Unpickling Long Disused Watermaker

[Dockhead]

OK, so what everyone is saying is that it's not a big deal one way or the other, right?


750ppm is acceptable for drinking water -- like an extra pinch of salt (can be compensated by salting food less).


Changing membranes is a low risk operation -- just pop off the end caps.


OK, we'll discuss and decide. Thanks very much for the input!

[akopac]

Hi Folks. I wanted to give a BIG THANKS to Tillie for giving me a heads up that pretty much prevented me from taking a Cannonball size bullet while recommissioning my very old Spectra 200 system. While replacing a leaky cylinder to end lock O-ring in the Clark pump I noticed the check valve seals were white plastic. Tillie said to swap them out for O-rings, and also 4 other annular ring seals that might be white plastic as they will eventually disintegrate wiping out the pump. They were the white ones and looked ok until I touched them and the disintegrated as forewarned by Tillie. Thanks Tillie for saving my sorry A$$.

[Tellie]

Originally Posted by Dockhead

OK, so what everyone is saying is that it's not a big deal one way or the other, right?


750ppm is acceptable for drinking water -- like an extra pinch of salt (can be compensated by salting food less).


Changing membranes is a low risk operation -- just pop off the end caps.


OK, we'll discuss and decide. Thanks very much for the input!

I would be a bit more concerned with 750ppms. Though this is considered still consumable water a 750ppm reading is usually a good sign that something is amiss in your watermaker. Most all watermaker companies are looking for ppm readings under 500. 750ppm is telling us possible pressures or flow issues or a possible sign that the membrane is heading for failure.

[Tellie]

Originally Posted by akopac

Hi Folks. I wanted to give a BIG THANKS to Tillie for giving me a heads up that pretty much prevented me from taking a Cannonball size bullet while recommissioning my very old Spectra 200 system. While replacing a leaky cylinder to end lock O-ring in the Clark pump I noticed the check valve seals were white plastic. Tillie said to swap them out for O-rings, and also 4 other annular ring seals that might be white plastic as they will eventually disintegrate wiping out the pump. They were the white ones and looked ok until I touched them and the disintegrated as forewarned by Tillie. Thanks Tillie for saving my sorry A$$.Attachment 251443

No problem, this was a common thing for older Clark pumps. It wouldn't have physically harmed the pump but it would certainly affect its performance. If you have any questions on your pump re-build don't hesitate to ask.