Downside to this pump?

I took another look at this pump and noticed a couple differences from my Chugger.

First, the impeller on the Mark II has 5 curved blades instead of 6 straight blades. The curves trail the direction of rotation, so it seems they could allow wort to be sent out for a slightly longer time than straight blades would. I don't know if this would make any difference in practice.

Second, the Chugger head unit and plate assemble and seal with a thin gasket ring using 4 short bolts. The assembly then attaches to the body with 4 long bolts. The Mark II just attaches the main head unit and plate to the body with 6 long bolts. I don't see any gasket in the photo on William's web page, but it's not a very hi res picture. So maybe search for any complaints about the head unit leaking. There is only one review on William's site, and it makes not mention of leaks.

 

Have you had any issues with your chugger pump? One of mine makes a loud rattling sound and I think it's coming from the motor propeller when I turn the output to full blast. I can get the output to about 3/4 open and then The noise starts. Once I close the Valve passed 1/2 way, the rattling stops. I've taken apart the head and everything seems in good shape. I called chugger and a rep told me I'm starving the pump but that's impossible; I use my other pump in the exact same way and it doesn't make that sound.

 

No problems with mine. Just to be clear - you're using a valve on the outlet side to control the flow, right?

 

Yes sir.

 

Hmm. The only other thing that I can think of... are the barbs & hoses the same diameter on the inlet and the outet? You can use a larger hose to feed it and a smaller ID on the outlet side, but not vice versa (at least in theory)!

 

Yea they are the same. This is pretty freaking annoying considering I've spent a lot of money on this stuff.

 

@CADETS3 I haven't had any issues with that. I have a bleeder valve that allows me to evacuate all O2 from the line and head. It's possible that you have some air in the head that isn't causing cavetation until you allow a faster output?