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Figured out my suction line clog problem after a chat at the Tacoma yard
For years, I just ran the pump wide open when pulling sand, figuring more power meant better flow. Then a guy at the yard saw my setup and said, 'You're fighting your own machine.' He showed me how his crew runs at about 70% on the throttle for that material, letting the slurry build density before it hits the pump. Tried it the next day and my clog calls dropped from almost one a shift to maybe two a week. Anyone else adjust their pump speed based on what's on the bottom?
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grace_campbell7mo ago
Honestly, that sounds like overthinking it to me. I've always just sent it full blast and never had a real issue. A clog here and there is just part of the job, you stop and clear it. Changing the pump speed for every different bottom type seems like a hassle. Maybe you just got lucky that week, or your pump was already acting up before.
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joel_martinez7mo ago
Actually, gotta disagree on this one. Seen way too many pumps burn out from running full tilt on heavy silt. Clearing a clog is one thing, replacing a whole impeller is another. Taking two seconds to dial it back in thick stuff saves a ton of wear and tear. Maybe it's extra steps, but it's cheaper than downtime.
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alex_wilson797mo ago
Yeah I learned that the hard way last season, burned through two impellers before I started easing off in the mud.
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