Ehiem Compact 3000 Return Pump Problem...

chevy4w · May 21, 2016

I've been using the Eheim 3000 return pump and it's been operating fine until yesterday. I did my weekly water change and when I went to turn it back on it wouldn't pump. It was trying to pump but it couldn't get going. Never had any problem prior. I took it out and replaced it with my Mag 7.(NOISEY!!)I cleaned the pump. I then took the Eheim outside, put it in a bucket of water and turned it on-the motor is running but not pumping. If I lift the pump out of the water running and then set it back in the water it begins to pump fine.(???)Shut the pump off, turn it back on, in the water and the same thing, the motor runs but no pumping. Lift it out of the water running, put it back in and it pumps. Any suggestions?

Some stats: Pump is less than 2 years old.
I've been running it inside the sump.(can be run outside as well.
Thanks!
Bill

Ari21 · May 21, 2016

Really weird. I would replace it.

chevy4w · May 21, 2016

No...I don't give up that easily!!! I think I got it. There was some calcification in the front bearing housing, I scraped it out and tested it in a bucket of water. Turned it on and off many times and it's pumping. Ahhhh, $100+ will stay in my wallet....at least for now!
Good day today!
Bill