Jobo Pump Trouble

[b.cipolla]

I bought a Jobo CPA-2 on Ebay a few months back and when I attempted to use it for the first time, found that the water pump does not work. I have taken the Job apart to see if there was anything visibly wrong with the pump. Apart from wiping some stringy gunk off of the pump, there appears to be nothing wrong with it. All of the connections inside the unit appear to be fine as well. Does anyone have any advice for this situation. I have heard of people substituting Jobo pumps with aquarium pumps, since Jobo parts can be difficult to find. Should I start looking into this? Thank you.

[Greg Blank]

What is it doing ? Or not? Messing with that isn't advised it runs on a 110 circuit...so be carefull with the connections.

I bought a Jobo CPA-2 on Ebay a few months back and when I attempted to use it for the first time, found that the water pump does not work. I have taken the Job apart to see if there was anything visibly wrong with the pump. Apart from wiping some stringy gunk off of the pump, there appears to be nothing wrong with it. All of the connections inside the unit appear to be fine as well. Does anyone have any advice for this situation. I have heard of people substituting Jobo pumps with aquarium pumps, since Jobo parts can be difficult to find. Should I start looking into this? Thank you.

[b.cipolla]

What is it doing ? Or not? Messing with that isn't advised it runs on a 110 circuit...so be carefull with the connections.

The motor to rotate the drum runs fine. When I go to turn on the pump, nothing happens. I recall there being a little bit of smoke inside the unit, above the water and under the plastic housing near the controls. I have not tested the water to see if the heater works because the pump was not working.

[Greg Blank]

Not good. Although it could be just the pump, the smoke part makes me think short circuit and damaged electronics.

I would not listen to someone over the phone regarding that- anyone that encourages you to do that kind of repair yourself is giving you bad advice. I would not suggest buying parts to fix that yourself. I would recommend either contacting the Joboman in LA or you can deal with me.

The motor to rotate the drum runs fine. When I go to turn on the pump, nothing happens. I recall there being a little bit of smoke inside the unit, above the water and under the plastic housing near the controls. I have not tested the water to see if the heater works because the pump was not working.

[Sirius Glass]

I would recommend either contacting the Joboman in LA or you can deal with me.

That is exactly whom I was thinking of! But I do not like referring someone to him who is on another continent.

Steve

[Greg Blank]

Bryan lives on the east Coast, I try to recommend Dave to folks living West of the Missisippi. Here- I don't like the idea of actively soliciting business for myself or anyone else , but I am always willing to help. I am rather matter of fact about things, Dave I trust - I have known him for more than ten years. When I was formally answering questions related to Jobo at Omega Brandess I knew of Four repair people out in the US. Of those Four Dave is the only guy besides myself I would recommend now. As an FYI -I don't believe Dave gives free consultations on electronic repairs. Would you be willing to discuss your photo techiques with us at length,... for free- there might be something pf value ? I know photographers like to doing that free part, so where do you start

That is exactly whom I was thinking of! But I do not like referring someone to him who is on another continent.

Steve

[b.cipolla]

Not good. Although it could be just the pump, the smoke part makes me think short circuit and damaged electronics.

I would not listen to someone over the phone regarding that- anyone that encourages you to do that kind of repair yourself is giving you bad advice. I would not suggest buying parts to fix that yourself. I would recommend either contacting the Joboman in LA or you can deal with me.

Is there a way to determine exactly what the problem may be before ordering new parts? Obviously, I would like to avoid ordering part that are not needed. I'm not sure if I should be looking for a new pump or new parts for the electronics.

[Greg Blank]

The disclaimer is if you electrocute yourself you were warned.

I never advise people to open the unit....but: If you take the cover off make sure its unplugged from the wall. The CPA has a thin wire running to the indicator light, removing the cover you must be care not to open the cover so far that the wire is broken. You need to pull the knobs off carefully with a flat bladed screw driver- use the driver to carefully pry them off the shafts. I set them at rememberable locations like 38.00 before removing, any that have a similar number set, I mark inside where it came from.

The pump has two wires running inside they carry 110 V. Positive and Common. Pull the wires off the stake on's and then use a clipped off pig tail from a power cord. In other words you will directly plug the pump into a house hold 110V outlet and clip the wires from that pig tail using soldered on alligator clips. Make sure the machine is dry when you do this, not sitting in water. If the pump runs their is a circuit board issue and the pump will not need to be replaced. Circuit board issues, well then you will need to send myself or someone else the machine. Beyond that you won't be able to fix it yourself. If its just the pump, I can most likely get you the native piece. If you are confident you have the mechnical skills to replace the pump, instructions will be available.

Is there a way to determine exactly what the problem may be before ordering new parts? Obviously, I would like to avoid ordering part that are not needed. I'm not sure if I should be looking for a new pump or new parts for the electronics.

[b.cipolla]

The disclaimer is if you electrocute yourself you were warned.

I never advise people to open the unit....but: If you take the cover off make sure its unplugged from the wall. The CPA has a thin wire running to the indicator light, removing the cover you must be care not to open the cover so far that the wire is broken. You need to pull the knobs off carefully with a flat bladed screw driver- use the driver to carefully pry them off the shafts. I set them at rememberable locations like 38.00 before removing, any that have a similar number set, I mark inside where it came from.

The pump has two wires running inside they carry 110 V. Positive and Common. Pull the wires off the stake on's and then use a clipped off pig tail from a power cord. In other words you will directly plug the pump into a house hold 110V outlet and clip the wires from that pig tail using soldered on alligator clips. Make sure the machine is dry when you do this, not sitting in water. If the pump runs their is a circuit board issue and the pump will not need to be replaced. Circuit board issues, well then you will need to send myself or someone else the machine. Beyond that you won't be able to fix it yourself. If its just the pump, I can most likely get you the native piece. If you are confident you have the mechnical skills to replace the pump, instructions will be available.

Just tried this out and have determined that it is indeed the pump that is broken and not the circuit board. Only thing is, I'm a little short on money and am getting very impatient with this processor. Someone mentioned using an immersible garden pump as a replacement. Does anyone else have any "cheap" fixes or at least more specific instructions on how to go about using a garden pump with the processor? Thanks.

[Lachlan 717]

My only suggestion is that you make sure that the locating lug on the end of the impella rod is centered in its hole. It is easy to put it off centre when you replace the shroud and, thus, prevent it from spinning.