- Sep 24, 2014
- 154
- Pool Size
- 15000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Hayward Aqua Rite (T-15)
So we bought our house last July, and I noticed as soon as we moved in (August?) that the pool pump tends to cycle on and of periodically. It's a single speed 3/4hp on an unknown pump body. I immediately ordered a replacement pump motor (AO Smith, 48Y, 3/4hp) to have on hand for when it goes. And then I decided to wait till the old pump died.
Here's where it gets interesting. It's been about 6 months now and the old pump is still doing it's thing. It isn't squealing, or doing any of the other things that you would associate with a dying pump. I've checked the voltage, it's properly wired and running at 240V. Nothing wrong there. While I had the motor cap/cover off (you know, the one that covers the electronics on the end of the motor), I noticed something else interesting. With the back cover removed, it runs flawlessly, and does not cycle off and on. Put the cover back on, it starts cycling like it's overheating again.
Is there any chance the thermal switch on the motor has gone bad, and is toggling off unnecessarily, or at a lower temperature that it should? If so, is there anything I can do about it? Or should I just go ahead and put on the new motor? I do not have a new shaft seal or frame gasket on hand, but I imagine it would be recommended to replace these if I swap motors?
Here's where it gets interesting. It's been about 6 months now and the old pump is still doing it's thing. It isn't squealing, or doing any of the other things that you would associate with a dying pump. I've checked the voltage, it's properly wired and running at 240V. Nothing wrong there. While I had the motor cap/cover off (you know, the one that covers the electronics on the end of the motor), I noticed something else interesting. With the back cover removed, it runs flawlessly, and does not cycle off and on. Put the cover back on, it starts cycling like it's overheating again.
Is there any chance the thermal switch on the motor has gone bad, and is toggling off unnecessarily, or at a lower temperature that it should? If so, is there anything I can do about it? Or should I just go ahead and put on the new motor? I do not have a new shaft seal or frame gasket on hand, but I imagine it would be recommended to replace these if I swap motors?
