Return Pump Failure

[Instigate]

I have a little giant 4-mdq-sc return pump and today I shut it off then when I turned it back on it just hums. Moves no water. So I removed it and dissasembled it and it's clean and the impeller moves freely. Is there anything I should try before replacing it?

 

[Instigate]

After banging it around trying to get the mount off it spins now. Going to put it back together now. Thinking I should replace it anyways and maybe buy a spare.

 

[mcarroll]

I think a new impeller is an option, but maybe contact Little Giant directly to see how they handle things?

 

[Instigate]

Hooked it back up and it wouldn't turn on. So I gave it a few taps with a mallet and it jumped back into service.

I think a new impeller is an option, but maybe contact Little Giant directly to see how they handle things?

I could, but I got it used on craigslist so I wouldn't be surprised if I don't get far with the manufacturer. The impeller looked like it was in good shape and the rear fan spins when I spin the impeller by hand. I was more thinking about trying to find a brush kit for it. Or just buying a nice new submersible pump and switching over to it when the external pump dies. But if this is going to be an issue every time I turn the pump off I'll probably just switch it out immediately.

 

[mcarroll]

Calling Little Giant would hopefully help in troubleshooting to help you decide what to do. They may also do refurbishment and may even supply refurb'd pumps.

Wasn't even thinking of the warranty, definitely a secondary concern. Warrany = obligation = minimum effort. It's at a mfgr's discretion on how to handle any given customer. You're dealing with a top-shelf company in Little Giant....not a some Chinese knock-off outfit that wouldn't even know what customer service means. So call Little Giant and give em a chance to help!

 

[Instigate]

Calling Little Giant would hopefully help in troubleshooting to help you decide what to do. They may also do refurbishment and may even supply refurb'd pumps.

Wasn't even thinking of the warranty, definitely a secondary concern. Warrany = obligation = minimum effort. It's at a mfgr's discretion on how to handle any given customer. You're dealing with a top-shelf company in Little Giant....not a some Chinese knock-off outfit that wouldn't even know what customer service means. So call Little Giant and give em a chance to help!

Oh for sure. I don't know why I assumed you were talking about warranty. I'll be giving them a call on Monday.

 

[Instigate]

So I kept forgetting to call till the afternoon and they're on the east coast. So I sent an email and never heard back. I finally today called a sales rep and she called the factory and they don't offer repair kits. I would have to buy a whole new motor. I guess I'll be swapping out to a submersible and if I will prolly use the little giant pump for my water mixing station until it really fails.