Pool Motor Not Starting

[texaspool89]

Hey Y’all,

Trying to help my in-laws with their pool. The main pump won’t seem to start up (older 2 speed pump connected to one of those metal timers to kick on power). I can hear it every 5 or so minutes make a whining noise for 2 seconds likes it’s trying to kick on, then nothing. When I feel the motor it’s hot. Is it dead?

Thanks!

 

[Texas Splash]

Welcome to TFP! Please post a pic of two of the motor.

 

[texaspool89]

Welcome to TFP! Please post a pic of two of the motor.

 

[Texas Splash]

This motor is 11 years old. Made in Jan 2013. It may be bad, and if so, it's had a very good run. If the sound was more of a humming sound, it would point to the start capacitor which is fairy cheap and easy to replace. But since you described it as a whining sound, it may not be that simple. It be related to the bearings or windings in the motor beginning to seize up. You might try turning the motor shaft either from the impeller inside the pump pot, or by removing the motor rear cover to get access to the motor shaft. See if the shaft spins easily with no restriction. If it spins easy, try the capacitor. If the motor is binding, it's probably time to replace it.

 

[texaspool89]

This motor is 11 years old. Made in Jan 2013. It may be bad, and if so, it's had a very good run. If the sound was more of a humming sound, it would point to the start capacitor which is fairy cheap and easy to replace. But since you described it as a whining sound, it may not be that simple. It be related to the bearings or windings in the motor beginning to seize up. You might try turning the motor shaft either from the impeller inside the pump pot, or by removing the motor rear cover to get access to the motor shaft. See if the shaft spins easily with no restriction. If it spins easy, try the capacitor. If the motor is binding, it's probably time to replace it.

Thank you!