Sheared off access panel screws, ideas?

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C

chrismar

0
May 11, 2015
38
Bridgewater, NJ
Hi!

I recently had to look at the wiring for my pump, and in the process of removing the three screws holding the access panel, they got sheared off. As a result, the single screw left isn't enough to hold it on securely, and there's a big gap:
motor1.jpgmotor2.jpg
And the label for the motor itself:
motor3.jpg
I've reached out to the motor manufacturer about a potential replacement part, however I haven't heard back yet.

Any other creative solutions to this problem?

Thanks!
 
I would take the one good screw into a hardware store and find some matching screws.

Until then I would put a few layers of flex tape or duct tape on it to seal it closed.

@JamesW you know the specs of the screws used?
 
You drill and tap new threads then new screws.

An easy out might work if you have a steady hand and the right
size easy out.

-Bigpaws
 
If you can get a grip on the screw stub you can try soaking it with Kroil and see if you can get it out.

If you cannot I think that motor has too much rust on it and will need replacement. I don't know what part can fix the screw stubs being stuck.
 
You might want to look at a replacement. I was OK until you said you let the "Magic Smoke" out. I'm pretty ballsy when it comes to making things last, but once a motor smokes, there's not a lot of hope left for it. You should look at a VS motor, it would probably pay for itself in electrical savings in about a year.
 

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Not sure who your talking to, or why they would be pushing for a single speed. General consensus on this forum is that VS pumps are far and away the better pumps for the energy savings alone. They allow you to run your pump basically 24/7 at low speed, and only increase speed when neede for your SWG. All for less than whatever schedule you were running before.
 
crusemm said:
Not sure who your talking to, or why they would be pushing for a single speed. General consensus on this forum is that VS pumps are far and away the better pumps for the energy savings alone. They allow you to run your pump basically 24/7 at low speed, and only increase speed when neede for your SWG. All for less than whatever schedule you were running before.
Click to expand...
Local pool repair shops. I had them out to repair some plumbing a few days ago and I spoke to them about a potential pump replacement.
 
It was made in 2012.

In any case, probably time for a variable speed pump.

I suspect that you might have had some problems related to the timer installation causing damage to the motor.
 
JamesW said:
It was made in 2012.

In any case, probably time for a variable speed pump.

I suspect that you might have had some problems related to the timer installation causing damage to the motor.
Click to expand...
Interesting. How were you able to figure out it was manufactured in 2012? Guess the PB gave me a 3 year-old pump when he built the pool.

I suspect the damage is always possible. I did have some problems with it last year too. Motor shop replaced the capacitor and it worked fine last season.
 
I don't know anything about nyour local shops, if they are trustworthy or not. I do know that on this forum the consensus is that VS pumps are far and away better. Your local shop may have inventory he's trying to move, manufacturer incentives, or it may be his honest opinion that in his experience, it's best for your pool. Nobody here is trying to sell you anything or make a profit from your decisions, just trying to offer you the best advice possible.
 
crusemm said:
I don't know anything about nyour local shops, if they are trustworthy or not. I do know that on this forum the consensus is that VS pumps are far and away better. Your local shop may have inventory he's trying to move, manufacturer incentives, or it may be his honest opinion that in his experience, it's best for your pool. Nobody here is trying to sell you anything or make a profit from your decisions, just trying to offer you the best advice possible.
Click to expand...
I totally get that, and am super appreciative. I went with the 2-speed 5 years ago due to the advice I received on this very forum.

Seems like a VS is the next step for me, then.
 
I do wonder why it only lasted 5 years? My motor has lasted over 10, with only a capacitor replacement. You might want to figure out what caused the motor to smoke first.
 
Serial number 35212J2 was made on Monday December 17 2012. So, not quite 8 years old.

Introduction of a new standard date code was implemented in August of 2006 that will eventually be used on all A. O. Smith
product.

The first three characters represent the day of the year, the next two the year, and the last two the plant code.

For example, 12306M, would mean the 123rd day of 2006 (12306) manufactured in A. O. Smith’s plant (4M).
 
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