Little Giant MDQ Series User manual

INTRODUCTION
This instruction sheet will provide you with information required to
safely own and operate the Little Giant MDQ series aquarium pumps.
The pump you have purchased is a magnetic driven pump intended
for aquarium use, to provide water movement through filtration
systems. The pumps are installed external to the aquarium and
filtration systems, and are generally mounted below the aquarium
in the cabinet that houses the filtration systems. The pump head
parts are made of glass filled polypropylene. The spindle shaft
and thrust washers are ceramic. The impeller driven magnet is
coated ceramagnet A (barium ferrite) type ceramic. O-ring seals
are nitrile. The motor is thermally protected.
This instruction sheet covers the standard models in this pump
series. This form is applicable to other models in this series not
listed by catalog number in the replacement parts list section of
this pamphlet. If the catalog number of your pump is not listed in
the replacement parts section, then caution should be exercised
when ordering replacement parts. Always give the catalog number
of your pump when ordering replacement parts.
The Little Giant unit you have purchased is of the highest quality
workmanship and material. It has been engineered to give you
long and trouble-free service.
The Little Giant pumps are carefully inspected, tested and
packaged to insure safe operation and delivery. When you receive
your pump, examine it carefully to determine that there are no
broken or damaged parts that may have occurred in shipment.
If damage has occurred, make notation and notify the firm from
which you purchased the pump. They will assist you in the
replacement or repair, if required.
READ INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO
INSTALL, OPERATE OR SERVICE THE LITTLE GIANT PUMP.
KNOW THE PUMP APPLICATION, LIMITATIONS, AND POTENTIAL
HAZARDS. PROTECT YOURSELF AND OTHERS BY OBSERVING
ALL SAFETY INFORMATION. FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH
INSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY AND/
OR PROPERTY DAMAGE! RETAIN INSTRUCTIONS FOR FUTURE
REFERENCE.
SAFETY GUIDELINES
DANGER: To avoid possible electric shock, special care
should be taken in the use of aquarium equipment. For each
of the following situations, do not attempt repairs yourself;
return the appliance to an authorized service facility for
service or discard the appliance.
1. DO NOT USE TO PUMP FLAMMABLE OR EXPLOSIVE FLUIDS
SUCH AS GASOLINE, FUEL OIL, KEROSENE, ETC. DO
NOT USE IN EXPLOSIVE ATMOSPHERES. PUMP SHOULD
ONLY BE USED WITH LIQUIDS COMPATIBLE WITH PUMP
COMPONENT MATERIALS.
2. DO NOT HANDLE PUMP WITH WET HANDS OR WHEN
STANDING ON A WET OR DAMP SURFACE, OR IN WATER.
3. THIS PUMP IS SUPPLIED WITH A GROUNDING CONDUCTOR
AND/OR GROUNDING-TYPE ATTACHMENT PLUG. TO REDUCE
THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, BE CERTAIN THAT IT IS
CONNECTED TO A PROPERLY GROUNDED GROUNDING-
TYPE RECEPTACLE.
4. IN ANY INSTALLATION WHERE PROPERTY DAMAGE AND/OR
PERSONAL INJURY MIGHT RESULT FROM AN INOPERATIVE
OR LEAKING PUMP DUE TO POWER OUTAGES, DISCHARGE
LINE BLOCKAGE, OR ANY OTHER REASON, A BACKUP
SYSTEM(S) AND/OR ALARM SHOULD BE USED.
5. SUPPORT PUMP AND PIPING WHEN ASSEMBLING AND
WHEN INSTALLED. FAILURE TO DO SO MAY CAUSE PIPING
TO BREAK, PUMP TO FAIL, MOTOR BEARING FAILURES, ETC.
6. A. Do not handle the pump with wet hands or when standing
on a wet or damp surface or in water.
B. If the appliance falls into the water, DON’T reach for it! First
unplug it and then retrieve it. If electrical components of
the appliance get wet, unplug the appliance immediately
(nonimmersible equipment only).
C. Carefully examine the appliance after installation. It should
not be plugged in if there is water on parts not intended to
be wet.
D. Do not operate the pump if it has a damaged cord or plug,
or if it is malfunctioning or if it is dropped or damaged in
any manner.
E. To avoid the possibility of the pump plug or receptacle
getting wet, position aquarium stand and tank to one side
of a wall mounted receptacle to prevent water from dripping
onto the receptacle or plug. A “drip loop”, shown in Figure 1,
should be arranged by the user for each cord connecting
1
1.5-MDQ-SC
Figure 1
Franklin Electric Co., Inc.
P. O. Box 12010
Oklahoma City, OK 73157-2010
405.947.2511 • Fax: [phone]
www.LittleGiantPump.com
[email protected]

an aquarium pump to a receptacle. The “drip loop” is that
part of the cord below the level of the receptacle or the
connector if an extension cord is used, to prevent water
traveling along the cord and coming in contact with the
receptacle. If the plug or receptacle does get wet, DON’T
unplug the cord. Disconnect the fuse or circuit breaker that
supplies power to the pump. Then unplug and examine for
presence of water in the receptacle.
7. Close supervision is necessary when any pump is used by or
near children.
8. Always unplug the pump from the outlet when not in use,
before putting on or taking off parts, and before cleaning.
Never yank cord to pull plug from outlet. Grasp the plug and
pull to disconnect.
9. Do not use the pump for other than intended use.
10. Do not install or store the pump where it will be exposed to the
weather or to temperatures below freezing.
11. Make sure the pump is securely installed before operating it.
12. Read and observe all the important notices on the pump.
13. If an extension cord is necessary, a cord with a proper rating
should be used. A cord rating for less amperes or watts than
the pump rating may overheat. Care should be taken to
arrange the cord so that it will not be tripped over or pulled.
ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS
Check the pump label for proper voltage required. Do not connect
to voltage other than that shown.
GROUNDING INSTRUCTIONS
This appliance should be grounded to minimize the possibility of
electric shock. This appliance is equipped with an electric cord
having an equipment grounding conductor and a grounding type
plug. The plug must be plugged into an outlet that is installed
and grounded in accordance with all appropriate codes and
ordinances. This appliance is for use on a normal 120 volt circuit
and has a grounding plug that looks like the plug illustrated
in Figure 2. This pump should not be used with a three to two
grounding adaptor.
AQUARIUM APPLICATIONS
When using this pump for aquarium filter applications, refer
to the instructions and owner’s manual supplied by the filter
manufacturer.
OPERATION
1. The pump is supplied completely preassembled and pretested
from the factory.
2. Use a thread sealer on all pipe connections and hand-tighten
only.
3. The pump is not self priming. It must be operated with the
volute intake below the liquid level.
4. This pump is not submersible. Operate the pump only in the
in-line mode. DO NOT put the unit in liquid. Pump should
be located in a well ventilated area and away from where
accidental water spillage would cause wetting of the pump.
5. The weight of the pump must be supported adequately.
DO NOT support the pump by the intake and discharge
connections alone.
6. Do not allow the pump to run dry (without liquid). Heat buildup
caused by friction will damage the pump parts when dry.
7. Do not attempt to restrict the intake side of these pumps.
Restricting the intake may cause damage to the pump head.
If you require reduced flow rates, then place a valve on the
discharge side of the pump or if flexible vinyl tubing is used, a
clamp can be used on the tubing to restrict the flow.
8. If the unit is to be idle for a period of time, follow the cleaning
instructions outlined in the next section. Do not let the unit
freeze in the wintertime. This may cause cracking or distortion
that may destroy the unit.
SERVICE INSTRUCTIONS
MAKE CERTAIN THAT THE UNIT IS DISCONNECTED FROM THE
POWER SOURCE BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO SERVICE OR REMOVE
ANY COMPONENT!
1. The motor’s sleeve bearings should be lubricated every six
months with two to three drops of S.A.E. 20 weight non-detergent
oil. The oil holes are located on top at each end of the motor.
2. All wetted parts can be serviced by removing the (4) screws
(Figure 3, item 12) which hold the volute to the housing. The
pump head components can easily be replaced in the field if
necessary.
3. Lightly clean any corrosion or debris which may clog the
impeller.
4. If pump is tripping circuit breakers, GFCI, or not operating
properly after cleaning, return to Little Giant or its authorized
service center. DO NOT attempt repairs yourself.
2
Figure 2

3
Figure 3
ITEM L.G. P/N DESCRIPTION QTY
1 977467 MOTOR 1
2 189046 MOUNTING BRACKET 1
3 901434 SCREW, TAPPING 4
4 189023 DRIVE MAGNET 1
5 189047 MAGNET HOUSING 1
6 902443 SCREW, TAPPING 4
7 924134 O-RING, NITRILE 1
8 921077 THRUST WASHER 2
9 189010 IMPELLER 1
10 189042 SHAFT, CERAMIC 1
11 189002 VOLUTE 1
12 902443 SCREW, TAPPING 4

4
LIMITED WARRANTY
Your Little Giant product is guaranteed to be in perfect condition
when it leaves our factory. It is warranted against defective
materials and workmanship for a period of 12 months (90 day
warranty on Models 1-AA-OM, GKPK-SC, PP-1, PPS-1, PP-12,
PPS-12, PP-230 and Cooler King) from date of purchase by the
user. No warranty on brush wear in Model 35-OM and impeller
or cam in Models PP-1, PPS-1, PP-12, PPS-12, and PP-230. Any
product that should fail for either of the above two reasons and
is still within the warranty period, will be repaired or replaced if
returned prepaid to our Factory. All defective products returned
under warranty will be fully inspected to determine “CAUSE
OF FAILURE” before any warranty is approved. Little Giant will
honor the warranty within the warranty time period specified on
satisfactory written proof of purchase.
DISCLAIMER: Any oral statements about the product made by
the seller, the manufacturer, the representatives or any other
parties, do not constitute warranties, shall not be relied upon by
the user, and are not part of the contract for sale. Seller’s and
manufacturer’s only obligation, and buyer’s only remedy, shall
be the replacement and/or repair by the manufacturer of the
product as described above. Neither seller nor the manufacturer
shall be liable for any injury, loss or damage, direct, incidental
or consequential (including, but not limited to, incidental or
consequential damages for lost profits, lost sales, injury to
person or property, or any other incidental or consequential
loss), arising out of the use or the inability to use the product,
and the user agrees that no other remedy shall be available to
it. Before using, the user shall determine the suitability of the
product for his intended use, and user assumes all risk and
liability whatsoever in connection therewith. THE WARRANTY
AND REMEDY DESCRIBED IN THIS LIMITED WARRANTY IS AN
EXCLUSIVE WARRANTY AND REMEDY AND IS IN LIEU OF ANY
OTHER WARRANTY OR REMEDY, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED,
WHICH OTHER WARRANTIES AND REMEDIES ARE HEREBY
EXPRESSLY EXCLUDED, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO
ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS
FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSE. Some states do not allow the
exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages,
so the above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you. This
warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have
other rights which vary from state to state.
Warranty will be VOID if any of the following conditions are found:
1. Sealed motor housing opened.
2. Product connected to voltage other than indicated on
nameplate.
3. Cord cut off to a length less than three feet.
4. Pump allowed to operate dry (fluid supply cut off).
5. Pump used to circulate anything other than fresh water, light
oils, or other mild liquids at approximately room temperature.
6. Product abuse by customer.
The National Electric Code requires a Ground Fault Circuit
Interrupter (GFCI) be installed in the branch circuit supplying
fountain equipment rated above 15 volts. Part number 599335,
GFCI-1, is in stock and we recommend each pump be used with
a GFCI.
Form 994100 - 09/2006
©2008 Franklin Electric Co., Inc.
Little Giant® is a registered trademark of Franklin Electric Co., Inc.
For parts or repair, please contact . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.888.572.9933
For technical assistance, please contact . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.888.956.0000
www.LittleGiantPump.com
[email protected]