Pump Motor Question

[h2o]

A couple of years ago my pump failed and, against my better judgement, I replaced it with an Xtreme Power pump. Well, a couple of years later the motor has failed. I'm looking into replacing the motor with a better motor (read: AO Smith, etc.). The nameplate shows it to be a 48 frame motor, but everything I find is a 48Y frame. Are these the same? Is there a better motor that can be installed on this pump?

 

[ajw22]

48 frame is different then 48Y frame...

Understanding Pool Pump Motor Types

Understanding Pool Pump Motor Types and Frame Types, to purchase the correct replacement pool pump motor and seal.

blog.intheswim.com

What Does My Pump Motor’s Frame (FR) Rating Mean?

Your pump motor’s frame (FR) rating notes three key parts of your motor’s design which will help you match your current motor to a replacement. The three key parts are: Flange Shape Barrel Size Shaft-End Type As we know from previous blogs and how-to guides, the quickest and easiest way to find...

www.inyopools.com

 

[h2o]

Thank you for the response. Below is a pic of my pump setup. Does the square mounting flange bolt up to the pump from the back side? I'm trying to figure out how the 48 frame motor you posted would mount up to the pump.

 

[ajw22]

Post pics of your actual pump.

I would replace the entire pump with a Calimar, Circupool or B+D VS pump...

Calimar/Circupool/BD/Blue Torrent Pump - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[h2o]

I will have to get a pic of the pump when I get home, but it will look just like to that. What I posted was a stock photo of my pump.

After doing some more research, I think I may just have a start cap issue. My pump kicks on for a few seconds, then trips the breaker. It sounds louder than normal when it turns on though.

 

[h2o]

Well, I pulled the pump apart this morning and the shaft spins without issue and there are no issues that I can see with the impeller. It spins freely as well. I was going to try replacing the capacitor as a (hopefully) cheap fix, but I can't find one. Is it possible that the motor doesn't have one? Not sure where to go from here.

 

[Texas Splash]

Is it possible that the motor doesn't have one?

Yes. Some motors (a.k.a. split-phase) do not have caps. In those cases, once they go bad they have to be replaced.

 

[h2o]

Yes. Some motors (a.k.a. split-phase) do not have caps. In those cases, once they go bad they have to be replaced.

Is it safe to assume that if I have 110v to each leg, then the motor is bad? Or is there somewhere else I should be looking before I replace?

 

[JamesW]

You have a two-speed motor.

Are you trying to run on high or low speed?

Maybe the speed selector switch is bad?

 

[JamesW]

Is it safe to assume that if I have 110v to each leg, then the motor is bad?

You have to measure the voltage "Line-to-Line" and not individually.

One Line is Common and the other Line is the switched leg.

The switched leg goes to the center of the rocker switch and the switch is SPDT (Single Pole Double Throw), which means that the leg can go to terminal A or B and one is high speed and the other is low speed.

 

[h2o]

You have a two-speed motor.

Are you trying to run on high or low speed?

Maybe the speed selector switch is bad?

I have been running it on high speed. I would think if the switch was bad it would either work or not work, not run for 2-3 seconds and trip the breaker. I just went out there and tried it on low speed and got the same result.

 

[h2o]

Here is what I have verified - I have 120v to each leg and when the motor starts, the shaft and impeller spin. The motor doesn't sound right when it runs though. It's louder, but not a grinding sound. When I spin it manually it spins easily and freely and makes no noise so I don't think it's a bearing.

 

[JamesW]

Edit: High and Low are marked with a "H" and "L", so I got them backwards.

In any case, it makes no difference when testing.

The Yellow wire is High and the Black wire is Low.

 

[JamesW]

You have to measure the voltage "Line-to-Line" and not individually.

I have 120v to each leg

 

[JamesW]

The switch might be bad and powering both windings at the same time.

Take the switch out and connect power to the high or low speed windings without the switch.

 

[h2o]

The switch might be bad and powering both windings at the same time.

Take the switch out and connect power to the high or low speed windings without the switch.

Sorry, it looks like we were posting over one another. Let me go test this and I will respond back. Thank you for the help.

 

[h2o]

The switch might be bad and powering both windings at the same time.

Take the switch out and connect power to the high or low speed windings without the switch.

I bypassed the switch to both the high speed and low speed with the same result. 2-3 seconds ans the breaker trips.

 

[JamesW]

Can you show how you connected power?

 

[JamesW]

You have 3 terminals on the board.

Remove the black wire and the Yellow wire and connect power to Terminals 1 and 2 or 2 and 3.

Disconnect the power wires and the black and yellow wires and check the resistance from 1 to 2 and from 2 to 3.

 

[h2o]

Can you show how you connected power?

I took the line from the center of the rocker and hooked it up directly to the high speed or low speed side of motor. The pic is the high speed side.