Hayward Phoenix moves and stops

[Jesusfreak]

I have been fighting this cleaner for weeks. At first I would find debris in the vanes. Now, it just moves a few feet and stops. This filter is fine and the VSP pump strainer is clear. There is good suction on the vacuum. I don’t know the age of the cleaner and I have not replaced any parts as of yet. A few weeks ago I was able to run the cleaner at a low speed on the pump now I have it at full throttle and it’s not moving.

 

[PoolStored]

• Hang test: With the cleaner running and connected, hold it below the water line by the hose. It should rotate in both directions, pausing in between. If it only turns one way, the gearbox may need to be replaced. If it turns both ways but stops in between, place it on the pool floor and observe it. If it only turns one way now, there may be a problem with the "pod", "a-frame", or "turbine" connection. One side may be worn or loose, causing it to track in one direction.
  
  
• Check for debris: Shake the cleaner's head to remove any internal debris.
  
  
• Check the drive train: Hold the left and right "pods" and try to rock them firmly. All force should be transferred to the "turbine" and there should be no play in the pods. If there is more than ¼" of play, some parts may need to be replaced.

 

[Jesusfreak]

It does not move from side to side on the hang test. The wheels do turn. At 3450 rpm’s. It will run. At 2950, it barely moves and stops when it hits a wall. What is a pod?

 

[Jesusfreak]

Best I can tell is the hose attached to the cleaner was beginning to split. I replaced it with a new, tighter one. The gears still get jammed, but I have sometimes been finding small bits of gravel in the cogs. There is a rock waterfall and some of the material that holds the rocks in place is ending up in the bottom of the pool. I did remove (2) vanes. Not sure if there is a way to keep the small sand/gravel away from the gears.