Chugger problems

[kincade]

I had the same issue on my brand new Chugger that I got a few weeks ago. I was planning to brew tomorrow, but I'm not sure what I'm going to do if it starts locking up. My last brew day was a $^#$@ disaster because of this. No way to chill my wort until it got down to about 140-150F on its own, at which point the pump would function without locking up.

Have you spoken to them? They are exchanging my pump as well.

 

[weirdboy]

I have tried calling but only ever gotten a machine, which I left a voicemail on but never heard back.


I just went on the website and filled out the little "got a problem" form.

 

[kincade]

That's what I did and received an email back the next day. Never tried calling...

 

[mmient]

I have 2 of the Chugger pumps that were purchased in September. Both pumps work great below 200 degrees. Once they get to near boiling temperature,Their performance diminishes greatly (flow reduces to a trickle if at all), or the magnets disconnect. If I stop the pump and wait for a minute or two, there will be a spurt of water and then the pumps repeat with the trickle or magnet disconnect. I did several tests without any filters or plate chiller inline using plain water and results were the same. I sent this information in an email to Chugger. The next day I received an email from Brian requesting I ship the pumps to him to have a look. The day after they were shipped I received a follow up from Brian stating the pumps were being replaced. I received the pumps back today. It looks like both pump heads were replaced on the existing motors. I'll post how they perform tomorrow...

 

[trent]

This is good info. I have the original style green chugger and so far it has been great, but I never use it above 175deg. I have thought about using it to whirlpool but at this point have not and I guess I won't.

T

 

[weirdboy]

Regarding my previous posts, I got an email back from Mike at Chugger last night to send in my pump heads for free replacements.

 

[Diver165]

damn, I was about to pull the trigger on 2 chuggers. Looks like I'm gonna go March. Anyone experience the same issues with March pumps?

 

[Option]

damn, I was about to pull the trigger on 2 chuggers. Looks like I'm gonna go March. Anyone experience the same issues with March pumps?

Yea im thinking the same thing now... I was about to order one of the new ss chuggers, but really don't want to deal with these problems to save a few bucks off the march and get a ss head that doesn't move hot wort.

 

[DrewBrewTheGreat]

brewed a batch today with the replacement (stainless) pump from Chugger I got yesterday...

Works great at all temperatures (except perhaps rolling boil--but march can't do that either). A touch more flow than my march....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=atZLEaLqlpY&feature=youtu.be

 

[KCBrewer]

Hmmm, I just ordered 2 chuggers a few days ago. You guys have me worried now. Guess I'll delete my classified ad for the march I've been using, at least until I can test the chuggers for a while. I might need it after all.

And Drew, I use my march to circulate through the cfc for the last 15 minutes at a full boil. I'm getting more worried if the 2 chuggers I bought are going to work for my setup now.

 

[DrewBrewTheGreat]

let me try rolling boil...

EDIT: uploading video for youtube and will post...

EDIT 2:

Chugger = no likely rolling boil

March = fine with rolling boil (at least this time--I have had same pump have problems with rollling boil--but just stops pumping does not making dying cat noise)

Not really a problem for me... I don't move wort at rolling boil for anything.... only at 211F (sea level)--and that works fine with the chugger.

Chugger (see @ 1:00 minute mark) fails with roiling boil: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7g-wTEGelM4&feature=youtu.be

March does not fail with rolling boil:

Again, Chugger did not fail at 200F to boil... Only failed at rolling boil.

Useful information those choosing... For me, I guess, the heavily discounted Chugger pump, is worth not have the capability to move wort at a rolling boil (when are people doing that?)

 

[Option]

Well now it looks like the chuggers are sold out again since there not listed on the website anymore...so the choice for me is easy, march cuz its available.

 

[DrewBrewTheGreat]

Well now it looks like the chuggers are sold out again since there not listed on the website anymore...so the choice for me is easy, march cuz its available.

out of the poly pumps too? those were only $100...

 

[weirdboy]

dying cat noise

Chugger (see @ 1:00 minute mark) fails with roiling boil: P1010035 - YouTube

That is exactly the same noise my Chugger makes, but it's not even close to rolling boil on mine. It starts up more like 160F or so, which makes it hard to use to push wort through my chiller. Presumably the new pump heads will fix the problem, though.

 

[KCBrewer]

Useful information those choosing... For me, I guess, the heavily discounted Chugger pump, is worth not have the capability to move wort at a rolling boil (when are people doing that?)

I do for the last 15 minutes of the boil. I circulate through my cfc to sanitize it.

And thanks for the videos.

 

[kincade]

That is exactly the same noise my Chugger makes, but it's not even close to rolling boil on mine. It starts up more like 160F or so, which makes it hard to use to push wort through my chiller. Presumably the new pump heads will fix the problem, though.

Exact same issue with mine as well. Starts at about 170 or so. This video IS of the replacement though, isnt it?

Could it be the impeller siezing on the shaft? I wonder if the drilling out trick for the march would work for this?

 

[weirdboy]

Exact same issue with mine as well. Starts at about 170 or so. This video IS of the replacement though, isnt it?

Could it be the impeller siezing on the shaft? I wonder if the drilling out trick for the march would work for this?

I dunno, my chugger that was screeching is also brand new. I am going to assume that when they ship replacement heads, they will be individually tested to work at operating temps.

 

[phoenixs4r]

Man. I gotta go brew and test mine. I hope works....

 

[KCBrewer]

So are the pumps that are having issues the newer style with the larger impeller and 1/20hp motor?

I have 2 of them on the way, crossing fingers these issues have been resolved on this model.

 

[kincade]

So are the pumps that are having issues the newer style with the larger impeller and 1/20hp motor?

I have 2 of them on the way, crossing fingers these issues have been resolved on this model.

It looks like it. Mine is the newest model.

 

[DrewBrewTheGreat]

his video IS of the replacement though, isnt it?

My came yesterday 12/09/11... problem at boil only... Speak up if anyone speaks with Mike or anyone at Chugger.

 

[ElevenBrewCo]

Seriously try restricting the flow! I cant stress this enough. It did it to me on the old green one and the new black replacement. Just don't fully open your valve and see if that helps. Im going to try and drill my propeller out and see if that fixes it completely

Sent from my DROIDX using Home Brew Talk

 

[DrewBrewTheGreat]

Seriously try restricting the flow! I cant stress this enough. It did it to me on the old green one and the new black replacement. Just don't fully open your valve and see if that helps. Im going to try and drill my propeller out and see if that fixes it completely

Sent from my DROIDX using Home Brew Talk

This may make sense. Others seem to be having the same problem (pump making dying cat noises) at lower temperatures (160-180F) then my pump. I assume they are running 1/2" silicone tubing.

In contrast, I run 3/8" tubing and my pump doesn't torture the cat until a rolling boil. The 3/8" tubing, in the lengths I am using, likely restricts flow a bit. That could be the difference?...

In addition, the Chugger pumps pump at a faster rate than the March--so slowing the pump of the Chugger down--may just be bringing the flow down to the same rate as the March pump (that doesn't have the cat killing tendencies). Since the heads seem pretty much the same--maybe the heads are limited to certain flow at higher temps (regardless of the pump and the symptom only shows up on the Chugger b/c it pumps a bit faster (with the same type of head)--> exceeding that limit).

Just a thought.... I got some time before X-Mas:

Next batch, in a day or so, I will restrict the flow on the Chugger at a rolling boil and post the result.

 

[PLOVE]

Following along with interest. I was just about ready to pull the trigger on 2 chuggers, but decided to wait and see how the new models were performing. Apparently I have my answer. Not good.

Does anyone have the polysulfonic head? Is this problem specific to stainless? Probably the same impeller design, but thought I'd ask.

 

[OneHoppyGuy]

Subscribed
Just bought 2 for a customer. This is very disconcerting. Basically, from what I'm reading, it sounds as though the cheap Chugger March Pump clone Chinese knock-off is flawed.

Grrrr

 

[CollinsBrew]

I have two of the original green chuggers with the stainless heads that came out when they first started advertising on here. I haven't been able to use them yet but will hopefully have better luck. It sounds like it's been hit or miss with the problem. I'll attempt to drill out my impellers it I experience it though. Mike from Chugger sent me the stainless heads for free so I can't complain if they don't perform as well.

 

[kincade]

Just a few comments... Regarding flow, I HAVE restricted my flow. At any rater other than shut off I get the 'screaming cat' and the flow shuts down. So ANY flow seems to cause the problem. Even without the screaming cat, the pump is struggling to get H20 from my boil kettle to HLT, which is only a 5' rise.

Second, I did some experimenting this weekend and put some keg lube on the shaft and reassembled. It didn't get rid of the problem but it did seem to allow more flow and temperature before it locked up. This makes me wonder if drilling the impeller would solve the problem.

The comments about the impeller being demagnetized above 200* are a bit disconcerting, as that is precisely where I plan to use the pump! I hope this isn't the case.

Plove, you couldn't pull the trigger if you wanted to as the last batch is already sold out!

Lastly, problems aside you have to give it to chugger that they are standing behind these. I have a new pump on the way already. If it doesn't solve my problem I'll return the pump and I have no doubt that chugger will give me a refund. Their customer service seems to be second to none. I just wish the pumps had the bugs worked out!

 

[DrewBrewTheGreat]

drilling the impeller

What is this referring to?

 

[yessri]

What is this referring to?

see 10/27/11 9:45 AM for OP: "From the looks of it (from their perspective) the impeller is expanding under heat and seizing on the shaft. If thats the case then just drill the impeller out with that 17/64" drill bit and you should be fine. For those of you with better drill bit assorments use a "G" bit. If the impellers are still de-coupling on you @ 170*F then they have some weak magnets and theres not much you can do about it but send it back to them and hope they get you some better/stronger ones."

 

[DrewBrewTheGreat]

thanks