Pump Motor - force to turn by hand

[LouieLouieohoh54]

I'm having trouble with my Jandy JEP 1.5 HP Pump/motor slowing to a stop.

I've removed the pump/motor from my pool system.
The pump has some worn parts (a piece of palm frond got stuck in the diffuser and warped it, causing it to rub on the impeller).

My question is about the motor (I am not very familiar with variable speed pumps).

Should the motor (disconnected from the pump, impeller off) turn easily? there is an allen wrench hole at the end of the shaft (opposite end). When I turned the motor over (using the impeller still attached), it was hard to turn. Shouldn't I be able to spin it and have it spin fairly freely? I reconnected the motor (without pump) and it sounds rough at the start but runs like crazy!

I'm thinking the bearings are shot ... looking for some solid advice before putting out $1500 for a new pump motor combo.

Louie

 

[LouieLouieohoh54]

The motor is an AO Smith M48AA81D58. Tag attached.

 

[zea3]

It should spin by hand without alot of force, but it shouldn't spin multiple revolutions with one spin attempt. If the impeller is rubbing that could be making it difficult to turn. You could always find a local motor repair shop and get an estimate on replacing the bearings. They should be able to tell you if the motor is worth saving. You can also look into replacing the diffuser so your impeller doesn't rub.

 

[LouieLouieohoh54]

Thank you very much!
I have since looked at some videos on line and see where the repair person had to hold the shaft while taking the screw out and removing the impeller. In my unit, the motor had enough friction (binding) to remove the impeller (grabbed it and turned by hand) without having to hold the other end of the shaft ... bearings are bad. I do have a local shop in town that repairs pumps and motors (commercial stuff). They are friends with my son in law who's business is across the street. I'll take the motor to them today.
Yes, I plan on buying an impeller/diffuser kit (comes with screws, o-rings and all for $40).

Thanks again!

- - - Updated - - -

I disassembled the unit ... took the back plate off ... motor bearing on the inside is toast.
Thanks for your help!

Louie