Clean, Parts, or Replace? Protein skimmer issues...

[KenRexford]

My 125g has a Reef Octopus hob classic 2000 protein skimmer. I cleaned it finally a few months ago. All was well. Then it just started losing bubbles until it completely stopped today, hot motor. I removed it and disassembled the pump, cleaning inside, but not much there. Odd tint bits of plastic foam but not all that much. Put back together and got it running, with a small trickle of bubbles. It chugs like a train, like Chuck Chuck Chuck rather than a smooth flow. If the motor blown? Do I need to replace it or maybe just start over with an in-sump new skimmer? Frustrating...

 

[Saltyreef]

Check the air inlet to pump

 

[homer1475]

Is the impeller not spinning in the motor block? Is the the chug, chug, your referring to? Could be the magnet has swollen. Check it, might just have to replace the impeller.

If it's the magnet in the motor, and the impeller doesn't look swollen and turns freely by hand(should have some resistance as its 2 magnets)the motor block is dying. Either replace the motor, or replace the skimmer.

Personally, if I had a sump I would buy a new insump skimmer. Less chance of it overflowing onto your floors.