Motor shaft spins slowly

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T

tony4

0
Jun 10, 2017
9
Houston, TX
I'm having some problems with my pool pump motor. Motor specs are: AO Smith, 1.5hp, 230/115VAC, Cat. B129

My motor stopped running a few days ago, and I need some help figuring out what's wrong. When I flip the switch ON, it hums and the shaft will turn slowly - approx 1/2 rev per second. I replaced the run capacitor with a brand new one (25MFD, 370VAC), and I still have the same issues. I checked to make sure the impeller wasn't blocked, and from what I could feel with my fingers, it didn't seem like that is the case. Does anyone know what the issue could possibly be? Should I start disassembling my motor from the pump to see if there's anything stuck?

Thanks in advance for the support.
 
Are you able to freely spin the impeller? Check voltage coming into the motor to verify it is adequate for how the motor is wired. The start capacitor could be the issue, bearings could be shot or the motor winding could have fried. If you have to pull the motor order a new seal kit now so you don't have to wait for it later. The motor should be able to be rebuilt if a new start capacitor doesn't fix the issue. Google "electric motor repair Houston".

One thing to remember is to keep chlorinating your pool. You can use your brush to mix it in and keep it from turning into a swamp.
 
When I remove the plastic cap on the rear of the motor, I am able to spin it freely and I can feel the impeller rotate at the same time on the other end.

I haven't removed the back cover of the motor to check voltages or whether or not the start capacitor is still good. I'll do that tonight.
 
Ok, I removed the back cover and put a meter on the incoming lines. They read a steady 230VAC which means voltage is good. I don't believe I have a start capacitor to my motor since there doesn't appear to be a rear housing for it. There are 4 screws that form the back frame of the motor, and I think if I remove those, I would actually reveal the motor windings. I tried to remove one of them, and there was a bit of springy resistance.

Would you guys suggest that I de-couple the motor from the pump now?
 
Those 4 bolts are long and thin. There's at least a 50% chance that if you try to remove them, at least one will break off.

It might be a centrifugal switch problem but you would need to remove the 4 bolts and the back end to get at it.

If the motor is old, it might be time for a new motor or pump.
 
Just curious, why do I need a new seal kit? Can I not use the existing seal plate?

AftonJeeper said:
Are you able to freely spin the impeller? Check voltage coming into the motor to verify it is adequate for how the motor is wired. The start capacitor could be the issue, bearings could be shot or the motor winding could have fried. If you have to pull the motor order a new seal kit now so you don't have to wait for it later. The motor should be able to be rebuilt if a new start capacitor doesn't fix the issue. Google "electric motor repair Houston".

One thing to remember is to keep chlorinating your pool. You can use your brush to mix it in and keep it from turning into a swamp.
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