Help troubleshoot pump

[1slowcrx]

I have a Purex whisperflow 2hp wfe28 pump and need help troubleshooting it. Pump was working properly but today it's acting up. What is it doing? It would work holding 13psi for about 15secs, than starts dropping to almost zero psi. It stays at zero psi for about 15sec than go back up to operating psi of 13. At 13psi its still weak on suction and returns sides It's consistent and would keep repeating same cycle. While at zero psi, motor is still running, never shuts off or cuts out. What i notice inspecting it, is that there's tiny trace of water , barelt noticeable around where the motor bolts up to body, and under motor. Would that leak cause the symptoms, or something else?

 

[kadavis]

Usually a pump shaft seal leak, or the volute o ring. If it's a shaft seal this could cause the air intrusion your experiencing. It will also allow water to enter the front of motor and cause bearing damage.

 

[JamesW]

Sounds like maybe a sticking weir causing the pump to run dry, which can cause a seal failure.

Replace the seal. Check the impeller for debris or damage and make sure that the skimmer is not running dry.

 

[1slowcrx]

Sounds like maybe a sticking weir causing the pump to run dry, which can cause a seal failure.

Replace the seal. Check the impeller for debris or damage and make sure that the skimmer is not running dry.

I tried cleaning impeller with coat hanger but it was cleared. Skimmer is not running dry. I notice something else, maybe normal? With pump off, psi is at zero. I release the filter valve at the top and alot of air is released and at same time water is back flowing towards suction side. Based on the response so far, it sounds like it's 1 of the seals. If it's not a seal, what else could cause that?

 

[mknauss]

Are you sure air is released when you open the bleed valve? It should be pulling in air. The rushing of water towards the suction side is due to opening the closed system at the top, the bleed valve.

 

[1slowcrx]

Are you sure air is released when you open the bleed valve? It should be pulling in air. The rushing of water towards the suction side is due to opening the closed system at the top, the bleed valve.

now you have me thinking., it sounded like air escaping but maybe it was pulling? I didn't put my finger on it to confirm. but water was backflowing. I called a local pool store , and they have a seal kit in stock. I was thinking of picking it up on my lunch and change it out tonight. whats the possibility it can be something else? I tried messing with the valves to see if it would make a difference if I only had it suctioning from either the pool, spa, or vacuum but no difference. skimmer is clean, pump basket is clean, I cleaned out filter on weekend, and everything was operating ok till yesterday.

 

[1slowcrx]

Would this cause my issuses? It was still connected but fell.off when I pull motor off body

 

[JamesW]

Possibly the problem. If the diffuser is damaged, you can get recirculation of the water.

 

[1slowcrx]

Can i epoxy back together? Is it suppose to be sealed ?

 

[JamesW]

I would recommend replacing the diffuser.

 

[1slowcrx]

Update: My 3rd day with no pump. So I got a new difusser , changed all seals, and put everything back together. It's holding pressure, and appears to be operating normally BUT with the exception of a few issuses. Vacuum port & spa drain works great. Skimmer port works but at only about 30%, main drain is not working at all I think, or hold working cause of Skimmer? Return jets is also very weak. Please help community!

 

[JamesW]

What is the filter pressure?

 

[1slowcrx]

psi is holding steady around 17, which it didn't do before I changed all the seals/diffuser. pump basket looks like its full of water and suctioning but the water in the skimmer is barely moving. I put my hand in the skimmer and you can keep a little suctioning but very weak. can a clogged line do that? if so how can I test to narrow it down? or what can I check? please help me! this is really frustrating, especially since I don't know much about pools in general.

 

[JamesW]

You might need a vacuum gauge to check the suction.

Do you have a picture of the system?

Can you post a video of the pump running?

 

[1slowcrx]

[/QUOTE]

You might need a vacuum gauge to check the suction.

Do you have a picture of the system?

Can you post a video of the pump running?

can I use a automotive vacuum gauge? where would I put the gauge? I don't have a pix of system but I can take one and a video when I get home. can you point me in the right direction with a list of what I should check for?

 

[JamesW]

A 1/4" npt vacuum gauge screwed into the pump suction drain should give us some data to determine if the suction is clogged.

Don't screw it in too tight because you can crack the housing.

 

[1slowcrx]

update: over the weekend I had a local guy come check out everything, and it seems he fixed the problem and everything is working great. I just wanted to share what he did and what he stated the problem was and if it make sense to everyone. when I cleaned the filter, I just re-assembled and starting running the system. he said since I didn't add D.E charge powder, I clogged the filter with dirty and the return was affected and was operating at less than 50%. he took apart and quickly rinse off the filter and reassembled and added D.E. and that seemed to fix everything. is that possible?