Intelliflo VSF Over Current

[reggiehammond]

Found my Intelliflo VSF pump off with alarm for "Over Current." Pump pot was empty, but skimmers had water and main drain was open. Unsure of what precipitated event, but any advice welcome on how to resolve. Pump is able to be reset, but will go into overcurrent alarm within a second or so of trying to begin prime. I can feel the impeller begin to move slightly before a small clunk and alarm is raised.

I plan to remove the motor end from the wet end and test this afternoon to check the motor. Will check the impeller and seals for any evidence of damage. I did replace the volute after losing the original to a crack from the 2021 winter freeze event, but have otherwise had zero issues.

 

[JamesW]

Use a 1/4-inch Allen head wrench to rotate the motor shaft

The motor shaft has a hex-shaped socket on the end which is accessible through the center of the fan cover.

Insert hex and see if the shaft will turn.

 

[JamesW]

 

[JamesW]

https://www.pentair.com/content/dam/extranet/nam/pentair-pool/residential/pumps/archive/intelliflo-vsf/intelliflo-vsf-om-eng.pdf

 

[reggiehammond]

@JamesW - sadly cannot turn motor over with 1/4” hex.

Looking at parts list (IntelliFlo) - do I need just the motor (30) or should I also replace seals, etc?

 

[JamesW]

Disassemble everything and look for damage to any parts.

 

[reggiehammond]

Any tips for seized impeller? Have the reverse threaded bolt out but not sure how to persuade the impeller free

 

[JamesW]

Maybe a strap wrench.

 

[reggiehammond]

Had to remove the seal plate as the bearing, seal plate and impeller have become a single entity!

Was never apparent but seal has been leaking forever; lots of corrosion confined to very bottom of pump. Two bolts missing from seal plate to motor; covered in paint. Plan to reach out to Pentair as the paint over bolt holes indicates they were there!

Motor is good so I plan to replace impeller, seal plate and seals.

 

[JamesW]

So, you are saying that the pump came brand new with the two bottom bolts missing?

Pictures?

 

[reggiehammond]

2 of the 4 bolts that attach motor to seal plate on top were not there. Very strange as they have no markings in the bolt holes, nor are there are any marks on the seal plate threads. Can't imagine that original installer removed them, but I guess I'll never know.

I'm thinking I need the following to put it all back together:

070429
02 - Bolt hex HD 2-56 x .875 S/S each
074564Z
22 - Pentair IntelliFlo Seal plate
357100
23 - Black gasket for seal plate (mfg after 2/1/08)
073131
17 - Pentair IntelliFlo Impeller

 

[JamesW]

You also need a new seal.

 

[JamesW]

2 of the 4 bolts that attach motor to seal plate on top were not there.

I am surprised that it worked for so long with 2 missing bolts.

 

[reggiehammond]

You also need a new seal.

Ah - got that but forgot to list.

With the two bolts into the bottom of seal plate, there was zero play from the missing bolts. I didn't even notice they were missing until I went looking for them to take off.

 

[Newdude]

I am surprised that it worked for so long with 2 missing bolts.

I do surprisingly well with some screws loose so it's not that different to lose them altogether.

 

[reggiehammond]

Replaced the seal, seal plate, seal plate gasket and impeller for $189 and back up and running easily on Friday.