HELP - Fluval 404 leaking

[scottb721]

I have a 1st generation 404 so it's about 4 yrs old.
When I connect the hoses to the top of the motor I start getting water running down from the little holes located under the blue locking clips.

I pulled the top cover off the motor and found that water was getting into the motor cavity. Once it is full enough it spills over into the moat/channel that runs around the top of the canister. When this fills up water then runs out thru the holes under the blue clips.

All I can put it down to is either ,
A - water coming up past the bottom hose o-ring/s then into motor cavity or,
B - water coming up past the start plunger o-ring which would also cause the motor cavity to fill.

I've noticed that if i pull the start plunger up then bend it over slightly water starts rushing up from around the plunger.

Any one had similar problem or have suggestions ?

Thanks

 

[Tolak]

I read online that every time you open it you have to coat the o rings with petroleum jelly.

Tolak

 

[scottb721]

Holding my head in shame,

I removed the top cover off the motor then re-assembled the filter, plugged the hoses in and surprise surprise. It WAS actually coming up past the main o-ring.

Petoleum Jelly - So there is no concern about having oil based product in contact (what little there is) with aquarium water ?

I normally use a bit of spit but this doesn't always work as intended, as I've recently found.

Thanks Tolak.

 

[Tolak]

You're welcome, Scott. Petroleum jelly is not water base, it's oil base, so it won't dissolve in water, or if it does it will dissolve very slowly. My Eheim came with a teeny packet of it for use on the o rings and cannister seals. I've used it at home on plumbing traps for years and soapy, hot water from the tub doesn't dissolve it and it still remains soft for years. Makes opening up traps a lot easer than plumbers putty, which hardens over time.

Tolak

 

[scottb721]

I was more concerned with a oily film on the top of the water surface in the tank.

Is this not going to be a problem?

Cheers
Scott
Australia

 

[Tolak]

Hasn't been for me.

Tolak

 

[scottb721]

Thanks, I'll give it a go next filter clean.