RESOLVED - Waterway Supreme/Hayward Powerflo Matrix - No Low Speed

[Texas Splash]

Both pumps noted in the title are basically identical. But nothing sets the tone on a hot TX August day than to find low speed no longer works after running the pump on high for a while to do some cleaning and chemicals. High speed yes, low - dead. Bummer!

Fortunately I had ordered new capacitors (start & run) months ago preparing for such an event. I had some subtle signs of starting issues the past year or two, and my motor was made in 2014, so it's no surprise. After removing the rear motor and top hump covers, I replaced both caps and was back in business in a matter of minutes. Nice to have some extra parts available. Now, back to the water.

 

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The bad offender. Booooooo! The photo is deceiving. The black start cap is not ruptured as it might appear. The bottom has a groove in it that makes it look that way.

 

[Texas Splash]

So my question now is for @JamesW. A week after replacing both caps on my motor, the low speed stopped working again this evening. High works. Either I'm unlucky to get bad caps, or could it be a thermal switch issue in this motor? Is it worth trying to repair before scrapping the motor or pump? Motor about 7 years old.

Waterway Supreme Pump P/N: PS2200-6
Waterway Model No: PS-20-2N11CD
Century Motor C48AA70A79R

 

[Texas Splash]

I may have answered my own question. After running on high for about 10 min, the motor is incredibly hot and you can smell the windings. I have a bad feeling I have a motor (or entire pump assy) swap ahead of me. Rats!

 

[Texas Splash]

So first I thought it was the capacitors since the motor worked fine for a week after replacing them. But a week later totally dead. I ordered a replacement pump, but while waiting decided to tear apart this pump in preparation for replacing the motor and keeping it as a spare. So what did I find? A short on the wire seen below. What speed wire? .... low speed of course.

So I cleaned everything up, replaced the broken (short) wire, and did some pad maintenance while I was at it. We're bac in business baby!