Start Capacitor replacement question

[snowblind47]

Hi,

From doing some research in the forums, I've come to the conclusion that my Hayward Power-Flo Matrix pump needs a new start capacitor. I turned off the pump yesterday to clean out my skimmer baskets and when I attempted to restart the pump, all I got was a humming sound.

I checked the inside of the pump to see if something was obstructing the pump and it was clear.

My question is, would I have to actually dis-connect the pump from the filter and pool in order to replace the capacitor?

I'm not sure I want to actually disconnect the pump at this moment, because I can't think of a way to stop the pool water from draining out all over the place once I take the pump from the platform.

If I have to remove the pump to fix it, is there a trick or any other suggestions anyone would have to stop the water from coming out of the pool?

 

[Bama Rambler]

You do not have to disconnect the pump from the plumbing. You don't even have to remove the motor.

There is either a metal can that makes a bump on the motor that the capacitor is under or it's inside the back cover. Make sure the power is off!

 

[jblizzle]

You should not have to disconnect the pump or motor from the plumbing ... assuming you have access to the cover on the back of the motor.

Some motors have 2 caps, one in the rear cover and one on the side ... I am not sure which is the start and which is the run cap though

 

[Smykowski]

I don't think a Power-Flo Matrix pump has a capacitor. There's a centrifugal switch on the back side which might be dirty/loose/bad, but when I took mine apart, I never saw a capacitor.

Can you turn the shaft by hand? Have you looked at the impeller to see if it's clogged?