Hayward Power-Flo Matrix is tripping GFCI

[Aaronbagby]

Hello everyone. I’m really hoping someone can help here. My power flow matrix 1.5 HP started tripping its GFCI outlet the other day. It was out of commission for a full day, then yesterday I removed the front plastic cover and was able to make it work again without really knowing what I did. It worked for another full day, then this morning it is immediately tripping the outlet again. The impeller turns freely. Not really sure how to go about troubleshooting this. It is the model without a capacitor, based on what I’ve seen online. It seems some people are able to rectify this issue by replacing the impeller shaft seal, which I’m not opposed to doing, but the previous owners of the house made it quite difficult to get the pump off the base because they put PVC pipe in place between the skimmer and pump without a union, so I think I’d have to cut the pipe to get it off. Is there anything I can do to troubleshoot the issue while the pump is still on its base? Or is it maybe possible to decouple the motor from the pump basket while it is still plumbed? Thank you.

 

[ajw22]

Show us pictures of your situation with the pump placement and your equipment pad.

 

[Aaronbagby]

Show us pictures of your situation with the pump placement and your equipment pad.

I have the pump removed from the pad now. I have a pic of the pump label, but the site is giving me a “too large for the server” error even after sizing it down to 20% of the original size. It’s on the workbench in the garage now. I wanted to replace the impeller seals and remove the pump from the housing, or at least get the plate fully pulled off so I can see the coils and innards. But the impeller is really not giving up, and the four faceplate bolts are seized pretty well, and I’m fairly sure they’ll shear off before they come loose. Sorta feeling like I’ve hit a brick wall in making this pump work again.

 

[ajw22]

Picture Posting and Resizing - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[Aaronbagby]

thanks. Here is the pump in situ (taken earlier today), and a couple shots of it on the bench now. There is a serious amount of corrosion, and I think it’s probably just time to give up the ghost. I would love to be able to save the pump components and just buy a replacement motor, but I can’t get the impeller off, and I just sheared off the heads of two of the thru-bolts holding the impeller plate on.

 

[ajw22]

That pump is too far gone. New pump time.

Pump Basics - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com