Sta-Rite Max E Pro pump w/ Century Centurion motor extremely loud!

[JaySav]

Hey guys, been a while since I posted but I think the bearings are about shot in my pump. Can I have some advice as to what, I more than likely, need to replace while I replace the bearings. Is there some kind of general rebuild kit or do I just need a few seals and bearings? Thanks

 

[setsailsoon]

Jay,

This would be a great time to consider upgrading to a VS motor. Most owners see break-even point within 1-2 years on the power consumption benefit. Century makes a V-green VS motor that is an easy replace for most pumps and way cheaper than a complete VS pump. You can get better performance from a complete pump because the impeller is better matched to get best performance but motor only will often get you most of the benefit. The motor seems to have a large price range so check around if you go this way. The motor has a built-in timer control so no automation needed. It's also easily controlled using digital inputs from most major automation systems.

If you decide not to do this be careful with the disassembly. The 4 long, skinny bolts that hold the motor together are usually frozen into the front flange due to corrosion of dissimilar metals (magnesium cast with steel bolts). It takes a lot of patience and penetrating oil. In most cases at least one will break anyway. Same for the bearing retainer ring screw inside if your motor has one. Not to big a problem if you're comfortable drilling it out and re-tapping or through-bolt with a longer bolt then add a nut outside the flange to tighten. You can prevent this by coating threads in anti-seize. Bearings, seal kit and renew the flange seal o-rings is what I usually do. Inyopools sells an item called a go-kit that has everything you need. I'd check around at the other online stores also.

I hope this is helpful.

Chris

 

[JaySav]

Jay,

This would be a great time to consider upgrading to a VS motor. Most owners see break-even point within 1-2 years on the power consumption benefit. Century makes a V-green VS motor that is an easy replace for most pumps and way cheaper than a complete VS pump. You can get better performance from a complete pump because the impeller is better matched to get best performance but motor only will often get you most of the benefit. The motor seems to have a large price range so check around if you go this way. The motor has a built-in timer control so no automation needed. It's also easily controlled using digital inputs from most major automation systems.

If you decide not to do this be careful with the disassembly. The 4 long, skinny bolts that hold the motor together are usually frozen into the front flange due to corrosion of dissimilar metals (magnesium cast with steel bolts). It takes a lot of patience and penetrating oil. In most cases at least one will break anyway. Same for the bearing retainer ring screw inside if your motor has one. Not to big a problem if you're comfortable drilling it out and re-tapping or through-bolt with a longer bolt then add a nut outside the flange to tighten. You can prevent this by coating threads in anti-seize. Bearings, seal kit and renew the flange seal o-rings is what I usually do. Inyopools sells an item called a go-kit that has everything you need. I'd check around at the other online stores also.

I hope this is helpful.

Chris

Thanks a lot Chris I appreciate the info. I'll def look into both options. It doesn't look like Inyopools has any parts for the Century motors.

 

[JaySav]

@setsailsoon what about the water getting into the electronics compartment deal I've seen some posts about with that V Green pump?

 

[JamesW]

That motor isn't that old. When was it installed?

You probably have a seal leak.

It's probably time to replace the pump with a variable speed pump.

 

[JaySav]

That motor isn't that old. When was it installed?

You probably have a seal leak.

It's probably time to replace the pump with a variable speed pump.

Not sure when it was installed, we just bought the house March last year. I know its not the motor that comes with that pump, pool was built 2007. I'm not sure if its leaking or not. Last I checked it wasn't, I know it looks like there is some water in the pic, I took the pic real quick this morning before work so I could do some research, but it has been raining a lot.

 

[setsailsoon]

@setsailsoon what about the water getting into the electronics compartment deal I've seen some posts about with that V Green pump?

Yes, me too. I have sealed with a dob of UV resistant seal. Doesn't seem to be a big deal if you do that. I plan to check in a few months to see how it's working but seems pretty simple. I think it was Jame's idea to fix it this way.

Chris

 

[setsailsoon]

Thanks a lot Chris I appreciate the info. I'll def look into both options. It doesn't look like Inyopools has any parts for the Century motors.

Jay,

Yes they list most of their parts by the pump number. Your model (B2853) is very common for several major brand pumps. The Inyopools bearing is probably this one. You should double check by calling, their sales staff. They will look up everything just be sure to have the pump number and motor cat number (B2853) before you call. The go kit contains seal and o-rings but not the motor bearing.

Hope this helps.

Chris

 

[JaySav]

Jay,

Yes they list most of their parts by the pump number. Your model (B2853) is very common for several major brand pumps. The Inyopools bearing is probably this one. You should double check by calling, their sales staff. They will look up everything just be sure to have the pump number and motor cat number (B2853) before you call. The go kit contains seal and o-rings but not the motor bearing.

Hope this helps.

Chris

Thanks a lot for that. Ya I will, I'm going to try and convince the wife on upgrading. Do you really see a diff month to month with a VS?

 

[setsailsoon]

Thanks a lot for that. Ya I will, I'm going to try and convince the wife on upgrading. Do you really see a diff month to month with a VS?

Yes, definitely do see this. Hard to compare with just a couple months but sure seems less and I think it shows up more because the AC load is so low this time of year. It's amazing how quiet it is also. Haven't clipped the current to measure actual watts yet though. If your pump is original I'd also look close at new pump. There are aftermarket versions that use the same motor.

Chris

 

[JamesW]

A variable speed pump isn't that much more than a variable speed motor.

Besides the motor, you need a good seal, gaskets and maybe an impeller.

And then there's the labor involved in disassembling and reassembling the pump.

In my opinion, a whole new pump is the way to go.

There might even be a rebate from your utility or the manufacturer available.

 

[setsailsoon]

Especially considering your pump end may be 20+years old, I have to agree with James.