Zodiac MX8 Getting Stuck, Moving Slowly or Going in Small Circles

Swimming Pool Tips, Reviews & How To - SPL

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In this video I will show you how to solve the main three problems you will have with your Zodiac MX8 as it gets older. The unit here is 3 years old. I will show you how to fix your MX8 if it is going in small circles in the pool, getting stuck on the steps or in a corner and if it is moving very slowly even with very good suction.
I was going to make it into three separate videos but I figured if you have an MX8 you will need to do both or all three repairs eventually so you might as well see it all at once.
Here are the parts you will need for this:
(1) Mx 8 Engine Assembly R0524900
(1) Mx 8 Direction Control Device Side B R0524800
(1) Mx 8 Direction Control Device Side A R0524700
(2) Bearing (Wheel & Engine) R0527000
The great thing about the MX8 is that it an easy cleaner to work on. It is pretty well engineered but it is a gear cleaner so the parts that drive it will wear out.
The first thing I show is if the cleaner is moving in small circles in the pool. I took this solution from Troublefreepools. Here is the actual link and solution from JGUY:
www.troublefree...
This is a great pool forum (although I have a lifetime ban -- long story). It seems to solve the problem.
The next problem is if the MX8 is not reversing. That is solved by replacing one or both of the Direction Control Devices. Here I replaced both but sometimes only one is bad. They are marked Side A and Side B so make sure you order the correct one if you are just getting one. I would suggest replacing both.
Last I show you what to do if the pool has good suction but the MX8 is moving very slowly. You will need to replace the Engine Assembly and possibly the two bearings.
Like the Zodiac Polaris cleaners I noticed there are several bearings in the MX8 cleaner. I would say after maybe five or six years all the bearings will need to be replaced to keep the cleaner working fine. The good thing about the MX8 is that the parts are easy to change and relatively inexpensive. You can keep this thing going for several years just by changing parts. Not a bad thing but I guess not a good thing either ;)
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Zodiac MX8 Cyclonic Scrubbing Kit - Retrofit Kit for your Zodiac MX8 Cleaner: • Cyclonic Scrubbing Kit...
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-seen at the testing stage in the video.
WEBSITE: www.swimmingpoo...
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Mrdgvb1 Social Media Links:
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Blogger: poolmandave.blo...
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Опубликовано:

12 сен 2024

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Комментарии : 253

@plantspirit9289 5 лет назад

I am a 60 year old female that does not fix things very well... but i followed this and was able to order the right parts on Amazon, and get my MX8 up and running again..Thank you so much for helping me...very helpful vid ;)

@damon79 3 месяца назад

I agree. It's a great video. Wish more were like this.

@andreasmarinakis609 3 года назад

Thank you very much for a great tutorial! I was posing the video and changed all the parts. I was afraid I was going to mess up but it took me 27min and 34sec with the testing! I was very happy and proud of myself thanks to you! It’s working perfectly! PS. I am a 65 year old woman (I am using my husband’s iPad) with 0 knowledge of machines!

@clydericherson7962 3 года назад

This Was one of the best How to videos I have ever watched. I am grateful you even showed when you had to struggle a bit to complete a task. Thank you for taking the time, and being so complete with your instructions. Lani Richerson

@michaelmessina8523 5 лет назад

Thank you. I’m not mechanical. I replaced all the internal parts in my kitchen while I watched and paused your video. Zodiac works great. I got all the parts on amazon as a bundle. Very happy. I saved both time and money.

@Pamelawilk 3 года назад

Thanks so much...you are very thorough. I am a 74 year old woman and I just happily got my vac working like new. Love you tube!

@glendajohnson9258 8 лет назад

Just wanted to thank you for this video. I am a 69 year old woman and was able to order the parts I needed and repair the Baracuda with your help.. Thanks again!!!

@SPL 8 лет назад

Cool deal. You rock!

@Gatorwatch916 3 года назад

Great video. Thank you, thank you, thank you for NOT including "background" music over your narration. (It drives me crazy when RU-vidrs do that and I can't hear the actual content). Thanks also for showing details of how to get parts apart (without breaking them). Knowing when to apply force and when not to is key, and many DIY RU-vidrs skip over critical steps like just using a flat head screwdriver to pry pieces apart.

@SPL 3 года назад

Thanks for the great feedback! 👍

@easylivingsherpa 2 года назад

I started following your channel when you showed me the BBC method of chemicals and youve saved me thousands. Thank you again from a silent lurker.

@judithviveiros412 2 месяца назад

The washer trick took care of the problem. Thank you for sparing me from having to take this to the pool store for servicing again.

@sharminafshar3775 4 года назад

Thank you for clear instructions. I managed to fix my pool's MX8 and despite of being an old MX8, it's working like a charm.

@josephwalker138 6 лет назад

You are the consummate professional. In my opinion, you thorough and second to none. Excellent...!

@ronjackson1893 2 года назад

Thanks so much for providing your very detailed video to everyone. It made the job of rebuilding our MX8 easy and fun to do. Best of all our MX8 now handles our pool steps with ease. Thanks again, Ron

@ytsiggs 7 лет назад

Mine wasn't working one side so I took the Directional unit apart. A small c clip had come off one of the gearbox shafts allowing it to float and not connect with the motor shaft. 2 cents instead of $21 was good until I realized it was still in warranty. Phoned them up and said one directional valve was bad and the other one looked iffy and then sent me both sides without any problems....great customer service

@SPL 7 лет назад

Awesome to hear that!

@bekkinca 3 месяца назад

this was very informative and saved me from re-placing the whole unit which means it saved me a lot of money. Thanks for your effort in this!

@rvcerbone 3 года назад

Brought my Zodiac to point of purchase for repair, came back worse then when I brought it in. They claimed they replaced the drives. With your video I was able to disassemble and examine. They lied 🤥. Leslie is a joke and I gave them two shots at repairing it before I followed your instructions. Thank you!

@Blue2crows 3 года назад

I picked one up the mx6 at a garage sale for $40 bucks. Works like a champ

@patrickmaher6420 4 года назад

It worked !! Night and day diff. Was told not to repair this vac! You are THE MAN!!!

@stevebsvideos941 4 года назад

Thank you for the video. We have our first pool, and it has the MX8. It was getting stuck in corners and up against stairs. I replaced both gear assemblies using your video. I’m going to go ahead and replace the treads as they gave some wear. Thank you again for the easy-to-follow instructions. 😀

@robertgoracoff8654 2 года назад

Thank you very much for the tip on the washer.. Been working on this thing for a month and yours was the only video that provided the proper fix.. Well done..

@loribaldwinsands 5 лет назад

Excellent idea. Adding a small washer was all it took. The right side module wasn't turning the rubber track, added the washer exactly where you suggested, and bingo! Thanks.

@UntilThenThe1 8 лет назад

After watching your directions on installing A & B of the DIRECTIONAL SIDE POOL CLEANER. My Barracuda MX8 now works beautifully. Thanks for the directions on how to install. Gregory in Dallas...

@TroyHowarth 3 месяца назад

Thanks! The washer trick worked. 3 years in as well. So many issues with this cleaner! Feels like i'm disassembling it every 6 months. I'm close to binning it and buying a different brand/cleaner.

@SPL 3 месяца назад

It cleans well but is what we call a "parts hog." As you are aware of.

@bcarpiothetek 2 года назад

I replaced the gear assembly about 3 months ago and then my Zodiac MX8 started to go in circles again, I noticed one side was not moving so I ordered a new gear assembly for that side, replaced it and the problem did not go away and the gear assembly I previously installed looked perfectly fine. So I tried added in the washers, one for each gear assembly's axle and let me tell you that fixed the problem, the MX8 is working like a champ. So if anyone is having this issue try the washer trick before replacing the gear assembly.

@ppasogal 3 месяца назад

what size washer should I have on hand?

@7295shane Год назад

so glad I watched this video before going out and buying a new one. I replaced the assemblies and it now works perfectly

@MervsServiceSecrets 7 лет назад

I also fixed my neighbors with a simple fix. A lot can go wrong with these things, but all parts are pretty easy to swap out. Great video. Thanks!

@philindeblanc 5 лет назад

Yup...way too many parts. Kreepkrawly I may keep. I have a rectangle plaster pool, and currently thinking of rebuilding it, or getting a Kreepy Krawly. Saw this as an option, and first thing I do is look up the repairs on such products. This one is a mess. So is the Nav, but I am not about to buy another new problem.

@jean-pierremaufras2577 5 лет назад

The trick about the washer on the main drive is the key!! thank you... I have replaced so many directional control module for nothing! I was ready to buy a new one because mine is old, probably 6 or 7 years but the washer addition fix the problem right away! for those with "many" problems, I found over the years that filaments get wrapped around the main axle and it is a good idea to regularly inspect it and remove whatever gets wrapped around it.

@budblubaugh9908 4 года назад

you are so right. worked for me too,,,,,after spending $$$$$ over 3 years.

@brianstrickfaden530 5 лет назад

Really the perfect video! My neighbors unit stopped working a few months ago. I took it apart, and found the problem was one of the small bearings inside the Motor B next to the belt drive black toothed pulley had failed. It was completely worn and the center of the hex nylon insert had been chewed out. Without that support bearing, the bevel gears could never mesh. I noticed that this small part was unavailable as a replacement, so I disassembled the gearbox and found there was a far less identical bearing in the top cover so I swapped it out. After reassembling everything I think it will work like a champ. Thanks for your perfect video steps showing the technique to snap the motor out of the case! Much appreciated!!!

@SPL 5 лет назад

Thanks for the great feedback! 👍

@briangokey3460 5 лет назад

Thanks for the video. One other problem that can happen is that the baffles (seals) on the Middle Engine housing can break and you lose a lot of suction an the MX8 barely moves. Just replace the middle engine housing. Make sure to carefully remove yellow. closing tab...

@alexlongfield2113 4 года назад

Got mine used with the house. Worked amazing for 3 yrs. Time for some maintenance. Thanks for the tips.

@tonewheeler1 2 года назад

Another helpful RU-vid video! Thank you! This made rebuilding my MX-8 easy! This saved me a lot of money and stress!

@mbarton98 8 лет назад

Great video. Easy to follow and shows the right amount of detail.

@VFRCapBob Год назад

Now that these units retail at almost $800 you just have to know the ins and outs of repairing them. Mine is 8yrs old on its first engine rebuild 3rd set of transmissions. Running strong.

@noybiznatch 7 месяцев назад

When you say transmission, you mean the directional control units? I've changed everything but the directional control units, still having trouble. Inconsistent spinning, stops altogether. Could this be a symptom of a failing gear box?

@San606 2 года назад

So here I am again thanking you. Once again solved my issue! Thanks for being so professional!

@10guitars 5 месяцев назад

Thanks for the upload , made it so much easier to identify the issue and order what we needed ,

@waynegar1 3 года назад

Genius, thanks so much. Problem solved and took only about 15 minutes to install the A and B drives.

@wootendw 9 лет назад

Nice video but, as my Zodiac is only a few months old, and already has (lots of) problems, despite having good suction, I am through with Zodiac.

@ginacarbonetti8070 5 лет назад

Great video!!!. My Zodiac is 6 years old and I replaced all the eternal parts. Thanks for posting the part numbers needed, super helpful. Runs like brand new.

@jorgea3507 3 месяца назад

Just got the MX8 elite, very well made video, thank you. Saved for future reference.

@martinasis80 10 лет назад

titanic called , they want the screw driver back

@SPL 10 лет назад

ha, ha. funny. I'll put it up on Ebay ;).

@charlesgrubb5254 7 лет назад

Swimming Pool Tips, Reviews & How To -MrDgvb1 do you know of any suction cleaner made for a above ground/blowup pool that can work off of 1'000 gph/350 gph?

@brod12313 7 лет назад

thats from being around salt pools im guessing?

@nicolaspenney2614 4 года назад

yep, invest in some new ones!! maybe 5 years old comment. Made me laugh tho!

@albertoamaral9976 4 года назад

Great video!

@gungason 8 лет назад

Before replacing these parts, I suggest that you first remove the scrubber assemblies (two screws). On mine, the bearings in those parts were shot and were locking up. After they were removed the cleaner moved fine, so I replaced them with part no. R0525000.

@SPL 8 лет назад

Nice tip. Those usually last a very long time, glad you figured it out.

@gungason 6 лет назад

And after doing all that, I still had trouble. What I eventually discovered was that I had not been adequately cleaning my cartridge filter, which also calls for the use of diatomaceous earth. While I thought that using a garden hose was doing the job, the DE had caked on the cartridge and greatly reduced the water flow and pressure. Using a pressure washer on the cartridge did the job (and yes, I did also buy a new replacement). Sometimes the obvious is not so obvious.

@lucidoluxurytravel9739 10 месяцев назад

This was so helpful! I was able to buy the tune-up kit through Amazon and this made it so easy!

@BrainsOfMush09 3 года назад

you just saved me a mint, dude. I paid 130 bucks for the tune up kit from zodiak and will fix myself. That kit has all the parts

@Norquay.Mikado 8 лет назад

Thank you. Further to your suggestion I added a plastic flat washer to prevent the MX8 from slowly moving in circles, and the unit now works like new. BTW, this is the first maintenance of any kind that my MX8, purchased in April 2012, has required. Still works great

@budblubaugh9908 4 года назад

Thanks for the suggestion on the washer....I have rebuilt my mx8 many times and spent $$$$ on it, but i think if i would have known about the washer trick, it would have been fixed years ago. Thanks. I used stainles steel washers from ace hardware, 8 for $1.60. Works like a champ. Great videos. Bud in SW Florida.

@klos1971 2 года назад

I followed your video changed out all the parts like you mention in video including adding a washer and 4 months later the pool cleaner barley moves and goes in circles so took it apart today and noticed the washer I put in completely rusted out and rusted the bearings so just a heads up you should mention if you use a washer use one that will not rust under water. Might be common sense for some people but not for everyone! Took out rusted washer put everything back together and hopefully I will have fixed the problem! Just want to say I watch all your videos and you have helped me out so many times !

@SPL 2 года назад

Thanks for the heads up and caution there. 👍

@klos1971 2 года назад

no problem, I was about to throw this cleaner in the trash considering it seems to brake down so much but luckily I decided to take it appart again to see the problem was actually the rusted out washer and not the cleaner!

@sydneyknutsen2492 4 года назад

Thank you. Nice tutorial on these common issues. I'm going to follow your instructions.

@ArmandCerna 4 года назад

Thanks for the great video. I was about to get a new unit and after replacing all the parts you showed on your video it runs like new.

@nationalnotes 17 дней назад

You're getting a new screwdriver for Christmas! :) Good vid.

@SPL 16 дней назад

😂👍

@boandjill 4 года назад

Many thanks! Mine was getting stuck and wouldn't reverse. Changed both direction control devices and works like new again. The originals lasted quite a while...7 hours per day for 3 years.

@Westbocanews1 8 лет назад

Outstanding video. This was very helpful and made a great project to do with my kid. Thank you for making this.

@TomE007 3 дня назад

great job on the video , had an old one and used the parts to swap , washer Idea perfect too Thanks !

@DustinDay 4 года назад

Freaking life saver man!! Thank you. Mine was going in circles and the washer trick seems to have worked. 🥳

@Slappedkat 8 лет назад

Ive got a a lot of trees/plants around my pool. Ill use the pool net almost everyday to try and get everything out of the bottom of the pool. I have a spring loaded valve inline with the hose at the skimmer, that way if any leaf matter or seeds get stuck in the mx8, the valve will relieve pressure/strain on the internals reducing wear. I remove the motor section every 2 weeks or so and wash out the drive shaft/gears etc, make sure there's no small leaves, sand. Its not a dirty old corolla you can drive for ever, its basically a delicate small plastic pump with plastic gears so I treat it so. I disassemble/assemble out of the pool but I always test the mechanisms by hand when its submerged in water. Mines a couple of years old now and haven't had to replace anything yet ( knock on wood ) The extra time spent to look after it doesn't bother me, there not cheap.

@SPL 8 лет назад

+Slap kat I wonder if you would benefit from the Poolskim. If you have 1 1/2" threaded return lines you may want to look into it. Works great. Maybe it will allow less babysitting of the MX8 ;)

@Slappedkat 8 лет назад

+Swimming Pool Tips, Reviews & How To -MrDgvb1 Thanks, Ill check that out.

@ebkjr22 2 года назад

Thank you for your tutorial. Save me money doing it myself.

@monicarangel5987 5 лет назад

Thank you so much! Wonderful video, very informative and you saved us some money fixing the cleaner ourself.

@izzyQuezada70 3 года назад

Thank you 😊now I'm able to fix my Mx8!!

@smithfamily284 6 лет назад

Thank you! Great video, easy to follow. MX8 is working like new.

@janinejanine6075 2 года назад

Thanks for the video. helped with my issues. now I need to replace parts

@phillipramirez9868 9 лет назад

awesome vid man! I learned a lot from this video. I did have a question about when you manually spin the propellers to test the control device A or B. I noticed you spun it clockwise to turn the motor inside, when I tested mine it only turns counterclock wise. If I tried to turn it clockwise the motor would only turn against the opening the motor blades should be going. I just wanted to make sure it isnt something im missing or not doing right to test it. I just ordered the side A and B control devices and am hoping that will fix the problem. I already replaced the tracks but my mx8 is not moving like the one you fixed in the video. I look forward to a response hopefully. thanks!

@tmlewis4242 5 лет назад

Very helpful. A on maintenance video, F on keeping screw drivers out of the rain. lol

@BJKeane-mc6bm 4 года назад

That washer trick fixed mine. Thanks!

@ppasogal 3 месяца назад

what size ss washer do I buy?

@idaniaburgos6674 3 года назад

Great video refered back to it twice alrady, Awsome explanation thank you so much

@davidhump2039 7 лет назад

Thank you very much for the very informative video. I appreciate the time taken to make it. The titanic comment was funny but hey...if it works it works...Thanks again from Texas

@jacolubbe9364 4 года назад

Thank you so much for this video sir. It was of great help. I'm about to service a Mx8. Excellent content. Did subscribe and gave your a thumbs-up. Keep uip the great work! Jaco from South Africa

@justsitaspell 4 года назад

Thank you, once again! Your instructions are spot on!

@paulmcclain9023 Год назад

Adjust the power …that worked for me rather than replacing engine , and bearings

@timwilliams9781 6 лет назад

Great video I just watched it and repaired one of my customers gears on his mx8

@SPL 6 лет назад

Great!

@emilybrockman8791 8 лет назад

Thanks!! I just ordered my parts. Great video

@poolbritekonahawaii1265 5 лет назад

Thank you for these excellent videos. We are a colleague of yours and appreciate your help!

@ronyr1537 10 лет назад

Thank you so much Sir you have saved me a lot of money. Very grateful.

@DustyShowers Месяц назад

Great video. Mine just doesn’t move. I’m not sure where to start and where to stop.

@SPL Месяц назад

Start with changing the tracks

@johnford943 8 лет назад

Perfect -- just what I needed. Thanks!

@gregwilliams173 7 лет назад

Thanks - very helpful - learnt a lot and saved time! Cheers

@colejorgensen4567 9 лет назад

Great video, thanks for making it and posting! You da man!

@debrannelehman5263 8 лет назад

Mine spins manually and when placed in pool goes forward, but when it's near a wall it rolls on its side and just stays there. If I take it out, spin the wheels and place it back in it does the same cycle Rolls to the side and dies..

@jimmymattocks7620 5 лет назад

Great video! Was a huge help!

@seancuffe264 7 лет назад

great tutorial, fixed ours exactly as described, cheers!

@SPL 7 лет назад

Great to hear!

@jamesheil6565 2 года назад

Awesome video!! Thanks Much!

@sjlstevens100 2 года назад

Great video, thanks!

@jfkazm 8 лет назад

Very informative, good detail

@Shino2600 4 года назад

Thanks! I just got a house and was wondering why the damn thing kept going in circles and getting stuck on the drain cover, even if the suction on main drain was off

@MFOG-jc 5 месяцев назад

Hello, I realize you posted this over four years ago. I was recently working on my MX8 as I am experiencing the same problem (circling, and getting stuck on drain). Were you able to get yours going again? And what worked for you?

@douchebaggins7 5 лет назад

Love you're videos. I just purchased the MX8 elite. I adjusted the rpm as per the instructions but can't get it to climb the walls on my pebble tech pool.

@SPL 5 лет назад

What RPM is it at? Try increasing the suction to the cleaner a bit.

@douchebaggins7 5 лет назад

@@SPL Thanks for the fast reply. Instructions said 10 rpm in approx 20 seconds. That right about where it is.

@xraydan97532 5 лет назад

Very, very helpful. Thanks dude!

@cole0311 4 года назад

Thanks!

@xGorexGirlx 4 года назад

Thanks very helpful!!!

@xGorexGirlx 4 года назад

Update bought all parts on Amazon. Mx8 is working fantastic

@mattackerman9340 3 года назад

Very helpful!! Thank You.

@joelmontes6162 4 года назад

Thank you, it was very helpful.

@roller9158 3 года назад

Great video..Thank You

@Jazman863 8 лет назад

Thanks mate. Very useful

@krispipermel 4 года назад

brilliant thanks ,so helpful

@hyroed1747 4 месяца назад

i have an mx8 barracuda, one of the fans at the bottom wasnt spinning. i changed its corresponding drive control and got the fan to spin again. but now its making a clicking noise when both fans spin. it seems to alternate from each side. maybe i need some new drive shafts? or bearings?

@Na_ta_shi 2 года назад

I'm only here because I'm absolutely perplexed on how this thing works. How does it engage and disengage the turning?

@SPL 2 года назад

There is a Cam inside the directional device. When a price of plastic hits it the turning disengages. Quite simple really.

@foilsurf Год назад

MY MX8 stops after running for about 5-10 min. I’ve changed most of the components using tune up kit. All the bearings are new, engine, drive shaft, belt etc. if I spray silicone lubricant into the suction hole it seems to spin more freely and not stop all the time. It seems like there is excessive friction but I can’t figure out where. I’m getting plenty of suction. Is the engine housing bad? Any ideas?

@SPL Год назад

It could be the engine is out of balance and as it runs it eventually catches. I would take it apart and make sure the engine is centered perfectly. You could have a defective engine.

@bludika 7 лет назад

so this cleaner, it handles every debris except long and stringy stuff and twigs right? but maybe 1 inch leaf and flower petals are no problem?

@Bicloptic 2 года назад

You should have affiliate links. Convenient for us and it’ll make some money for you.

@SPL 2 года назад

Roger that! 👍

@r3lvly 4 года назад

Thank you so much for this video sir, it's very informative. For the flat washer, do I need a specific type such as size or one that handles the pool water and its chemical?

@SPL 4 года назад

Get a stainless steel washer. Won't rust in the pool.

@MarkMollat 24 дня назад

Do you have a recommendation of an alternative vacuum to use? My mx8 plus continues to get stuck with the pesky long palm leaves. Wrapping and tangling the drive engine flippers which prematurely destroys both my control devices side A and B. I’m in my third set of control devices, both A/B. 😢

@SPL 21 день назад

If you like this stylr of cleaner the new Polaris Atlas or Maxx cleaners have a new engine that prevents this from happening.

@MarkMollat 21 день назад

⁠@@SPLThank you! I’ll look into it.