RIO pump-leaky motor housing

[babzsak]

I understand that RIO's aren't considered the cream of the crop, unfortunately only after I bought 5 of them for various operations in my tank and sump. I was replacing the impellers on a few of them tonight and went to the sink to test them out. I noticed that all three had leaks that allowed enough water to enter the motor housing that I could hear it swishing around when shaking them. I already had one explode in my sump and I'm already starting to replace them as I can afford to, but I really need some circulation in the tank and to get my protien skimmer back on-line. Has anyone had any experience with something like this? I understand the motors are sealed/encapsulated, but is it normal for water to be in the housing?TIA

[cocoa_pleco]

Check the o-ring. Air coming in is often from o-ring obstruction or misplacement. The o-ring is a major part of sealing from air

[babzsak]

Thanks,

When I hold in underwater, it seems there are air bubles coming from the back of the pump (opposite of the in/out flow and impeller) around a factory seem, also toward the bottom where the suction cups attach. Does the sealed motor render this a moot point?

[cocoa_pleco]

check the actual canister for cracks then to see if there is a way for air to get in