Super Pump intermittent noise (not squeal) after seal replacement

[IMissNimoy]

I replaced the seal, diffuser gasket and housing gasket in a Hayward Super Pump 230V that is dedicated to my in-floor cleaning system. The pump had been leaking less than a week prior to my noticing and draining it while I waited on parts. The shaft moves freely and I do not hear bearing noise. I replaced the seal with a US Seal PS-1902 and I've experience replacing seals. It now makes a noise that sounds like an outdoor HVAC compressor- a lower pitched hum noise in addition to the normal pump sound. The noise appears at motor start and continues but the pump primes and functions properly. I can make it go away by turning the pump off/on and then it sounds normal. Any ideas what it could be?

I will say the slinger was larger diameter and slightly thicker than the original. I double checked the part number and it was correct so I assume Hayward just changed them.

 

[willygee]

To confirm if motor is working to hard due to wiring , electrical ,mechanical issue or mismatch of components i use an amp clamp and match amp specs to the motor label. Minimizes a lot of guess work.

 

[IMissNimoy]

Are you implying a bad capacitor?

 

[wireform]

I wonder if you somehow disturbed the centrifugal switch on the back when you were working in there with your wrench to hold back the shaft and .....

 

[willygee]

Under your motor end cap is there a v-shaped centrifugal switch and capacitor? When power is applied to your pump for a very brief second or less centrifugal switch remains closed to energize start capacitor and establish normal running rotation. Centrifugal weights behind the switch keep the contacts open and start capacitor out of the circuit while pump is running.

 

[IMissNimoy]

I wonder if you somehow disturbed the centrifugal switch on the back when you were working in there with your wrench to hold back the shaft and .....

Even though I was careful, that could be.

 

[IMissNimoy]

Under your motor end cap is there a v-shaped centrifugal switch and capacitor? When power is applied to your pump for a very brief second or less centrifugal switch remains closed to energize start capacitor and establish normal running rotation. Centrifugal weights behind the switch keep the contacts open and start capacitor out of the circuit while pump is running.

Yes, there is a v-shaped switch. Between yours and @willygee response, this seems the logical starting point given a motor issue would likely be more persistent and a different noise. I'll crack the back open tomorrow (weather permitting) and take a look. Any idea what to look for or remedy or are you suggesting I replace the part? I do have a picture prior to removing from the pump housing so I will compare.

 

[willygee]

Post a good closeup after you remove the end cap.

 

[IMissNimoy]

Yes, I have that type of start switch. You can see it in this pic I took during disassembly. I hope to pull the end cap off today after work. Obviously I'll verify none of the power wires have slid over and interfere with the switch, but what else should I look for?

If it matters, I did not place the wrench to secure the shaft on that end. I removed the limit switch at the top and went in that way.

 

[wireform]

You can visually check the switch if you learn how it functions. The gizmo with the 2 springs has a part that protrudes on the underside by the "X" and creates contact between the A and the B in the picture. This is the switch for the motor start capacitor. Once the motor picks up speed, centrifugal force moves that metal protrusion away from underneath so it won't push up at the contact thereby disconnecting the capacitor. To visually check before powering the motor you can look at the point where the A and B intersect and there will be small contacts that are pressed together. Once motor is up to speed look at it again and ther should be a small space between the two contact points. Basically the A contact get pushed into the B contact.

 

[willygee]

This topic would make a good "sticky" Pump issues/noises when starting.

 

[IMissNimoy]

I come to you hat in hand. I inspected the V switch last night and could not see any issues. Recall I took the limit switch off to slide the wrench on the shaft? It occurred to me this AM while looking at my "before" pic that perhaps I had not aligned it properly when placing it back on. That was it! I apologize for the churn but really appreciate learning more from you all on the V switch. Attached is photographic evidence of my misdeed. The only sticky this deserves is "Don't do what this guy did"... Thanks again! Next pool project: Stenner pump chlorine injection.

 

[wireform]

Hats to you for getting it resolved. By that not being aligned correctly wasn't letting the centrifugal mechanism move out of the way to cut the power to the capacitor.

 

[willygee]

Excellent
Also keep us posted on the "Stenner project"