Pump making strange sound

[jkayca]

I'm hoping someone can help me with a strange sound coming from my pool pump. Rather than trying to describe the sound, I've got a short video New video by Jeremy Kalman

This happened when opening the pool and starting the pump for the first time this season. Water is moving. No leaks either. I did pull the pump off the basket to inspect the impeller but couldn't see anything obviously wrong with it.

At first I though maybe the starter cap. but the thing is actually running.

It's a Hayward Super II series pump, about 10 years old.

Thanks.

 

[Texas Splash]

Not sure if ti's just me, but I'm not hearing any sound. My YouTube sound works, so I don't think it's me.

 

[Teald024]

Sounds like it could be a bad bearing on the motor. When you had it apart, did the shaft spin freely?
Not a bad starter capacitor.

 

[jkayca]

Hi,
Yes, the shaft spun freely.

 

[jkayca]

If you can't hear the video, try clicking on it. Should expand out and then the audio should work.

 

[duraleigh]

Bearings.......pretty sure.

On another subject, you also likely have a suction side air leak. Fix or replace your pump first but then you need to find that leak

 

[jkayca]

Man, just looked at a video on how to replace the bearings. Don't have the tools, skill or the patience so looks like a new pump.

Also, why do you think I have a suction side air leak?

Thanks,

 

[Texas Splash]

Also, why do you think I have a suction side air leak?

I suspect Dave mentioned that because of the amount of air in the basket churning around. Air being pulled-in from somewhere on the suction side.

 

[Texas Splash]

Now I got the sound. I'm leaning towards bearings as well. @JamesW has some good ears for this as well.

 

[duraleigh]

I suspect Dave mentioned that because of the amount of air in the basket churning around

That's correct. A circulatory system that has NO leaks will have NO air in the pump basket. It may be tough to find but it is important to find it.

 

[JamesW]

Possibly bearings. If the voltage is good, I would replace the motor or pump.

 

[jkayca]

Thanks for the advice folks. I think the churning is due to the fact I just opened the pool and there is still air in the lines. Due to the racket the pump is making I haven't run it long enough to get it all clear.

Anyway, I will replace the motor and keep an eye on it.

Thanks.

 

[Teald024]

While you are in process of fixing the pump, continue to add chlorine and stir with your brush.

 

[jkayca]

Indeed. Gonna bust out my pool robot too.

 

[jkayca]

So got my new pump and I got a seal kit with it. Unbeknownst to me, I didn't realize you're not supposed to touch the white ceramic part of the shaft seal. Well I touched, my 12 year old son touch it. Can I still use it? Can it be cleaned? Not entirely sure why touching it is a problem.

Thanks

 

[JamesW]

Isopropyl alcohol is best.

Clean both sealing surfaces BEFORE you re-assemble the pump. Use isopropyl alcohol and a clean cloth, or alcohol prep pads and clean the faces.
http://www.ussealmfg.com/pdfs/USSeal_Successful_Pool_and_Spa_Seal_Installation.pdf

 

[jkayca]

Thanks! Wiped it clean with some paper towel then doused it with the alcohol. Let it air dry for about 20 minutes and then finished the install.

Pump is much quieter and moving water well. I do have a minor leak on the output. Something to deal with on the weekend. I also still seeing some turbulence in the basket area. I also tackle that on the weekend. I also noticed the white hard plastic gasket (?) on the front of the impeller diffuser was worn and asymmetrically at that. I'll probably need to replace that at some point to.

Keeping an eye on things for now. Thanks for all the help.

 

[duraleigh]

I also still seeing some turbulence in the basket area

Suction side air leak. There is an article in Pool School that may help you find it.