Bad bearings or something else

[mas985]

The air in the pump basket is probably due to a bad lid gasket or just debris on the gasket. Try removing the pump lid, cleaning the gasket and seat and add a little pool lube to the gasket. That should eliminate the air in the pump basket. If not, you may need a new gasket. Other places air can leak are the pump drain plugs and valves.

[vchavez]

Well, I removed all the pump related stuff down to the bare motor and just running the motor and it makes the same sound... so, bad bearings.

The motor was new in 2009.

Any thoughts on where I can get bearings? I know replacing the motor is easier, but replacing bearings is cheaper. :-)

[mas985]

http://wetheadpumprepair.com/

[vchavez]

Thanks for the information. I've attached a picture of the front.. wonder if this is normal, and this is still suitable for a bearing upgrade?

Also, the Pump is a 1HP Emerson with a SF of 1.65. It replaced at Pacfab challenger motor which was a 1HP Centurion 1.65SF motor. If I wanted to just swap out the motor:

Do I need to maintain the 1.65SF x 1 HP for a max HP of 1.65?

Would a 1HP x 1.25SF be sufficient?

I have a 3-5-3 pool, which is about 13K Gallons.

[vchavez]

Here's a link to how it looks...
https://www.dropbox.com/s/vbbznpm0ho...front.jpg?dl=0

[mas985]

No it isn't normal but it is for a seal that was leaking for a while and probably what cause the bearing failure. If you can clean it off without damaging the motor shaft (must be smooth for the seal to work), then you could replace the bearings.

But it might be a good time to replace the motor with a two speed if you are so inclined.

[vchavez]

The Pump is a 1HP Emerson with a SF of 1.65. It replaced at Pacfab challenger motor which was a 1HP Centurion 1.65SF motor. If I wanted to just swap out the motor:

Do I need to maintain the 1.65SF x 1 HP for a max HP of 1.65?

Would a 1HP x 1.25SF be sufficient?

I have a 3-5-3 pool, which is about 13K Gallons.

[mas985]

The new motor must have a THP (Label HP * SF) >= to the old motor or you risk overloading the motor.

You can downsize a motor but you would need to also downsize the impeller at the same time.

Again, you would be wise to go with a two speed motor.