Sta-Rite System 3 S8M150 leaking

Jump to latest Follow Reply
T

Turbolag

Active member
Apr 6, 2023
27
Crownsville, MD
I just renovated my system, upgraded pool pump from 1.65 VSP to 2.7 VSP, new plumbing, valves etc. Probably looking at things closer on start up to make sure nothing is leaking when I noticed the filter, the one thing I did not work on is leaking. Guessing new pump is really pushing the pressure although I am not sure the gauge is reading any higher than it used to (20). The O-ring feels like a dish rag. How often should the O-ring typically be replaced? I cleaned the filter which was pretty dirty from opening, put it all back together, boned on the closures & it still leaks a touch.
 
Turbolag said:
I just renovated my system, upgraded pool pump from 1.65 VSP to 2.7 VSP, new plumbing, valves etc. Probably looking at things closer on start up to make sure nothing is leaking when I noticed the filter, the one thing I did not work on is leaking. Guessing new pump is really pushing the pressure although I am not sure the gauge is reading any higher than it used to (20). The O-ring feels like a dish rag. How often should the O-ring typically be replaced? I cleaned the filter which was pretty dirty from opening, put it all back together, boned on the closures & it still leaks a touch.
Click to expand...
Is it a continuous leak or just on start-up. Those filters will sometimes leak on start-up and then stop. you should not be running the new pump at full RPM, though it will start on a higher RPM to prime. If continuous you need a new O ring. You replace them when they don't work. There is no typical time to replace. Just be glad you don't have to purchase it OEM now. For years that is all that was available and they were crazy expensive.
 
It was a continuous leak. I ended up sourcing an OEM one from my local pool store. It's very expensive at $81, but given such a critical role in the system & given it's not something I'll be buying all the time, I bit the bullet. What I found interesting & possibly helpful to others was only when I removed the old O-ring, did I notice a lot of sand in the groove below it. I was able to vacuum out some of the sand while I had to scrape out some that was a bit hard as well. That might have actually been the source of the leak, not allowing the ring to properly seat. I would have tried that prior to replacing had I realized it. I coated the new ring with magic lube & installed it. Although visually it looked like the same dimensions of the old one, it didn't compress nearly as much as with the old one. The knobs tightened down far on the old one. Going forward, I'll remove the O-ring and clean underneath it at least when closing the pool.
 
1poolman1 said:
Is it a continuous leak or just on start-up. Those filters will sometimes leak on start-up and then stop. you should not be running the new pump at full RPM, though it will start on a higher RPM to prime. If continuous you need a new O ring. You replace them when they don't work. There is no typical time to replace. Just be glad you don't have to purchase it OEM now. For years that is all that was available and they were crazy expensive.
Click to expand...
Why do you say to not run the pump a full RPM?
 
Turbolag said:
Why do you say to not run the pump a full RPM?
Click to expand...
There is no reason, other than priming, to run a VSP at full speed.

Run your pump for a reason. Many of us run at very low speed to save $$ in electrical cost.

See:
Pump Runtimes/Speeds-->Pump Basics - Further Reading

As for new cord ring, @1poolman1 and I *may* disagree. I have followed the manual to NOT lubricate the cord ring and have found very good service (no leaks).

1746778315021.png
 
Last edited:
PoolStored said:
There is no reason, other than priming, to run a VSP at full speed.

Run your pump for a reason. Many of us run at very low speed to save $$ in electrical cost.

See:
Pump Runtimes/Speeds-->Pump Basics - Further Reading

As for new cord ring, @1poolman1 and I *may* disagree. I have followed the manual to NOT lubricate the cord ring and have found very good service (no leaks).

View attachment 644251
Click to expand...
Thanks for the tip on not lubing. Will clean it off next time I clean the cartridges. That is likely what created the sand accumulation in the groove. Unfortunately, there was no literature when just buying the O-ring. Bought the house 3.5 years ago & this is my 4th season. What run program would you recommend for a 2.7HP VSP on 35,000+ gallon pool?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top Bottom
Back
Jump to latest Follow Reply