Plumbing help - VS pump installation

[pennywise13]

Hi all. I have an old Challenger pump with single speed 2.5HP motor. I replaced bearings a little over a year ago, but the motor is starting to whine again. I'd like to make the switch to Variable Speed for the energy cost savings. I looked at the Century VS motor that would match the existing pump, but feel like it might just be time to swap out the entire pump.
I'm somewhat of a DIY person, but don't have a lot of PVC experience aside from sprinkler pipe repairs. Assuming I can get the discharge to line up, that side seems straight forward. But, what am I looking at for the suction side? Does that black union typically just spin off? If I wanted to get rid of that suction check valve, am I looking at needing to replace the entire suction manifold?

 

[jsygrls]

Yes that union should spin off ....but a lot of folks have a tendency to overtighten unions so go as gently as you can with channel locks if you can, a strap wrench use is preferred, I just replaced my pump with a Calimar VS two days ago with new unions in and out. Good luck.

 

[JamesW]

Does that black union typically just spin off?

Yes. Undo the union and unscrew the part from the pump.

If I wanted to get rid of that suction check valve, am I looking at needing to replace the entire suction manifold?

No, you can remove the flapper.

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[1poolman1]

Hi all. I have an old Challenger pump with single speed 2.5HP motor. I replaced bearings a little over a year ago, but the motor is starting to whine again. I'd like to make the switch to Variable Speed for the energy cost savings. I looked at the Century VS motor that would match the existing pump, but feel like it might just be time to swap out the entire pump.
I'm somewhat of a DIY person, but don't have a lot of PVC experience aside from sprinkler pipe repairs. Assuming I can get the discharge to line up, that side seems straight forward. But, what am I looking at for the suction side? Does that black union typically just spin off? If I wanted to get rid of that suction check valve, am I looking at needing to replace the entire suction manifold?

View attachment 607752View attachment 607753

Those old Challenger pumps are excellent pumps. You can cut the outlet plumbing and re-plump easy enough, then un-thread the front union, but another brand pump probably won't line up with the suction valve and could result in a lot of re-plumbing on that side of the pump. A Nidec Neptune NPTQ270 motor would turn your pump into a VSP for less than the cost of a new pump (except Calimar). The Pentair 356199 seal kit has all the other O rings, etc. that are needed to finish the job.