broken off screw head!!!

[pl2002]

Well, I guess I didn't know my strength, after cleaning the Tunze Stream by disassembled the blade from the shaft (I soaked all the pieces in vinegar), I was reassembling the blade back onto the shaft by tightening the plastic screw, I guess I turned the screw once too many, and the whole head came off!! Do I have to get the entire shaft and blade assembly or if by some luck or chance that I can get the rest of the screw back out (probably a slim chance since the break was pretty clean, I guess I can try to drill it out), where and how can I get just a replacement screw??

Peter

[blgreef]

how about getting a small flat head screw driver, small enough to touch the center of the screw only heat it upa little so you can push/melt it into the black screw and then try to unscrew the screw.

But get it wrong and its a new shaft and it may not even work, or if you have any of the screw above the shaft then cut a new slot or use apair of pliers.

[markspalding]

You may be able to remove it with a screw extractor.

http://www.acehardware.com/product/i...entPage=family

I'm sure Roger will be able to hook you up with a new screw, I wouldn't risk using any other type of screw for fear of contaminating the tank.

Mark

[rvitko]

The screws are no problem to get but I am out of the spare shafts. If you were unsuccessful in sperating it right now the only option is the full rebuild kit which is all the moving parts, including the magnet. I think blgreef had a good solution. It also wouldn't hurt to cut a small notch with a saw, if you only cut a bit of the shaft across it won't harm the funstion of the part.

[pl2002]

Thank you all for the suggestions. I haven't done anything yet since Friday, other than contacted Marine Depot and they said they will order the screw (part # 6080.641) and the drive unit (shaft? part # 6080.600) for me. Marine Depot said that they will fax the order to Tunze on Monday, would that be you, Roger? I am not sure, this is the first time that I posted on this forum.

I have been out of town for the weekend and had just gotten back. The head of the screw was completely sheared off. I took the "propeller" off and there was not much, if any, of a stub exposed, so there is nothing to grab onto with pliers. I will try the cut a slot method but it will have to be tomorrow after work. In the meantime, the sudden reduction of water movement has a pretty huge impact on the film algae problem and I had to clean tje front glass pane in order to look into the tank!. Probably had to do a big water change tomorrow as well. Thanks again for everyone's suggestions.

Peter

[rvitko]

Yes, they would order it from me. I am out of the 6080.64 part though. I have plenty of the screws and I have the complete kits. Basically the shaft and screw are about $10 and the whole thing magnet and all is $27.

[pl2002]

Thanks for the suggestions, I was able to get the broken screw out. I cut a slot with a razor blade and then using both the blade and a small screw driver, it came out about a quarter inch, then I used a plier to turn it out rest of the way. So, looks like I can use the screw(s), Mr. Roger, sir, if you can send them my way as soon as you are able. Hopefully, Marine Depot had faxed in my order. I don't even remember how much they charged me but the SPS are definitely suffering due to the lack of current for the last 4 days. I put in extra powerheads but since this is a 180, the two small PH didn't help much.

Thanks again,

Peter

[pl2002]

My apologies, Roger, for some reason, I mixed up your name.

Sorry about that.


Peter

[masterswimmer]

Originally posted by pl2002
My apologies, Roger, for some reason, I mixed up your name.

Sorry about that.


Peter

Psssssst, there's an edit button above your post. You have about 1 hour to make a correction. Shhhhhhh, I didn't tell you that. Go for it, you still have time.

Russ

[pl2002]

Thanks for the tip, Russ.

Peter

[masterswimmer]

Originally posted by pl2002
Thanks for the tip, Russ.

Peter

Russ

[rvitko]

Peter, PM me your address and I'll send you just a screw- no charge. I have not received the PO yet but it could be a technical problem with either of our faax machines and I will check on it.

[masterswimmer]

Roger

Nice customer service. Good to see.

Russ

[pl2002]

Definitely. I am very happy with the Tunze products but even more so with Roger's responsiveness.

Thanks again.

Peter

[pl2002]

Just wanted to say a big thank you to Roger! I received the replacement screw for my Stream powerhead and put it back in service, the corals and fishes wanted to say thanks as well. The circulation of the tank had been suffering without it for over a week.
I think the priority mail that Roger sent came in yesterday, right before the big blizzard that we have here in the Northeast. We didn't go out yesterday and didn't check the mailbox, which is about 80 feet away from the house at the curb. We had about 2 feet of snow and finally had to shovel a path to the street this afternoon after the snow stopped. So, it was a big surprise to find the big envelope that Roger sent. Well, Roger, you have antoher customer for life!

Thanks,

Peter

P.S. There is an oscillating sound coming from the Stream after I put it back in service. I think that by having the thing sitting in a vinegar bath for about 10 days was not a great idea. The orange gasket was kind of loose. There was this green slime/algae that was very difficult to get off, I scrape it off with a plastic blade. I think the drive shaft has a bit of wear to it after having been in service now for about a year and a half. So, hopefully, you will have these replacements coming in soon.

[rvitko]

The parts will be here soon but I don't know that you need them. Pumps tend to make some noise after sitting foor a while, vinegar could not hurt the pumps but maybe some calcium flaked off or air is inside and it will likely go away in a few days, give it at least a couple weeks before you decide to replace it.

[rvitko]

BTW, by soon I mean tomorrow Parts aren't usually something I am out of.