and when it was sent back everything works great

[rkaires]

Do you have a picture of the pinwheel? I used the large pinwheel in mine for a year and only had one restart issue. As mojo~ states the small pinwheel is reliable and does work well.

[eskymick]

Do you have a picture of the pinwheel? I used the large pinwheel in mine for a year and only had one restart issue. As mojo~ states the small pinwheel is reliable and does work well.

I'd hate to take it down to take a pic of the pinwheel. How can one tell the difference without having one of each on hand to compare?

[cubsare1]

here are a couple pictures, the large is on the left side:
http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o273/1cubsfan4life/002-2.jpg
http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o273/1cubsfan4life/001-11.jpg
Hope this helps

[eskymick]

Thanks, cubsare1, I'm quite sure I have the large one.

[musictoyourhome]

I just ordered the 2.0 version of this skimmer, I hope this is not a common problem considering the price...

[rkaires]

Thanks, cubsare1, I'm quite sure I have the large one.

contact Victor at ATB for a small pinwheel. What depth are you running your skimmer?

[rkaires]

I just ordered the 2.0 version of this skimmer, I hope this is not a common problem considering the price...

No issues with the V2.0 pump.

[musictoyourhome]

That's good. I'm looking forward to getting it up and running.

[eskymick]

contact Victor at ATB for a small pinwheel. What depth are you running your skimmer?

I'm running it at 9", but it won't start in even an inch of water unless I give it a "shove". In fact, it won't start even out of the water without a "shove".

[rkaires]

Something doesn't seem right. Remove the impeller and see if the pinwheel moves freely on the magnet assembly. If it doesn't move slightly to the left and right you will have issues starting.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gbCHmiaT94E