Pump making humming noise

[mufjp]

HI guys,

I just opened up my above-ground pool for the summer, but found out that my Hayward Power-Flo Matrix pump cannot be started (it was working fine last season--although I had some issues with the pump losing pressure quite often).
When I put the switch on, it just hums for a few seconds and stops-- then after a while, it hums for a few seconds again, and repeat maybe a few more times. I left it on for a while and noticed that the motor part was getting pretty hot. I've been doing some research watching youtube videos and posts here on TFP. Does my intermittent humming mean I need to replace the capacitor? Could it be an impeller issue? maybe something else? I don't know if the humming is supposed to be continuous when you have a bad capacitor.. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Randrx2]

Sounds like it is the capacitor.

Turn off power to motor or unplug.
Spin the impeller by hand. Does it spin freely? If not, the bearings or something may be seized up preventing the motor from spinning.
Check the capacitor. Does it look swollen? Take a pic of the connections (so you remember how to reinstall) then disconnect the leads. Discharge the cap by pressing a screwdriver across the leads. Test the capacitance of the capacitor. You will need a meter that can read uF. The value of the cap should be written on the side. If you are not within a couple uF then the cap is bad.

 

[kapauldo]

On the external back side of the pump, there may be a stub on the main drive shaft that you can move with a wrench. If so, move it around (disconnect power, etc. first) and if it moves, it may just be stuck. You can also open up the basket by the pump and fish around the impeller with a screwdriver and see if you can fish out some chunks of pine cone or something. Hope this helps.

 

[mufjp]

Thank you guys. I tried cleaning out the basket side impeller and also tried kickstarting the main shaft. It was pretty resistant to moving, but when I turned on the power it spinner a little more easily for a few turns before the pump would shut off again. Here are some pics. I’m thinking the pump needs a replacement. What do you guys think?

 

[Randrx2]

Looks like the motor needs some maintenance. If you are a handy DIY type person, this is something you can try.

As always, disconnect the power first!

You can disconnect the motor from the pump. After disconnected, try spinning the impeller again to check if the pump is bound up.

Now you can disassemble the motor and clean it up using some rags, screwdrivers, picks, sandpaper,, etc. DO NOT USE WATER! If you use water, you will need to bake the motor for several hours to get rid of the water. You will need a bearing puller tool to fully disassemble. Plus, it sounds like you will need to replace the bearings.

Motors are serviceable and do not always need to be replaced. So go for it!

P.S. Or you can replace the motor. Probably about $200 for a 1HP motor.

 

[mufjp]

Thanks.. I don't really consider myself handy.. so I might just end up replacing the pump.. the pool is opened already, so I'm afraid of the algae forming if I wait too long. There's a used Hayward Super Pump near me -- meant for in-ground pools, would that work as a replacement? I know vice versa is not recommended.. so I was wondering. Thanks!