Ecotech EZ Variable Speed Replacement Motor

[sabersix]

New guy here.

I just ordered an Ecotech EZ VS motor/controller to replace my single speed Emerson 1081 EB843. This is a Pentair WhisperFlo pump WFE-8 (circa 1997). I will replace the seals in the pump when I upgrade the motor.

Anyone have experience with the motor? Search turned up only five hits, so seems this is an uncommon replacement.

For $400, I'm hoping to recoup my costs quickly in energy savings. I'm in CA where Tier 4 rates are ~$0.35/kWh.

 

[Lummy]

Interesting choice. I've been looking at the AO smith v-green motor that runs ~$700. Anybody have any experience with this motor?

 

[sabersix]

I saw that motor too, but since I could get a whole new VS pump like the Ecostar or Pentair for the cost of that motor I decided to try the Ecotech.

 

[acamato]

I am thinking of replacing my 1.5hp motor on my super pump with a Ecotech VS motor. The bearings are wining in my motor now. Payback is a little over 1 year for me.

 

[Lummy]

Just put my order in for the 1.5 hp version of the Ecotech. I'm hoping I'll have it by Fri so I can install this weekend

 

[JasonLion]

A side conversation about ChuckDavis's motor replacement has been moved to here.

 

[sabersix]

I've had my Ecotech motor installed and running for about a month. No issues with installation and programming was simple, but very flexible. About two weeks ago, I noticed that the pump sounded louder. It sounded like something was stuck in the impeller and clicking with the speed of the pump (kind of like the old baseball card stuck in the bicycle wheel spokes when you were a kid). I decided to take it back apart. I expected to see some tough piece of palm wood or something.

Instead, I found a piece of metal stuck between the diffuser and impeller. It is non-metallic and gold colored, like brass. Does anyone know where this came from? I've no idea how it got through the pump catch basket. The smaller piece was on the ground under the pump after I hosed out the pump body.

 

[sabersix]

No ideas? This is really bugging me.

Sent from my SCH-I510 using Tapatalk 2

 

[Lummy]

Did you check the seals when you went back into the pump?

 

[sabersix]

Did you check the seals when you went back into the pump?

Yes, all pump seals are good and there are no leaks. I can only assume this metal came into the pump through the suction side some how. I don't know of any valve, fitting, or seal in between the pool and the pump that has metal. It must have gotten sucked up by the vacuum.

There seems to be no damage to the pump, so I guess I'll just watch for any additional pieces.

 

[acamato]

Its from your diffuser. http://www.poolsupplyunlimited.com/...ssembly-5hp-25hp-wf-wfe-s05632-072927/80276p1
you can see it in the 2nd photo. It is a wear ring. It takes up the gap between the diffuser and impeller making the pump more efficient.

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[sabersix]

Its from your diffuser. http://www.poolsupplyunlimited.com/...ssembly-5hp-25hp-wf-wfe-s05632-072927/80276p1
you can see it in the 2nd photo. It is a wear ring. It takes up the gap between the diffuser and impeller making the pump more efficient.

Sent from my GT-N5110 using Tapatalk

:bowdown: Thank you.

Looks like the wear ring wore out. I'll see about a replacement.