Hey folks,
After 20+ years of closing my pool for the winter, I finally goofed. I thought for certain I drained the pump but didn't. Sure enough, I went to start it for the season and it hums for a few moments and then trips the breaker. No prior problems with the pump Just want to confirm my understanding...when this happens, I either need a new capacitor or a whole new motor, but the rest of the pump can be salvaged, is that correct? If so, in my case, due to my gaffe, I'm assuming it wouldn't be the capacitor and instead that the motor is frozen and I need to get a new one. Agree?
Thanks
After 20+ years of closing my pool for the winter, I finally goofed. I thought for certain I drained the pump but didn't. Sure enough, I went to start it for the season and it hums for a few moments and then trips the breaker. No prior problems with the pump Just want to confirm my understanding...when this happens, I either need a new capacitor or a whole new motor, but the rest of the pump can be salvaged, is that correct? If so, in my case, due to my gaffe, I'm assuming it wouldn't be the capacitor and instead that the motor is frozen and I need to get a new one. Agree?
Thanks
Since you knowingly left water in the pump, that doesn't mean 100% you damaged the motor since the motor and pump (wet end) are separated by the seal plate mating surface and shaft seal. Sure, expansion could've occurred and damaged some interrelated parts. Perhaps even rust developed. A cap is fairly cheap and easy to replace, but before doing that or just assuming the motor bad, I would disconnect power, pull the rear access cover off the motor, and take a look. Perhaps get a wrench on the back of the motor shaft and try to give it a few turns. Perhaps it just got stuck. You might get lucky and break it free. If that doesn't work, you could try a new start/run cap as a last resort. Return them if they don't work. If neither of those options work, then something must've happened to the motor.
