Vortex Diatom Filter Problems

I have a Vortex XL that has been giving me some trouble in the last few
months. I've had the filter almost a year and kept up with maintenance
and have been impressed by how well it works until now.

The motor keeps seizing up on me. I've taking it apart and thoroughly
cleaned and lubricated it several times. Yesterday it would only run a
few minutes before making an awful screeching sound. The problem is
right where the top most portion of the shaft seats in the motor. It is
very difficult to impossible to get that just right. I used an all
purpose grease the last time and had the best results with that and by
best results I mean the longest period without it seizing up.

Anyone else have similar problems and how did you resolve?

Thanks

On 22 Nov 2006 06:22:31 -0800, "mckeyes" wrote:

I have a Vortex XL that has been giving me some trouble in the last few
months. I've had the filter almost a year and kept up with maintenance
and have been impressed by how well it works until now.

The motor keeps seizing up on me. I've taking it apart and thoroughly
cleaned and lubricated it several times. Yesterday it would only run a
few minutes before making an awful screeching sound. The problem is
right where the top most portion of the shaft seats in the motor. It is
very difficult to impossible to get that just right. I used an all
purpose grease the last time and had the best results with that and by
best results I mean the longest period without it seizing up.

Anyone else have similar problems and how did you resolve?

Thanks


I haven't used one for years. but the screaming part reminds me of a
problem I had with another filter. Examine the shaft for wear, I
found one shaft worn to about half diameter.

"mckeyes" wrote in message
ups.com...
I have a Vortex XL that has been giving me some trouble in the last few
months. I've had the filter almost a year and kept up with maintenance
and have been impressed by how well it works until now.

The motor keeps seizing up on me. I've taking it apart and thoroughly
cleaned and lubricated it several times. Yesterday it would only run a
few minutes before making an awful screeching sound. The problem is
right where the top most portion of the shaft seats in the motor. It is
very difficult to impossible to get that just right. I used an all
purpose grease the last time and had the best results with that and by
best results I mean the longest period without it seizing up.

Anyone else have similar problems and how did you resolve?
========================
I'm on my second Vortex and love the job they do. On top of the unit there
are OIL HOLES! These units must be oiled or they'll seize as you found out.
Now the XL may have them somewhere other than on the top - read the booklet
you get with the Vortex as it tells you where and how often to oil it. Kept
oiled, they last for years.
--
KL....
Frugal ponding since 1995.
My Pond & Aquarium Pages:
http://tinyurl.com/9do58
~~~~ }((((* ~~~ }{{{{(ö ~~~~ }((((({*

mckeyes wrote:
I have a Vortex XL that has been giving me some trouble in the last few
months. I've had the filter almost a year and kept up with maintenance
and have been impressed by how well it works until now.

The motor keeps seizing up on me. I've taking it apart and thoroughly
cleaned and lubricated it several times. Yesterday it would only run a
few minutes before making an awful screeching sound. The problem is
right where the top most portion of the shaft seats in the motor. It is
very difficult to impossible to get that just right. I used an all
purpose grease the last time and had the best results with that and by
best results I mean the longest period without it seizing up.

Anyone else have similar problems and how did you resolve?

Thanks

I too have used these filters before (a lot in the past), Unfortunately
once you here the screaching noise your bearings are probably shot. I
is important to oil regularly with the correct light oil as recommended
by Vortex, not a heavy oil or grease.

Carl

The book just says to oil once every three months but doesn't specify
where. I've contacted the company several times but they never respond.
Maybe they don't know either. I inspect one last time before I give up
on it. Otherwise I'll have to replace the motor.

Thanks for all your insights.
Mike

"mckeyes" wrote in message
ps.com...
The book just says to oil once every three months but doesn't specify
where. I've contacted the company several times but they never respond.
Maybe they don't know either. I inspect one last time before I give up
on it. Otherwise I'll have to replace the motor.
=========================
The spots to put the oil are very small and not easy to see, so look
closely, especially at the TOP of the unit. They're mere bumps on the top of
mine. When you look closer you can see a real small hole - that's where to
drop the oil in.
--
KL....
Frugal ponding since 1995.
My Pond & Aquarium Pages:
http://tinyurl.com/9do58
~~~~ }((((* ~~~ }{{{{(ö ~~~~ }((((({*

I checked the filter last night and did not see any holes. There are
three rivets but that's it. No holes.

nice pond by the way KL. Looks like it took lots of work but well worth
the effort.

"mckeyes" wrote in message
ups.com...
I checked the filter last night and did not see any holes. There are
three rivets but that's it. No holes.

nice pond by the way KL. Looks like it took lots of work but well worth
the effort.
====================
Thank you. We really enjoy them. It was worth the effort. :-)
--
KL....
Frugal ponding since 1995.
My Pond & Aquarium Pages:
http://tinyurl.com/9do58
~~~~ }((((* ~~~ }{{{{(ö ~~~~ }((((({*

"mckeyes" wrote in
ups.com:

I checked the filter last night and did not see any holes.
There are three rivets but that's it. No holes.

nice pond by the way KL. Looks like it took lots of work
but well worth the effort.


Right under the top plate, look for a small tube extending from
the perimeter into the centre (bearing). And the same on the
bottom plate...m