Iwaki pump problem...

**David** · 03-31-2002, 10:04 PM

I have an MD40RLXT that has been running continuosly for 15 months, about a week ago I started getting blasts of air bubbles every once in while. It's actually a very cool effect, but I'm afraid it is indicative of a problem. It has increased in frequency to the point where it happens every ten or fifteen minutes now. I have inspected every inch of the (20') 1" pvc line to and from the tank and can't find any leak where air could be getting in. I figure if air is getting in, then water must be getting out, right? Or could a small leak act like a venturi only sucking in air but not leaking out water? Today I heard unusual low frequency noise that could have been pump (there are three large tanks in room with lots of pumps, fans and other racket makers so it's difficult to isolate sound), so I'm wondering if maybe air is getting in somewhere inside the pump itself. Maybe a gasket gone bad or something like that? Any info or thoughts would be greatly appreciated, thanks.