Pump buzzes, needs hand turn to start, does not appear to be capacitor issue

[csn]

So on Monday morning my Century Centurion B2855 2 HP motor was super hot and not pumping.

I turned off the power, after it cooled down I turned the power on and got the buzz sound and maybe after 20 seconds the buzz stops and the motor is hot.

Assuming it was a capacitor issue, I headed over to Grainger to buy a new capacitor. I put the new capacitor in and same deal. Then I remembered to try turning the axle by hand and that does start up the pump.

I put the old capacitor back in and found I can start the pump with a hand turn.

So now I’m trying to figure out what to troubleshoot next? With the power off I reached in through the basket area to feel for any obstructions or issues. Nothing.

The axle turns freely in a normal way.

 

[PoolGate]

How old is it?

 

[csn]

How old is it?

1 year. It replaced a b855 that I believe was seized.

I bought it off Amazon, which I regret, but I was in a hurry and the price was good. I’m always super skeptical now if I’m actually getting something “new” when buying from Amazon.

 

[PoolGate]

1 year. It replaced a b855 that I believe was seized.

I bought it off Amazon, which I regret, but I was in a hurry and the price was good. I’m always super skeptical now if I’m actually getting something “new” when buying from Amazon.

Hmm... It sounds like a worn-out pump with bearings failing. Not sure you have any recourse at this point. Try Inyopools if you end up having to replace it again. Can you remove it to investigate closer? Like excessive play and things like that?

 

[JamesW]

Maybe it is the wrong motor?

What impeller do you have?

I would get a variable speed pump.

 

[csn]

So I should try replacing the motor bearings next?
I failed to mention earlier that the pump has been making more “bearing loudness” noise for the past few months.

 

[JamesW]

I would get a variable speed pump.

 

[JamesW]

The axle turns freely in a normal way.

Then it is not seized bearings.

Maybe the motor is too small and it burned out.

 

[csn]

Not really looking to buy a new pump and variable speed motor at this point. I will probably do this at some point, just not this season.

 

[JamesW]

What impeller do you have?

 

[proavia]

You would be better served replacing it with a new VS motor or a completely new VS pump.
The cost savings in electric over a few years will probably pay for the replacement.

If the bearings went out in one a year, there are other issues..... seal, possible used motor, etc.

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[JamesW]

Did you ever get your electrical issues fixed?

Maybe the voltage is wrong?

 

[csn]

It’s a Pentair challenger pump. Pretty sure the pump/motor match is ok.

 

[csn]

Voltage is correct.

 

[JamesW]

Pretty sure the pump/motor match is ok.

Pretty sure is not sure enough.

 

[JamesW]

File a warranty claim with the seller and the manufacturer.

 

[JamesW]

WARRANTY PERIOD All Century® motors are warranted against defects in materials and workmanship for a period of 12 months from the date of installation or 24 months from the date of manufacture, whichever comes first.

https://regalbeloitliterature.callmss.com/services/filedisplay/MCSSP19013E.PDF

 

[csn]

Pretty sure is not sure enough.

Can you point me to some info on this?

 

[JamesW]

Can you point me to some info on this?

Info about what?

 

[csn]

It’s a Pentair challenger pump. Pretty sure the pump/motor match is ok.

Pretty sure is not sure enough.

Can you point me to some info on this?

Info about what?

The possible pump/impeller motor mismatch you suggested earlier.