US motor Pool pump still buzz after new capacitor

AMH1

Well-known member
Apr 1, 2021
50
Texas
Hello,
Yesterday, I noticed my pool pump buzzing and not coming on and getting hot. I replaced my capacitor 2 years ago because of the same issue and that fixed it , but not this time. I have tried two different new capacitors and same issue! Thanks to this forum , I did some research and checked for debris on the propeller and I also took the cover off and checked the electrical connections and no sign of burning or dirty conenctions.

I took the back cover off and with a wrench I was able to rotate the shaft in both directions with no resistannce, other than the capacitor and wire connections, I do nto see a centerfugal switch in the back of the motor. The pump is 10 years old and I'm thinking I have to purchase a new motor.

I appreaciate any info if anyone has any new suggestions. ALso do I need to purchase anything else with a new motor?
Thanks again !
 
I'm sure the experts (which I'm not) will want to know the kind of pump. Photos wouldn't hurt.

Another reason a motor can't start is the impeller being bound up. This can happen in many ways. Power everything completely down, remove the filter basket, and try rotating the impeller. It should spin freely. If not, there's something mechanically holding the motor back. If it's not an obvious chunk of debris that can be pulled out, the pump will need to be disassembled. At that point you can decide what needs replacement.
 
Thanks generseler! The pump is a Pentair pump but on the motor it states it's a US motor . I thought by rotating the shaft, i would confirm that shaft is turning and impeller is turning as well. Unfortunately in Dallas, we have freeezing weather moving in this week and I already drain all the water from pump, heater , strainer basket, cleaner pump by remving all drain plugs and wrapping all the pipes and covered the equipment with blankets and tarp. Be glad to take some pics as soon as the arctic air passes.....My bad luck, pump quits in the middle of a freeze!!
 
Thanks generseler! The pump is a Pentair pump but on the motor it states it's a US motor . I thought by rotating the shaft, i would confirm that shaft is turning and impeller is turning as well. Unfortunately in Dallas, we have freeezing weather moving in this week and I already drain all the water from pump, heater , strainer basket, cleaner pump by remving all drain plugs and wrapping all the pipes and covered the equipment with blankets and tarp. Be glad to take some pics as soon as the arctic air passes.....My bad luck, pump quits in the middle of a freeze!!
Sorry. I somehow missed your second paragraph. Yeah as long as there's no roughness or sounds when turning, should be good. The other thing to be a sure is that the capacitor is the right size (number of microfarads). Otherwise a new motor is probably needed. The centrifugal switch is probably not working. I don't think it's very often that they can be repaired. But you should let the experts chime in.

Or get a new pump. It sounds like this is a single speed unit. This community is just about 100% in favor of variable speed pumps.
 
Thanks generseler! The pump is a Pentair pump but on the motor it states it's a US motor . I thought by rotating the shaft, i would confirm that shaft is turning and impeller is turning as well. Unfortunately in Dallas, we have freeezing weather moving in this week and I already drain all the water from pump, heater , strainer basket, cleaner pump by remving all drain plugs and wrapping all the pipes and covered the equipment with blankets and tarp. Be glad to take some pics as soon as the arctic air passes.....My bad luck, pump quits in the middle of a freeze!!
It sounds like that motor, which is a replacement motor, has damaged start windings. Because the cost of repairing a single-speed pool motor can be more than a replacement it is better to consider a new motor. What is the horsepower of the motor? Which Pentair pump do you have? Do you have automation? These items are needed to give the best recommendation on the next step.
 
Thanks for the info 1poolman1....I moved in to this house 4 years ago and I have been told is a Pentair Challenger /Pakfab. the label on the pool pump motor has been faded , so I had to use a magnify glass to get some info off of it. The label states it's a US Motor 1081- 2.0 HP -SF1,30. Sorry, I don't know what automation is, but I have a jandy control systems that controls and schedule the on/off and lights with PCL 1400 salt cell , also a jandy cleaner pump that controls the polaris 360 cleaner . The spa has a small fountain and the pool has a small waterfall.

I called US Motor and I was only able to tell a few characters from the faded label and the model number , but they told me it matches with model (K63CXDFW-5159). I have never repalced a pump before, so I just want to make sure the new motor I purchase will fit and attach to the impeller and diffuser and existing housing.
 

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Thanks for the info 1poolman1....I moved in to this house 4 years ago and I have been told is a Pentair Challenger /Pakfab. the label on the pool pump motor has been faded , so I had to use a magnify glass to get some info off of it. The label states it's a US Motor 1081- 2.0 HP -SF1,30. Sorry, I don't know what automation is, but I have a jandy control systems that controls and schedule the on/off and lights with PCL 1400 salt cell , also a jandy cleaner pump that controls the polaris 360 cleaner . The spa has a small fountain and the pool has a small waterfall.

I called US Motor and I was only able to tell a few characters from the faded label and the model number , but they told me it matches with model (K63CXDFW-5159). I have never repalced a pump before, so I just want to make sure the new motor I purchase will fit and attach to the impeller and diffuser and existing housing.
Jandy control = automation. A Polaris 360 does not and should not use a booster pump. The 380 does. The best thing you could do is to get a variable-speed motor, like the Nidec Neptune NPTQ270 and use its ability to have relay inputs control the speeds you set in the motor itself.
 
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1poolman1.....thanks very much for the information, My bad.......I just checked and my Polaris is actually a 380! Ok, I'll start shopping around for the Nidec Neptune NPTQ270 and see what I can find, Thanks again!
 

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