Hi everyone, I am new here, but I have researched this topic for a few hours. Found a bunch of great posts but nothing that answers my main questions.
I have a 16kgal IGP run by one 1hp 1.25 SF Pump (Pentair Whisperflo) wf-24 A.O. smith motor
My wife and I built the pool back in '04 and started having problems with the skimmer immediately. We went out of town after the pool was built and came back a few days later to find the motor had gotten much louder. Apparently the poor pump had been running all weekend with no water due to the skimmer bobber sticking and not allowing water in. The pump motor started screeching when it would start. But it would run, loud, but run.
It kept running for years. I kept using the skimmer bobber mainly because it would do a good job at cleaning the surface Crud. It would stick every morning but I would be there to un-stick it. When we would leave I would take the bobber off.
3 days ago, I had to leave early and my wife had just had surgery so she could not get to the pump but she heard it. I got home around 1pm and saw the pool water was still and the pump was not running. The timer was working fine. I touched the pump motor and it almost burned my hand. It was very hot and I could smell burned rubber smell. The pump would not come on at all. I have seen this before on other pumps, usually they start after they cool. Mine however, would not start. After allowing it to cool for an hour it would only make an electrical hum. Humming noise.
I have spent the last three days researching this. Found a great post about taking my pump apart here: pentair-whisperflow-seal-replacement-how-to-w-photos-t10763.html
My impeller shaft spins very freely, although it does make slight scrapping noise and I sometimes hear the sound of dropping BB's if you can imagine that.
The motor seal seems to be fine, no visible damage. I have heard that I could replace the starting capacitor, but I just don't think its going to work. I really think the motor has gotten burned out.
I was just wondering about a few things.
I live in FL, its kind of hot here but not bad in November. My pool is starting to get cloudy and dirty. How long do I have before I need to get water moving?
Should I waste the 12 bucks on a starting capacitor? I really think that the motor is gone, given the burned out smell. Even if I get this motor running again, its going to be loud and will probably be inefficient. Still $12 is better than $250 I would spend on a new motor, seal kit and shipping.
I have read about the horrors of a pump motor rebuild, so I am going to probably have to sink a few extra dollars into a replacement motor. My question: Does anyone have any experience with inyopools.com? Is there a better site to order from?
Should I buy an EE (energy efficient) motor ?
Thanks everyone! I appreciate any and all help. I am going to try to scrape some bucks together tomorrow and make a move, so quick answers would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
I have a 16kgal IGP run by one 1hp 1.25 SF Pump (Pentair Whisperflo) wf-24 A.O. smith motor
My wife and I built the pool back in '04 and started having problems with the skimmer immediately. We went out of town after the pool was built and came back a few days later to find the motor had gotten much louder. Apparently the poor pump had been running all weekend with no water due to the skimmer bobber sticking and not allowing water in. The pump motor started screeching when it would start. But it would run, loud, but run.
It kept running for years. I kept using the skimmer bobber mainly because it would do a good job at cleaning the surface Crud. It would stick every morning but I would be there to un-stick it. When we would leave I would take the bobber off.
3 days ago, I had to leave early and my wife had just had surgery so she could not get to the pump but she heard it. I got home around 1pm and saw the pool water was still and the pump was not running. The timer was working fine. I touched the pump motor and it almost burned my hand. It was very hot and I could smell burned rubber smell. The pump would not come on at all. I have seen this before on other pumps, usually they start after they cool. Mine however, would not start. After allowing it to cool for an hour it would only make an electrical hum. Humming noise.
I have spent the last three days researching this. Found a great post about taking my pump apart here: pentair-whisperflow-seal-replacement-how-to-w-photos-t10763.html
My impeller shaft spins very freely, although it does make slight scrapping noise and I sometimes hear the sound of dropping BB's if you can imagine that.
The motor seal seems to be fine, no visible damage. I have heard that I could replace the starting capacitor, but I just don't think its going to work. I really think the motor has gotten burned out.
I was just wondering about a few things.
I live in FL, its kind of hot here but not bad in November. My pool is starting to get cloudy and dirty. How long do I have before I need to get water moving?
Should I waste the 12 bucks on a starting capacitor? I really think that the motor is gone, given the burned out smell. Even if I get this motor running again, its going to be loud and will probably be inefficient. Still $12 is better than $250 I would spend on a new motor, seal kit and shipping.
I have read about the horrors of a pump motor rebuild, so I am going to probably have to sink a few extra dollars into a replacement motor. My question: Does anyone have any experience with inyopools.com? Is there a better site to order from?
Should I buy an EE (energy efficient) motor ?
Thanks everyone! I appreciate any and all help. I am going to try to scrape some bucks together tomorrow and make a move, so quick answers would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!