Jebao RW8 Powerhead Assemble Help

[Clownfish2]

I have been using 2 Jebao RW8 powerheads for a little over a year without issues. But lately, each one of them, the propeller stops rotating. I disassemble, soak in diluted vinegar, re assemble and the powerhead works for a few weeks, then it stops working.

In a normal condition, the propeller will rotate through both light resistance and no resistance by hand.

When they stop rotating in the tank, the propeller has continuous resistance when turned by hand. When I disassemble the powerhead, the impeller base will adhere to the plastic bushing and also stick to the rubber bushing. How would you fix this?

Cleaning it with a vinegar solution just weeks prior doesn’t prevent it from freezing up

 

[Reefing Madness]

 

[Damion]

I have been using 2 Jebao RW8 powerheads for a little over a year without issues. But lately, each one of them, the propeller stops rotating. I disassemble, soak in diluted vinegar, re assemble and the powerhead works for a few weeks, then it stops working.

In a normal condition, the propeller will rotate through both light resistance and no resistance by hand.

When they stop rotating in the tank, the propeller has continuous resistance when turned by hand. When I disassemble the powerhead, the impeller base will adhere to the plastic bushing and also stick to the rubber bushing. How would you fix this?

Cleaning it with a vinegar solution just weeks prior doesn’t prevent it from freezing up

That's what they do when they start to go bad. I bought 4 r8s and what you describe is the death rattle. If you have to depend on it, throw it away. If it's not that critical, ride it all the way till it won't work at all. But it's coming soon.

 

[ifarmer]

I had a.great success with the previous WP series. I did not have any problem with them.
However with the RW series. I have been having the same problem like what you described for nearly 2 yrs now.
I often use the screw.driver to scrape off the calcium or the coralife built up inside where the hole where the propeller goes. Doing that can make the power head to work for a few weeks then come the problem again.

If you are using the Jebao powerheads, you need to have several extra for backup.

 

[cmcoker]

Try replacing the little ceramic bushing with a piece of rodi line or airline tubing and it should allow the impeller to spin more easily.

I had a WP series do similar to what you are describing and found this hack online somewhere.

I got another year, maybe, out of that pump. I'd still plan on replacing it but this may let you eek some more life out of it.

 

[cmcoker]

Found the video

 

[jd371]

Try replacing the little ceramic bushing with a piece of rodi line or airline tubing and it should allow the impeller to spin more easily.

.
This is what I've done and haven't had a lock up since doing it 2 years ago. I think what happens is after time the ceramic bushings and impeller wear down and are not as smooth as when new and become porous thus allowing them to get calcified quicker leading them to lock up.

 

[wowkingjames]

Look up Jebao Wavemaker with twin controller here on R2R, might be what cmcoker advice. Might help your issue.

 

[Clownfish2]

Yes I think a piece of tubing would be a good replacement or maybe drill out the bushing 1 millimeter.