Pool pump grinding, no pressure, sucking air

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poweranimal

Member
Nov 15, 2023
11
Surprise, AZ
Pool Size
15000
Surface
Plaster
Chlorine
Liquid Chlorine
So originally, the suction side cleaner pipe started sucking air, so we shut the valve off and kept it on 100% skimmer. Worked fine for a while. Went to vacuum the pool today (using hose in the skimmer) and noticed the pump was sucking a lot of air. Inspecting the pump, I found it to have a light grinding sound on high speed, and shaking at low speed, which normally runs smooth and perfect.

I assumed the suction side cleaner port possibly broke underground, so I just stopped using it. But there is no way both lines would break in the same month after 22 years.

Pump doesn’t leak water, but I noticed the seal plate is warped in several places, maybe between 1/16th and 1/8th of an inch.

I have no issue rebuilding this pump, but I’m hesitant to buy parts unless I’m fairly confident where the problem started.

Can a warped seal plate suck air without leaking water? I’ve leak tested all exposed valves and plumbing and can’t find where else the air is coming from. Is there any part of the pump internally that can suck air? New gasket on the basket seals good, and the drain seals are also good.

Thanks for any diagnostic help!
 
What model pump are we discussing?

Pictures?
 
poweranimal said:
Intelliflo i3 1HP.View attachment 553964View attachment 553965
Click to expand...
Shaking could indicate a clogged impeller that can be out of balance. If you open the pump, remove the basket, reach into the impeller area, you may feel a clog. May have to open the pump to be sure.
That amount of warp usually doesn't pose a problem. Your seal could be worn, and they will allow air in. If you replace it, get a new body gasket as well, fill the slot the gasket fits into with silicone sealant and install the gasket. That will take care of any warping.
 
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1poolman1 said:
Shaking could indicate a clogged impeller that can be out of balance. If you open the pump, remove the basket, reach into the impeller area, you may feel a clog. May have to open the pump to be sure.
That amount of warp usually doesn't pose a problem. Your seal could be worn, and they will allow air in. If you replace it, get a new body gasket as well, fill the slot the gasket fits into with silicone sealant and install the gasket. That will take care of any warping.
Click to expand...
Ok, so I tore the pump apart today. Here’s some pictures. Low speed (750 rpm) shakes the motor pretty bad which it used to be smooth. Runs fine at high speeds. Not sure if the motor is failing? Let me know if these pics look normal or not.
 

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poweranimal said:
Ok, so I tore the pump apart today. Here’s some pictures. Low speed (750 rpm) shakes the motor pretty bad which it used to be smooth. Runs fine at high speeds. Not sure if the motor is failing? Let me know if these pics look normal or not.
Click to expand...
Motor is failing because the shaft seal failed long ago and ruined the front bearing at the very least. Looks like the ceramic portion may even be broken/split.
 
1poolman1 said:
Motor is failing because the shaft seal failed long ago and ruined the front bearing at the very least. Looks like the ceramic portion may even be broken/split.
Click to expand...
Finally found that the 2 bearings in the motor are replaceable. So here’s my game plan. Order new impeller, diverter, seal plate, shaft bearings, shaft seal, all rubber, and I should in theory have a working pump again.

I’ll let you know in a week or so what happens. Or if you think it’s a bad idea/waste of money, let me know your thoughts. Thanks
 
Last edited:
poweranimal said:
Finally found that the 2 bearings in the motor are replaceable. So here’s my game plan. Order new impeller, diverter, seal plate, shaft bearings, shaft seal, all rubber, and I should in theory have a working pump again.

I’ll let you know in a week or so what happens. Or if you think it’s a bad idea/waste of money, let me know your thoughts. Thanks
Click to expand...
Not a tremendous amount of money for what could be a working pump. Try to get a Val-Pak sealplate (V20-208). They are better than OEM.
 
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1poolman1 said:
Not a tremendous amount of money for what could be a working pump. Try to get a Val-Pak sealplate (V20-208). They are better than OEM.
Click to expand...
Inside the motor looked brand new so I just replaced all the seals and o-rings for now. So far it’s working, however the impeller seems a little warped and the cause of the vibration. New one is ordered.

Suction side cleaner is now 1/2 way working. If I turn the Jandy valve all the way left, it sucks air but doesn’t run dry. Valve has a crack down the side, so new one ordered.
 

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