Fixing or replacing pool pump?

[Eric2021]

My 1.5HP Pentair pool pump has started making loud grinding noises a few weeks ago and I am reasonably sure it's the bearings that need replacement;
After getting all the parts and while disassembling the motor, I came across these two nuts in the picture that are completely stuck and cannot be removed;
Two questions:
1. Is there anyway to break free the nuts? I have already soaked it with WD-40 a few times and used impact drill etc.
2. This motor is probably >10 years old already (from previous owner), should I be better off buying a new motor instead? A similarly spec-ed Century motor sells for <$250 from Amazon, how long should I expect those to last? I probably also need a new seal plate; Local pool shop quoted $600 to replace the motor.
Thanks.

 

[Eric2021]

And another complication, the pool motor from Amazon cannot be shipped to California due to regulation?

Century B2854 1-1/2 HP, 3450 RPM, 8.0/16.0 Amps, 1.1 Service Factor, 56Y Frame, PSC, ODP Enclosure, Square Flange Pool Motor - Electric Fan Motors - Amazon.com

Century B2854 1-1/2 HP, 3450 RPM, 8.0/16.0 Amps, 1.1 Service Factor, 56Y Frame, PSC, ODP Enclosure, Square Flange Pool Motor - Electric Fan Motors - Amazon.com

www.amazon.com

Any suggestion on what kind of pool motor can we use in California??

 

[willygee]

Possibly a century v green motor from inyo pools.

 

[mknauss]

And another complication, the pool motor from Amazon cannot be shipped to California due to regulation?

Century B2854 1-1/2 HP, 3450 RPM, 8.0/16.0 Amps, 1.1 Service Factor, 56Y Frame, PSC, ODP Enclosure, Square Flange Pool Motor - Electric Fan Motors - Amazon.com

Century B2854 1-1/2 HP, 3450 RPM, 8.0/16.0 Amps, 1.1 Service Factor, 56Y Frame, PSC, ODP Enclosure, Square Flange Pool Motor - Electric Fan Motors - Amazon.com

www.amazon.com

Any suggestion on what kind of pool motor can we use in California??

It must be a variable speed motor.

Pump DOE Regulations - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[Mike1162]

Do the threaded holes for the bolts go all the way through the flange?
PB Blaster works better than WD 40.
Looks like you might have had to use an extension with the impact. They can absorb at lot of the torque.

 

[ccbill]

I just replaced the motor on my WhisperFlo pump and those two bolts were also stuck. I used Aerokroil and let them sit for a while. PB Blaster is also a good product (ongoing wars exists on which is better) and probably easier to get. The left bolt I had to eventually help with taps from a rubber mallet on the wrench - be careful. There was no anti-seize on the bolts. Be sure to use some when you put it back together.

I replaced my motor with a Century VGreen bought from Inyo pools. Upgraded the impeller to the WFE-4 impeller.

Do the threaded holes for the bolts go all the way through the flange?

They thread into inserts embedded in the seal plate.

Why do you need a new seal plate?

 

[Eric2021]

I just replaced the motor on my WhisperFlo pump and those two bolts were also stuck. I used Aerokroil and let them sit for a while. PB Blaster is also a good product (ongoing wars exists on which is better) and probably easier to get. The left bolt I had to eventually help with taps from a rubber mallet on the wrench - be careful. There was no anti-seize on the bolts. Be sure to use some when you put it back together.

I replaced my motor with a Century VGreen bought from Inyo pools. Upgraded the impeller to the WFE-4 impeller.


They thread into inserts embedded in the seal plate.

Why do you need a new seal plate?

If I cannot extract the bolts I cannot reuse the seal plate which is stuck with the motor housing;
I'll try to get a PB Blaster to see if that helps.

 

[Mike1162]

I've never had a bolt I couldn't get out. Auto part stores will have PB Blaster. Maybe Walmart.
Heat will also help. Propane torch, hair dryer or heat it up in an oven. Might stink if you get it over 150 degrees.
Six sided wrench with dead blow hammer may work.
One long extension made for impact gun.
Bolting down the seal plate to a workbench should also help.

 

[Eric2021]

After soaking the bolts with PB Blaster for two days it still doesn't move an inch with impact and heat from hair dryer, and I am seriously considering replacing the whole motor;

After talking to Inyo Pools looks like I have two choices:
V-Green 2.7 HP Square Flange 48Y Variable Speed Motor - ECM27SQU $749
A.O. Smith V-Green 2.7 HP Square Flange 48Y Variable Speed Motor - ECM27SQU - INYOPools.com
Century 1.5 HP Square Flange 56Y Full Rate Motor - B2858 $272
A.O. Smith Century 1.5 HP Square Flange 56Y Full Rate Motor - B2858 - INYOPools.com

Since I have solar, energy cost isn't a main concern for me, but the VS is almost 3 times more expensive;
What are some of the other considerations to choose between a VS vs. normal motor? Is there a major noise and reliability differences between those?

 

[BadDogPSD]

@Eric2021 I just installed a Intelliflo pump for our pool. The old pump is a Whisperflo with a new motor that was replaced about a year ago. It's yours if you want it, just cover shipping.
I'm in Reno, so it shouldn't be to expensive to ship and should arrive fairly quickly. I still have the packaging for the new pump and can use for shipping.

 

[mknauss]

Century 1.5 HP Square Flange 56Y Full Rate Motor - B2858 $272

Inyo cannot ship you that motor. You are in California.
Note: NOT California Title 20 Compliant.