Pump humming; not turning

agarza8543 · Jan 23, 2012

Split from the pump-humming-not-turning topic. Bama

I am having the same problem, pump hums won't turn on. Questions: i have a northstar 2hp pump, how do I spin the impeller? Do I take the lid off of the basket area when the pump is on?

I cannot get the cover off of the motor to check the capacitor, how do I do this? I'm not sure how to get to the motor.

Thanks for any help.

Bama Rambler · Jan 23, 2012

Do not take the lid off the basket when the pump is on.

If there's not a 'bump' on the side of the motor then the capacitor is under the back cover. If you're not confident in testing the motor yourself I highly suggest you take the pump out and take it to a pool or motor shop and have them check it for you. We don't want you getting hurt.

There are usually a few screws on the back cover that hold it on. Be sure the power is off before removing the cover.

agarza8543 · Jan 23, 2012

There is not a bump on the side of the motor. IT looks like there is a 'cap' (for lack of a better description) that slides on the end of the motor, I'm assuming from pictures that under this is where the capacitor would be. I'm fairly handy, I know how to check the capacitor, I just can't figure out how to get the cover off; there are no screws, bolts or anything on the motor to remove the cover, does it slide off?

Bama Rambler · Jan 23, 2012

All I've ever seen either have screws in the side of the cover or use the motor through-bolts to hold them on.

Buford · Jan 23, 2012

It sounds like an AO Smith, like the one on my late Superpump. I don't know that much about electric motors, so I will defer to Dave, but mine had a tight cap, on the end, held on by two (?) screws, that needed a few taps with the handle of the screwdriver to loosen up to get to the wiring.

Agarza, maybe you could locate a pic? If I recall correctly, (which might be doubtful), there are only a few motor manufacturers for a lot of pump makers.

DBfan187 · Jan 23, 2012

here we go, this is on one of my display cutaway super pumps

cap is on the left, held on by a metal bar clamp that's screwed down with a 1/4" nut/screw

side view

bobodaclown · Jan 23, 2012

If a picture is worth a thousand words. Here a video that is worth a few thousand words. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZEIv5ClLqXg

thepoolman · Jan 24, 2012

Northstar motors are a little different design than most motors, including the one in that picture. The end cap is a plastic half circle and the 1/4" bolt is in the middle if I remember correctly. Take that off and the capacitor and shaft will be exposed.