WhisperFlo smoking .... now all burnt

[drdrool]

My pump started smoking. Melted a capacitor before I could Turn it off. i just took the pump off to see what was going on as the impeller was still spinning feels. All looked fine till I got the back off. Check out these coils! What a melted mess. My only option is new motor I assume?

what could have caused this? Impeller was free. Pump has run years without issue, besides one capacitor. Since the capacitor or a fuse didn’t pop I assume it couldn’t be volt or amp problem.

 

[Texas Splash]

Wow. That thing really lit-up. With a motor "years old" no telling. Perhaps fatigue of the windings and/or an arc? Time for a new motor. You haven't closed yet I assume?

 

[JamesW]

Something shorted out. How old are the pump and motor?

Time to get a variable speed pump.

 

[drdrool]

no, I keep the pool open for another few weeks - hot tub is connected.

should see the capacitor blew out the top!

appreciate the help.

 

[drdrool]

Something shorted out. How old are the pump and motor?

Time to get a variable speed pump.

bought the house 4 years ago, no clue how long before then it was replaced. The pump still has a pretty viable sticker on to the side, enough to read the pump serial number and such.

 

[drdrool]

before I disconnected it it would still turn and hum like it was blocked, so I was hoping just a bearing. Of course it isnt that easy.

 

[JamesW]

Do you have pictures of the system and all of the labels on the pump?

 

[drdrool]

Do you have pictures of the system and all of the labels on the pump?

here’s the label. Think is a 1.5 HP according to the model number. Haven’t looked into matching serial with production daye or anything.

 

[drdrool]

here’s the label. Think is a 1.5 HP according to the model number. Haven’t looked into matching serial with production daye or anything.

 

[JamesW]

Is there a label on the front of the pump with a date and a barcode?

 

[drdrool]

Is there a label on the front of the pump with a date and a barcode?

YUP! 9/18/2008, so probably installed 2009 spring. Is 11 years long for a pump?

Spa pump is exact same pump and both pumps look in great condition from the outside.

Thanks for the guidance.

 

[JamesW]

11 years should not be a long time for a motor. Unfortunately, the quality of motors has been declining and 5 to 7 years is now considered to be a long time.

I would go with a variable speed pump.