Question on MBK 160 after cleaning

[neiltus]

Just disassembled and cleaned the 160...when I start it it only fills about to 3" below the water limit mark no matter how I adjust the water level with the pipe, is this just normal due to run in from a clean skimmer?

[slief]

Originally Posted by neiltus

Just disassembled and cleaned the 160...when I start it it only fills about to 3" below the water limit mark no matter how I adjust the water level with the pipe, is this just normal due to run in from a clean skimmer?

Yep. Completely normal and to be expected. Cleaning the skimmer body results in the skimmer needing to break in again. The freshly cleaned skimmer won’t foam fractionated properly which in part is why the level hasn’t risen up like normal. Also, depending on what you cleaned it with, that too can have an impact on the surface tension of the water. I usually suggest using diluted vinegar followed by a rinse as that will generally result in the skimmer settling back in the quickest. Cleaning the skimmer and monkeying around in the sump also changes the surface tension of the water which will impact the level inside the skimmer and the foam fractioning. Give it some time and it will settle back down. It could take several hours or a few days. Every system is different.

I would setting the wedge pipe back to where you had it or even open a bit more than normal until the skimmer settles back down and is partway into the break in process. Then make your adjustments in a few days so you avoid an accidental overflow as a result of having the wedge closed too much when the skimmer starts generating proper foam again.

[neiltus]

Thanks!

Been awhile since I broke it down and cleaned it, just used white vinegar and water with scrubbing and rinsed with RO.

[slief]

Originally Posted by neiltus

Thanks!

Been awhile since I broke it down and cleaned it, just used white vinegar and water with scrubbing and rinsed with RO.

You’re welcome. Between cleaning the skimmer and cleaning the pump, you are essentially starting all over with breakin so with a bit of time, it will be back to normal.