Pump motor throwing breaker

[RickGP]

Pump motor throwing breaker



motor/impeller
Dyna-Glas MPRA6E 147L

9 years old


Set to start circulating at 8:30AM and has been throwing breaker in basement for a few days now. I have to reset breaker (basement) and turn switch (outside) at timer box to get it going, and then is good for the day.


Wondering if anyone has any advice for me?

 

[pabeader]

Might have a bearing going bad or something in the pump impeller.

 

[OldPoolMan]

I'd vote for the start capacitor. Set the timer or manually turn the pump on each day to see what the real issue is.

 

[pabeader]

I would agree, but I have a question. Does a start cap slowly go bad, or is it a cliff event? I don't have enough experience with them to know the answer.

Also, wouldn't the internal motor protection trip first?

 

[Agent99]

Does everything work fine bypassing the timer? You might check the timer out, too.

 

[RickGP]

thank you all for replies. I guess I'll start with the first.

Might have a bearing going bad or something in the pump impeller.

how can I test this?

 

[Agent99]

With all power off, see if you can turn the pump shaft. Often, you can access it from the back/non-wet-end side. Spin it.

 

[RickGP]

I unplugged motor and opened trap and removed basket, which is the only way I can access impeller. Was only able to get a finger or 2 in hole, but cannot feel anything inside.
If there were anything (foreign objects) inside, wouldn't it make some sound when running? The pump/impeller runs all day & is making no unusual sound or does not show any sign of overheating.
That said, I'll try the next:

I'd vote for the start capacitor.

How do i go about testing this? I have no idea where to look.

 

[Agent99]

If you can spin the impeller by hand then it should be fine and not the problem.

The start cap is located either in a hump on the outside of the motor or nestled in the back under a cover. Some pics of your motor can help us help you.

To test the cap, try here: How to Check a Capacitor with Digital Multi Meter (4 Methods)

 

[pabeader]

OOHH!! You beat me:
Does your motor have a hump on it?

 

[RickGP]

i will attempt to test capacitor.

 

[pabeader]

Don't see a hump in those pictures. It might be hiding inside the rear cover.

 

[rdshackleford]

Try not to overlook simple things. Maybe the breaker is faulty.

 

[RickGP]

I am suspecting that the cacpacitor is bad because I got no spark when discharging. Also, using method 3 from this page,
http://www.electricaltechnology.org/2013/06/how-to-check-capacitor-with-digital.html
I got no reading at all when connecting leads (except 4 zeros and going back to OL), so I guess replacing capacitor would be the next move?

 

[Agent99]

Take the potentially bad cap to a motor shop and they ought to be able to test it in like 30 seconds and tell you for sure and then get you a new one if needed.

 

[RickGP]

OK, problem solved! Got a replacement cap at a local Grainger and she fired up without any hum or hesitation. Thank you all for help . . you guys are THE BEST!