Northstar problem..

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mikeginder

mikeginder

0
May 22, 2011
133
I have a 3 hp northstar pump ( way to oversized for my pool) anyway today i went to manually turn it on and all i get is a "buzz/hum" from the motor. Sounds like it is seized up. 20 minutes at least since its stopped and i cannot hold my hand on it longer then 2-3 seconds.

also i have 8 returns on my pool, a 24" waterfall and 4 fountains ( the later are not running all the time) If this pump is indeed wasted, what do you suggest for a replacement and where to buy for quick sale and overnight shipping? would like to stay with hayward so my existing unions fit the new pump.
 
You might want to pull the cap off the back end of the motor and if it has a slot in the shaft, spin it with a screwdriver then quickly turn the switch on and see if it runs. If it runs it may just need a capacitor, about a thirty dollar fix. You may also be able to find someone to test the capacitor for you. A/c guys are usually good at checking them. If you have an electric motor shop nearby they could do it as well. Good luck
 
Dalandlord said:
You might want to pull the cap off the back end of the motor and if it has a slot in the shaft, spin it with a screwdriver then quickly turn the switch on and see if it runs. If it runs it may just need a capacitor, about a thirty dollar fix. You may also be able to find someone to test the capacitor for you. A/c guys are usually good at checking them. If you have an electric motor shop nearby they could do it as well. Good luck
Click to expand...

ding ding ding... you win... i called my cousin the electrician/HVAC guy and we tested the capacitor just now and its bad, so i will try a new one tommorow. It spins freely.

thanks!
 
Very good, you just saved a few hundred bucks at least. You can also Put the old one back on and spin the motor in its normal direction with the pump off then quickly turn it on to get it running then just let it run till you can go get one.

Make sure the new one is not only electrically the same but also fits back under the cap that covers it.

Good luck
 
Dalandlord said:
Very good, you just saved a few hundred bucks at least. You can also Put the old one back on and spin the motor in its normal direction with the pump off then quickly turn it on to get it running then just let it run till you can go get one.

Make sure the new one is not only electrically the same but also fits back under the cap that covers it.

Good luck
Click to expand...

the capacitor i got is too big to fit, but for $16 its good enough till i find the right demnsional size... waiting to hear from hayward. any suggestions for buying capacitors on hayward pumps? 55uf 370 V 1 7/8 diameter 3 3/4 long
 
mikeginder said:
the capacitor i got is too big to fit, but for $16 its good enough till i find the right demnsional size... waiting to hear from hayward. any suggestions for buying capacitors on hayward pumps? 55uf 370 V 1 7/8 diameter 3 3/4 long
Click to expand...
I would be shocked if you have to go to Hayward for that part but I think your best bets would be, an electric motor shop, a Leslie' pool supply or an a/c supply house. What you did is $16 well spent you just need to find one that fits to get it out the weather. The capacitor may have a brand name and model num that you can search for. I would say good luck but you already had that when it was the capacitor and not the motor. You'll be fine, nothing is ever too easy.
 
Dalandlord said:
mikeginder said:
the capacitor i got is too big to fit, but for $16 its good enough till i find the right demnsional size... waiting to hear from hayward. any suggestions for buying capacitors on hayward pumps? 55uf 370 V 1 7/8 diameter 3 3/4 long
Click to expand...
I would be shocked if you have to go to Hayward for that part but I think your best bets would be, an electric motor shop, a Leslie' pool supply or an a/c supply house. What you did is $16 well spent you just need to find one that fits to get it out the weather. The capacitor may have a brand name and model num that you can search for. I would say good luck but you already had that when it was the capacitor and not the motor. You'll be fine, nothing is ever too easy.
Click to expand...

i was not really going to them for the part per se' , local electric motor repair place did not think they could get the exact cap. so i thought maybe hayward had a source. All they said was to check with AOS smith of i emerson.... if anyone knows of a source for a 55uf 370 v 1 7/8 dia x 3 3/4 L post it.. so far internet wise i struck out
 

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JamesW said:
Is there any writing on the capacitor besides the uF and volts?

Can you post all of the information from the motor label?
Click to expand...

i have the cap info at work

motor info

A.O Smith Century Centurion
SP 1620z1bnsc
part 7 - 193256-03
SN 057073m
fr = y56j
type = cx
3hp sf = 1.60
insul class b
code = L
encl = DP
Volts = 208-230
amps = sf 20.6 - 19
form =kjm

assembled in MEXICO :grrrr: :(
 
You have a Permanent Split Capacitor type motor. It uses a "Run" capacitor.

The closest that I can find is a 2-inch by 4-3/4-inch round capacitor.

It might be Hayward part number SMX300055003 or SMX306150002 or it might be this capacitor.

Information from the capacitor would help. You could contact Hayward or A.O Smith to see if they can help.

Note: The MFD (aka uF or microfarads) has to be the same, but you can use the next higher voltage if necessary. If a 370 volt is not available, then you could use a 440 volt capacitor.
 
The Aerovox that I showed above is the closest exact match that I could find. It is 2.00 inches instead of 1-7/8-inches. I don't know if that will matter.

I think that this capacitor will probably work. It is 50 MFD instead of 55 MFD, but I don't think that that would matter. [edit]Most references indicate that, for motor run capacitors, an exact match should be used. To be sure, you could contact A.O Smith.[end edit]

I would think that a local electric motor shop or pool store would have a suitable capacitor in stock or would be able to get one.
 
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