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 ;)
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!
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!!!
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.
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
Great video. Thank you, thank you, thank you for NOT including "background" music over your narration. (It drives me crazy when TH-camrs 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 TH-camrs skip over critical steps like just using a flat head screwdriver to pry pieces apart.
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!
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.
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
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...
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.
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..
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.
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!!!
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
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. 😀
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.
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 !
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!
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...
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.
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?
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
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
+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 ;)
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!
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
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?
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?
Thank to do much for your video on replacing parts on my MX 8. I replaced the parts you showed but it can't seem to get the bottom brushes area to go around like yours. Any suggestions.
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. 😢
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
Thank you for the video. I had a problem with slowness and going in circles. I changed both directional controls, engine, bearings, and added the washer. When I rehooked it up, the circular cleaning blades are not moving at all. Plenty of pressure. Any suggestions? Much appreciated.
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..
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?
I installed both directional controls, tracks, and drive shaft but when I spin the bottom brushes the tracks turn but they are binding. Once I spin the bottom brushes and it hits neutral it starts to get even tighter and makes a clicking noise. Any idea what I did wrong?
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?
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.
Questions I just did a rebuild kit on my cleaner .. I have a variable speed pool pump and when it's on auto ( not much suction) it won't move .. on quick clean alot of suction it works fine .. any idea ? Thank you!
I replaced all the parts in your video. When I put it in the tracks do not move at all..I checked the suction. It's ok. The impeller is not moving either. All parts are tight. This was no big deal switching out parts and it worked before I messed with it. Any suggestions before I have to go to the pool store and get ripped off? Appreciate your help.
Hello there, I recently purchased the Baracuda mx8, adjusted the speed to 20 RPMs and everything operates normally, but the vacuum climbs to the water/tile line in my fiberglass pool. As a result, it sucks in air. How do I prevent this from happening?
Victoria W Just lower the suction down using the sideport valve by the equipment until the MX8 climbs but stops before exiting the pool. It is pretty easy to do.
Hi, I'm having problems with my MX8. It was working very slowly so I firstly tested to see if there was an issue with the pump by checking the number of times the wheel spun in a minute. This was within the working parameters as specified in the mx8 manual. So the pump was working fine. This is important to note here. I then checked the tracks and noticed the teeth were all worn out so I bought a maintenance kit that included new tracks, engine gears etc. On installing the kit I found the mx8 would run for a while and then stop. Also it was running very slowly. As soon as I pulled it off the pool floor it would start running again but then stop again. I checked the wheel spin rate and found it had slowed down considerably. I also noticed the mx8 hose was pulsing, something I do not recall happening before. I disconnected all the hose parts and checked for blockage but there was none. Not sure what is going on and why after installing the maintenance kit my mx8 has stopped working :-( Any help much appreciated. Thanks.
Okay guys I have serviced my own MX8 for years now. It wasnt climbing walls. So like many times before, I replaced the tracks. Noticed it still wasnt climbing walls. So in the past month after replacing every almost every part including bearings and gears, hose and o-rings. It turns out that it was due to AFTER MARKET tracks!!!! Unbelievable! Im like relieved I figured it out but I spent way extra than I needed. The tracks are new but they were harder material. So its just something to check.
Great video! Had a question, my MX8 just stops every now and then. I'll bring it up to the side and just spin the bottom scrubbers, and then it works again. Nothing is obstructing it. What needs to be replaced? I switched out the "engine" which is the thing with teh 4 flaps.But it still will stop randomly.
Check the "tank" tracks to see if the plastic teeth are all intact. It could be slipping if there are some teeth worn down. If the tracks look fine then the next thing would be the directional control devices are wearing out.
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 ;)
I agree. It's a great video. Wish more were like this.
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!
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!
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!!!
Cool deal. You rock!
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.
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.
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
Great video. Thank you, thank you, thank you for NOT including "background" music over your narration. (It drives me crazy when TH-camrs 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 TH-camrs skip over critical steps like just using a flat head screwdriver to pry pieces apart.
Thanks for the great feedback! 👍
I picked one up the mx6 at a garage sale for $40 bucks. Works like a champ
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.
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!
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.
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.
You are the consummate professional. In my opinion, you thorough and second to none. Excellent...!
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
Awesome to hear that!
so glad I watched this video before going out and buying a new one. I replaced the assemblies and it now works perfectly
It worked !! Night and day diff. Was told not to repair this vac! You are THE MAN!!!
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!
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...
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.
you are so right. worked for me too,,,,,after spending $$$$$ over 3 years.
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..
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.
It cleans well but is what we call a "parts hog." As you are aware of.
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!!!
Thanks for the great feedback! 👍
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
Got mine used with the house. Worked amazing for 3 yrs. Time for some maintenance. Thanks for the tips.
Genius, thanks so much. Problem solved and took only about 15 minutes to install the A and B drives.
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. 😀
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
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!
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.
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 !
Thanks for the heads up and caution there. 👍
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!
This was so helpful! I was able to buy the tune-up kit through Amazon and this made it so easy!
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...
Another helpful TH-cam video! Thank you! This made rebuilding my MX-8 easy! This saved me a lot of money and stress!
Just got the MX8 elite, very well made video, thank you. Saved for future reference.
Thanks for the upload , made it so much easier to identify the issue and order what we needed ,
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.
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?
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
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.
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.
what size washer should I have on hand?
Great video. Easy to follow and shows the right amount of detail.
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.
You're getting a new screwdriver for Christmas! :) Good vid.
😂👍
So here I am again thanking you. Once again solved my issue! Thanks for being so professional!
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.
great job on the video , had an old one and used the parts to swap , washer Idea perfect too Thanks !
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.
Thank you. Nice tutorial on these common issues. I'm going to follow your instructions.
titanic called , they want the screw driver back
ha, ha. funny. I'll put it up on Ebay ;).
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?
thats from being around salt pools im guessing?
yep, invest in some new ones!! maybe 5 years old comment. Made me laugh tho!
Great video!
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.
Nice tip. Those usually last a very long time, glad you figured it out.
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.
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.
Thank you for your tutorial. Save me money doing it myself.
Thank you 😊now I'm able to fix my Mx8!!
Very helpful. A on maintenance video, F on keeping screw drivers out of the rain. lol
Thanks for the video. helped with my issues. now I need to replace parts
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.
+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 ;)
+Swimming Pool Tips, Reviews & How To -MrDgvb1 Thanks, Ill check that out.
Freaking life saver man!! Thank you. Mine was going in circles and the washer trick seems to have worked. 🥳
Thank you! Great video, easy to follow. MX8 is working like new.
Thank you so much! Wonderful video, very informative and you saved us some money fixing the cleaner ourself.
That washer trick fixed mine. Thanks!
what size ss washer do I buy?
Outstanding video. This was very helpful and made a great project to do with my kid. Thank you for making this.
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!
Great video I just watched it and repaired one of my customers gears on his mx8
Great!
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
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?
Great video refered back to it twice alrady, Awsome explanation thank you so much
Thank you, once again! Your instructions are spot on!
Thanks!! I just ordered my parts. Great video
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?
Thank to do much for your video on replacing parts on my MX 8. I replaced the parts you showed but it can't seem to get the bottom brushes area to go around like yours. Any suggestions.
Check to make sure all parts are in tight
All parts are tight but it seems to be binding when I try to spin them. Something else?
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. 😢
If you like this stylr of cleaner the new Polaris Atlas or Maxx cleaners have a new engine that prevents this from happening.
@@SPLThank you! I’ll look into it.
Perfect -- just what I needed. Thanks!
Great video. Mine just doesn’t move. I’m not sure where to start and where to stop.
Start with changing the tracks
Wanted to know when adding the stainless steel washers do you add to both sides ? Or just one side? Thanks
One side is enough.
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
great tutorial, fixed ours exactly as described, cheers!
Great to hear!
Thank you for the video. I had a problem with slowness and going in circles. I changed both directional controls, engine, bearings, and added the washer. When I rehooked it up, the circular cleaning blades are not moving at all. Plenty of pressure. Any suggestions? Much appreciated.
Spun Regularly Before Parts Replacement.
Thank you so much Sir you have saved me a lot of money. Very grateful.
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..
Thanks - very helpful - learnt a lot and saved time! Cheers
Thank you for these excellent videos. We are a colleague of yours and appreciate your help!
Great video and explanation! Do you know why would the rubber tracks keep going off the wheels?
Sounds like they may be worn out. Try a new set.
@@SPL Thanks for the quick reply. A friend did the tune up kit with the new belt and it is still doing it.
I have this same issue, one side only, my cleaner is only 18months old, I haven't bought new tracks yet, plan to, but is this typically the fix?
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?
Get a stainless steel washer. Won't rust in the pool.
Very informative, good detail
I installed both directional controls, tracks, and drive shaft but when I spin the bottom brushes the tracks turn but they are binding. Once I spin the bottom brushes and it hits neutral it starts to get even tighter and makes a clicking noise. Any idea what I did wrong?
Sounds like the Directional Device is not lined up correctly
But how can that be possible when there is only one way to install them and they fit perfectly into position?
Very, very helpful. Thanks dude!
Great video, thanks for making it and posting! You da man!
Great video! Was a huge help!
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?
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.
Questions I just did a rebuild kit on my cleaner .. I have a variable speed pool pump and when it's on auto ( not much suction) it won't move .. on quick clean alot of suction it works fine .. any idea ? Thank you!
You have to mess with the pump speed to get it set. Try running your pump at 2800 RPM or 75% speed and see how that goes.
Adjust the power …that worked for me rather than replacing engine , and bearings
Awesome video!! Thanks Much!
I replaced all the parts in your video. When I put it in the tracks do not move at all..I checked the suction. It's ok. The impeller is not moving either. All parts are tight. This was no big deal switching out parts and it worked before I messed with it. Any suggestions before I have to go to the pool store and get ripped off? Appreciate your help.
Something is not right. I would take the engine out and check the gears. The white teeth are probably not catching.
Very helpful!! Thank You.
well we got all the parts and put in and still not moving. wonder if we should take out washers as that didn't sound like factory idea.
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?
Hello there,
I recently purchased the Baracuda mx8, adjusted the speed to 20 RPMs and everything operates normally, but the vacuum climbs to the water/tile line in my fiberglass pool. As a result, it sucks in air. How do I prevent this from happening?
Is it hooked up to the skimmer or sideport of the pool?
+Swimming Pool Tips, Reviews & How To -MrDgvb1 it is hooked up to the sideport of the pool
Victoria W Just lower the suction down using the sideport valve by the equipment until the MX8 climbs but stops before exiting the pool. It is pretty easy to do.
Swimming Pool Tips, Reviews & How To -MrDgvb1 Thank you for advise.
Can you tell me why my mx8 does not have bearings on the Motor ? Outstanding video. Thank you.
Strange. I've seen them fall apart and disintegrate in an old Polaris cleaner but never in the MX-8.
Ok, thanks for answering my question. I rebuilt the entire unit today and put new bearings on the motor it works great. Thanks for the great video.
Thanks very helpful!!!
Update bought all parts on Amazon. Mx8 is working fantastic
Hi, I'm having problems with my MX8. It was working very slowly so I firstly tested to see if there was an issue with the pump by checking the number of times the wheel spun in a minute. This was within the working parameters as specified in the mx8 manual. So the pump was working fine. This is important to note here. I then checked the tracks and noticed the teeth were all worn out so I bought a maintenance kit that included new tracks, engine gears etc. On installing the kit I found the mx8 would run for a while and then stop. Also it was running very slowly. As soon as I pulled it off the pool floor it would start running again but then stop again. I checked the wheel spin rate and found it had slowed down considerably. I also noticed the mx8 hose was pulsing, something I do not recall happening before. I disconnected all the hose parts and checked for blockage but there was none. Not sure what is going on and why after installing the maintenance kit my mx8 has stopped working :-( Any help much appreciated. Thanks.
….having the same problem.
I'm having the same problem
Having the same problem with new parts, slow and doing wheelies. Anyone?
Okay guys I have serviced my own MX8 for years now. It wasnt climbing walls. So like many times before, I replaced the tracks. Noticed it still wasnt climbing walls. So in the past month after replacing every almost every part including bearings and gears, hose and o-rings. It turns out that it was due to AFTER MARKET tracks!!!! Unbelievable! Im like relieved I figured it out but I spent way extra than I needed. The tracks are new but they were harder material. So its just something to check.
You haven’t got the float installed on the hose??
Thank you, it was very helpful.
Great video! Had a question, my MX8 just stops every now and then. I'll bring it up to the side and just spin the bottom scrubbers, and then it works again. Nothing is obstructing it. What needs to be replaced? I switched out the "engine" which is the thing with teh 4 flaps.But it still will stop randomly.
Check the "tank" tracks to see if the plastic teeth are all intact. It could be slipping if there are some teeth worn down. If the tracks look fine then the next thing would be the directional control devices are wearing out.