MP10w Wet side won't come apart

[rknott]

I got a used MP10w real cheap, and I am concerned I might have got what I paid for. The pump runs, but there is a slight vibration. I tried to take apart and clean but it is stuck and I am afraid I will break it. I watched several videos, and mine doesn't come apart that easy. I undo the 3 clips and the blade and magnet won't slide off. I tried prying on the magnet from below through the holes, but that didn't help and I was afraid I would break something. Any tips would be appreciated.

 

[Fiesty]

Soak the whole thing (wet side only i mean!) in white vinegar if u havent yet. Also u can buy a brand new wet side if need be and if u got cheap enough it might still be a good deal. Before u do that, plug in the dry side without the wet and let it run and make sure it operates smooth, no bad noises, and doesnt get overly hot. At least then u will know the expensive side is good BEFORE u put more time and $$$ into it. Good luck!

 

[rknott]

Soak the whole thing (wet side only i mean!) in white vinegar if u havent yet. Also u can buy a brand new wet side if need be and if u got cheap enough it might still be a good deal. Before u do that, plug in the dry side without the wet and let it run and make sure it operates smooth, no bad noises, and doesnt get overly hot. At least then u will know the expensive side is good BEFORE u put more time and $$$ into it. Good luck!

I will give this a try. I read in one of the posts vinegar can damage the plastics, but in that same thread I read 80% of people do that. I will give it a shot. I assume this means something is blocking it from sliding it out like a snail shell or salt or sand or whatever.

As for the noise, I am starting to wondering if the small vibration/noise I am hearing is standard with this pump. Prior to really diving deep into my research I assumed these expensive pumps where totally silent. Appears just because you pay a lot, that isn't necessarily the case. Many people say there is noise associated with these pumps. Might be time to go back to Jebao and never look back.

 

[PirateDan]

I will give this a try. I read in one of the posts vinegar can damage the plastics, but in that same thread I read 80% of people do that. I will give it a shot. I assume this means something is blocking it from sliding it out like a snail shell or salt or sand or whatever.

As for the noise, I am starting to wondering if the small vibration/noise I am hearing is standard with this pump. Prior to really diving deep into my research I assumed these expensive pumps where totally silent. Appears just because you pay a lot, that isn't necessarily the case. Many people say there is noise associated with these pumps. Might be time to go back to Jebao and never look back.

Mine are silent.

 

[Fiesty]

They

I will give this a try. I read in one of the posts vinegar can damage the plastics, but in that same thread I read 80% of people do that. I will give it a shot. I assume this means something is blocking it from sliding it out like a snail shell or salt or sand or whatever.

As for the noise, I am starting to wondering if the small vibration/noise I am hearing is standard with this pump. Prior to really diving deep into my research I assumed these expensive pumps where totally silent. Appears just because you pay a lot, that isn't necessarily the case. Many people say there is noise associated with these pumps. Might be time to go back to Jebao and never look back.

Should be pretty quiet

 

[rknott]

Hmmm, interesting. One thing I have learned. Quiet for some is not quiet for others. I am looking for totally silent like the one in my other tank. I am finding the ice cap 3k is annoyingly loud when ramping up and down.

 

[PirateDan]

Hmmm, interesting. One thing I have learned. Quiet for some is not quiet for others. I am looking for totally silent like the one in my other tank. I am finding the ice cap 3k is annoyingly loud when ramping up and down.

Mine are quiet as in no sound at all.

 

[xjiang7]

Quiet is subjective, but there shouldn’t be any vibration if you align the two sides well

 

[ca1ore]

Noise level depends a lot on whether you have the QD driver or not. Sometimes with an older wetside, the white ceramic sleeve will bind inside the plastic propeller section. Sometimes you can get it apart, sometimes not. If the ceramic sleeve starts to come off the center stainless spindle, it usually breaks and a new wetside is required.

 

[rknott]

Noise level depends a lot on whether you have the QD driver or not. Sometimes with an older wetside, the white ceramic sleeve will bind inside the plastic propeller section. Sometimes you can get it apart, sometimes not. If the ceramic sleeve starts to come off the center stainless spindle, it usually breaks and a new wetside is required.

What is the qd driver? This is an older unit, maybe it did get stuck in the propeller? I suppose the only way to know is you can't get it apart. Appears I need a new Westside, or deal with the noise and know I can't ever clean it. Still to try the vinegar trick.

 

[rknott]

Mine are quiet as in no sound at all.

Good to know. Thanks for clarifying. Might be worth buying a Westside if this is the case.

 

[ca1ore]

QD driver is black. Show a picture of what you have. Also, the center metal spindle should protrude slightly above the ceramic sleeve. If it’s down in the sleeve, then said sleeve is coming apart.

 

[PirateDan]

Good to know. Thanks for clarifying. Might be worth buying a Westside if this is the case.

I have the Newest QD units. Thought it was worth mentioning.

 

[rknott]

QD driver is black. Show a picture of what you have. Also, the center metal spindle should protrude slightly above the ceramic sleeve. If it’s down in the sleeve, then said sleeve is coming apart.

Got it, I have the older white one. I printed out the manual I found online and now realize they call the controller, the driver. Thanks for clarifying. I am clearly still learning here! And yes, as you can see from the picture, the metal isn't sticking out. Probably caused by me attempting to force the unit apart and it started to separate.

Side comment, while not totally silent, after running for a day the unit has quieted down significantly. The noise the pump puts out now is steady and bearable unlike the IceCap gyre that is inconsistent and continually gets your attention. I attempted to reposition the pump so the cord would be pointed to the back of the aquarium and out so sight instead of hanging down in my temporary installation. That caused noise again. It appears the wet side rotates into position over time. Quickly at first, but then very slowly after that. Again, I am clearly inexperienced with this pump!