Replacing Shaft Seal on Pentair Superflo

[s34n]

Hi all,

I am having a bit of trouble replacing the shaft seal on my Superflo.

I followed a guide on YouTube for a similar pump (WhisperFlo), but it seems the instructions are a little different and I became a little lost and my existing shalf seal fell out before I could note it's orientation.


Using this diagram: Pentair SuperFlo Replacement Pool Parts
I have just three questions:
1. I am trying to install the shaft seal and the little ring (Part #22 in the picture). Which way does the shaft seal go? (Both pieces)
2. Which parts need lubricating?

If anybody can find a video on this pump, that would be good! I'm not great with written instructions haha! Thanks again

 

[boostjunkie33]

This is the video I used to guide me through the replacement. They have 4 or 5 videos that show removal to install.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iYX1LsxVRPI

I used GE 100% silicone sealant from home depot as he used only on the seal that goes into the impeller. the press fit seal(I tapped it in with a very large socket) that goes into the flange I did not use any lube or sealant. I didn't have any replacement seals for the flange and diffuser, so I had to use the old ones. I cleaned them lightly with a wet, clean cloth (to get the old dry lube off) then lubed with some jacks lube I got from my local pool store. I did let the sealant cure for 24 hours. So far I have not had any issues since replacement.

 

[s34n]

I saw that video, but the WhisperFlo looked a little different from the SuperFlo. I couldn't find a video on the SuperFlo.

I followed it as best I could, plugged the pump back in, and it started smoking!! I assume from the shaft seal as none of the voltages have been changed! It was definitely the correct seal replacement, recommended by the official website!

 

[s34n]

Just some more info on what I have and what I did... In case I cocked something up!

Pump
Pentair SuperFlo 340038


Part:
Pentair SuperFlo Shaft Seal Set PS-200 354545
Part Number: 354545S


The shaft seal came in two parts, the seat (ring) and spring seal (larger ring with spring)
The seat - Goes into the black impeller - white side facing out/up
The spring deal - Goes into the seal housing, black non-flat side facing out/up

I didn't add any silicon or lubricants. I cleaned the gaskets. The only reason I can think of is something was put back the wrong way or something is catching on the shaft!

 

[s34n]

Ordered a new shaft seal (PS-200). Gonna give it another go

Otherwise, Leslie's Pro stores told me they have troubleshoot my pump for free, which is pretty good, and labor is free, just pay for parts. Might swing that way as knowledge on this subject for this pump seems kinda scarce!

 

[s34n]

UPDATE:

I took the pump apart the the previous seal I put in almost turned to dust from smoking. It's clear the installation steps are very different from the WhisperFlo pump and the same method cannot be followed.

I have attached pictures of my black impeller and shaft housing so I can hopefully get more feedback on this.

1. The Spring Seal part of the Shaft Seal is too high for the Shaft Housing. It also does not need to be tapped in as it fits in easily.
2. The Seat does not fit into the black impeller as the black impeller for this pump does NOT have a hole for it.

Here are the images, hope this makes sense.



Please help!!

 

[JamesW]

First , you have the wrong seal. PS-200 is correct, but I don’t think that that is what you have. In any case, the PS-200 is a cheapo seal and won’t hold up. Get a really good seal that will last. Get part number PS-3867 or PS-1901.

Second, the white ceramic part with the rubber boot goes in the seal plate with the white ceramic facing up. You can use some soapy water to help get it in place.

The motor shaft looks a little rough; I would polish it with some scotch brite nylon scrubber pad.

After getting the ceramic part in the seal plate, install the seal plate onto the motor.

Then install the spring part of the seal with the smooth hard carbon face towards the white ceramic. You can use soapy water to help install it. Push it onto the shaft until the carbon face makes contact with the ceramic face.

Then screw on the impeller. Hold the back part of the shaft to keep it from spinning.

Then screw in the impeller set screw (reverse thread).

TriStar Pump Seal and Motor Replacement - YouTube

Not same pump but same design and same style seal.

 

[s34n]

Hi,

Thanks for the response.

I'm 99.9% sure it's the correct seal. The official Pentair website stated 354545/PS-200 and the old seal matched it up completely with height and width.

Thanks for the tip on polishing up the shaft! I did sand it before, but when the pump started smoking, it really tore up the replacement seal!

The carbon face on the PS-200 isn't smooth though... It has a lapped end. Does this matter?

Thanks for the help!

 

[JamesW]

I don't think that the seal is correct. The inner diameter looks too big.

It looks like a 201 seal. The 201 is designed to slip onto an impeller shaft, like for a SuperPump.

The 200 seal is designed to fit snugly onto the motor shaft as shown in the TriStar video.

I recommend that you get one of the seals that I referenced above. They will greatly reduce the chance that the seal will fail again in the pump's lifetime.

The 200 seal is low quality and will likely fail again, especially if the pump runs dry.

The hard carbon face goes against the ceramic face. The rubber and steel end goes against the end of the impeller shaft.

 

[s34n]

Hi,

Thanks for the feedback.

I feel a bit strange going against the product recommendations on the official Pentair parts website. They do suggest a 200 part. If the product (201) is an improved 200 part, then i'm good for that! I would especially like a shaft seal that would put up with the pump running dry and sometimes when the skimmer basket fills and it doesnt prime, i cant empty it right away and sometimes its inevitable.

 

[JamesW]

The 201 is not the correct seal. The 200 is correct but the part you have looks like a 201. Does the box say 200?

Does the part fit snugly on the shaft?

In any case, the 200 is a cheap seal and not good quality.

Get a really good seal that will last. Get part number PS-3867 or PS-1901. They are the same seal, just much better quality.

http://www.ussealmfg.com/pdfs/Choose-the-Right-Seal-for-your-Pool-and-Spa-Pumps.pdf

When installing the seal parts, using a lubricant can help. However, you want something that provides only transient lubricity. You can use a seal installation lubricant such as P-80 or US Sealube or dish soap. The Hayward video suggests vegtable oil.

http://www.ussealmfg.com/pdfs/U.S.-SEALUBE.pdf