New Pump or New Motor

[TwistyKat]

Hello Everyone,

Looking forward to the new season that is upon us!

But I have an issue that started just before last year's closing. My Hayward pump motor signaled it's intention to retire and it became apparent that I'll need a new unit this year.

I have no regrets as it was probably 15 years old (I've been maintaining the pool since 2002) and served me well.

My question is, is it advisable to replace the entire pump unit to avoid near-future headaches or just go with replacing the motor and save a little money?

My current unit's replacement part seems to be Hayward model SP2605X7, however looking for a replacement motor I don't find a lot of options online.

Secondary Question: Is there a reputable or preferred online source for pump hardware on this forum? Or is it better to just go to the local dealer?

Thanks in advance!

[Poconos]

How was it signalling its intention to retire? After 15 years I'm betting it spent its life sheltered from the elements. Curious about that too.
Al

[TwistyKat]

It was taking about a half hour to kick in after the timer turned the power on. Also making lotsa of screechy and sickly noises within that half hour.

And believe it or not it was completely exposed to the elements all those years.

It was great pump. I'll miss it!

[Poconos]

I thought I replied yesterday but must have gotten distracted. Happens quite often here. Anyhow, the noises could be the motor bearings and/or the pump seal. If it's the bearings then with a pump that old and in the weather it would be difficult or impossible to replace just the bearings because of rusted bolts and the bearings. Therefore a new motor. In the pump housing there are normally no contacting parts so damage is unlikely, except for the seal. I don't know what the cost differential is between just a motor and an entire new pump but in my opinion the thing owes you nothing after 15 years and I'd go for a new pump. If you feel ambitious you can try taking things apart to see what's the real problem but I feel it would be much less of a hassle just to go new pump.
Al

[TwistyKat]

Thanks for the comments Al. For the sake of completion I thought I'd post an update.

My friendly neighborhood pool tech decided for me that is issue was likely a capacitor in the pump that needed to be replaced. He had a particular name for it which I forget. So we did that and the pump fired up like a champ. It's old and worn but it looks like I'm going to get a little more time out of it. Happy days!

[Poconos]

Very good.
Guess I misinterpreted the noise. When the cap goes the motor won't even start. It's called a starting capacitor. It is in series with a centrifugal switch that connects a starting winding in the motor, the cap and the switch when the rotor isn't turning. Once the thing hits a certain speed the switch opens and the circuit isn't needed. It the cap fails open then there is a low level hum. If it shorts then there is a louder hum. In either case, no start. FYI another failure mechanism that has been posted as a problem many times is the switch contacts get dirty and they won't close. Just remember this for now. Usually a very simple and cheap fix.
Al