Pentair 2 Speed Pump Won't Start on Low Speed (Only)

[amati5]

moved from here.. Pentair 2 Speed Pump Won't Start on Low Speed (Only)

Hello,

Digging up the old thread…mine is acting the opposite, won’t start on full speed. It would hum for a few second then stop. Have to wait a few second before I can even turn it on again (only to get the hum again). I have to start on half speed then switch over to full. How do you remove the rear cover to get to the springs or to clean the contacts? I removed the 4 screws but it won’t budge. Do I have to do anything with the “shaft access “ bolt/cover? Mine looks a little different at the wire terminals and it’s a Whisperflo High Performance WFDS-6, 2 speed.
I assume the problem is the same as the op’s . The capacitor looks normal and there is continuty between the 2 terminals.

thx

 

[ajw22]

Post pics of your pump and the areas you are looking at.

 

[amati5]

Here are some pics I took before posting. I can take more as needed. I take it back about continuity across the run capacitor, I forgot to unplug the wires. I should have also checked if the propeller can turn freely. Will check more tomorrow. Since the capacitor only costs like $12, I ordered one just in case.

The humming only lasted a few second then stopped which I assume the thermal protection kicked in?

After removing the small cover (which is part of the 2 speed switch) I found a dead lizard in there

 

[ajw22]

Did you remove the hump and check the capacitor in the hump?

 

[amati5]

Yes, but I don’t think I knew how to check it properly.

 

[ajw22]

Yes, but I don’t think I knew how to check it properly.

View attachment 388726

See page 11 in https://images.inyopools.com/cloud/documents/ao-smith-troubleshooting-26-36.pdf

 

[ajw22]

See page 11 in https://images.inyopools.com/cloud/documents/ao-smith-troubleshooting-26-36.pdf

Or ….

How To Test A Capacitor With A Multimeter in 2022 (Simple Steps)

There are two ways to test a capacitor with a multimeter. Both of these approaches, as well as various capacitor types, have been discussed.

multimetertools.com

 

[amati5]

Thx, will check tomorrow.

 

[amati5]

So I tested the capacitor again and managed to remove the back cover with a big flathead and a hammer. Didn’t get it fixed, still won’t start on high speed.

The test seemd to confirm the capacitor is functioning. I removed the 2 wires, discharged by touching both terminals with a screw driver, set the digital multimeter to Ohm (no 1k or any other values are available. It’s Auto), measured across the terminals and got some number, getting higher and then O.L. Discharge it again and repeat with the same results.
Some instructions said to put a thick piece of paper between the switche but I didn’t do that because I have no idea what it mean. Not sure what switch.

I didn’t see what i’d expected to see after removing the rear cover. Everything pretty much solid hardwired except couple of switches and one item I don’t know what it is.

1) pic 1, it’s a mini switch that is activated by pressing the metal tab. Tested and seemed to work. I just don’t know what part in there suppose to press to activate the switch.

2) pic 2, that thing with the springs, not sure what it‘s called but i remember reading something about giving more torque once the shaft start spinning. Is it the one that‘s supposed to activate the mini switch in pic 1?

3) pic 3 and 4, what is it?

4) speed switch (low/high) tested ok.

5) shaft turned ok with a wrench. Not buttery smooth but turnEd with little effort.

Other than that, nothing else could be tested or fixed. Hopefully the coming new capacitor will fix it.
thx



updated: new capacitor didn’t improve anything. I noticed I can turn the shaft ok but if I turn the reverse direction, it make friction noise. Wonder if that’s normal.