Challenger pump reassembly issues

[Turkish]

Long time reader, first time poster.

I’m almost done repairing my motor and pump after a bearing replacement. I’m at my wits end because I cannot get the seal plate to mate up close enough to the housing to even get the band clamp threads started. It’s almost like the diffuser is 1/8” proud, preventing the seal plate and diffuser from inserting far enough into the housing. There just the smallest gap between the 2 face preventing me from getting the clamp on there snug. Any ideas?

Here’s a pic with me holding the seal plate so that the gap is even around the circumference.

 

[Texas Splash]

Welcome to TFP! We can ask @JamesW or @1poolman1 what they think. Are you sure the shaft seal is completely seated? That's the only thing I could think of that might result in the gap.

 

[JamesW]

Possibly a diffuser O-ring that is too big or needs lubrication.

Try removing the diffuser O-ring to see if that makes a difference.

If yes, replace the O-ring.

 

[1poolman1]

Long time reader, first time poster.

I’m almost done repairing my motor and pump after a bearing replacement. I’m at my wits end because I cannot get the seal plate to mate up close enough to the housing to even get the band clamp threads started. It’s almost like the diffuser is 1/8” proud, preventing the seal plate and diffuser from inserting far enough into the housing. There just the smallest gap between the 2 face preventing me from getting the clamp on there snug. Any ideas?

Here’s a pic with me holding the seal plate so that the gap is even around the circumference.

Be sure the mounting plate behind the diffuser is in the right location and the diffuser sits over it properly. If you made a change to the impeller and diffuser the plate must match as well. As JamesW said, the diffuser O ring can cause an issue as well. Be sure it is lubricated and the old one is not in the opening.

 

[Darin]

lubricate the heck out of it, you cant use too much. Its what i do. It is sometimes a pain.

 

[ferretbone]

Your picture is showing the seal plate going in sideways, the lip on the back should be up top. Like a carrying handle.

 

[Turkish]

Possibly a diffuser O-ring that is too big or needs lubrication.

Try removing the diffuser O-ring to see if that makes a difference.

If yes, replace the O-ring.

I think that was the problem.

 

[JamesW]

The tab on the seal plate should line up with the tab on the housing, which looks correct.

 

[JamesW]

the lip on the back should be up top. Like a carrying handle.

That's for a Maxeglas or Duraglas.

 

[ferretbone]

That's for a Maxeglas or Duraglas.

Darn it, I just assumed since the motor was not on the seal plate while he was mocking it up, he could be pointing the plate the wrong way.