Hayward Super Pump - no start with loud buzz

[CarlD]

Sometimes if you tap on the starter solenoid with a wrench it will kick on, but Poconos is our pump motor expert.

[Poconos]

HH, Welcome to the forum.
Pump motor problems are quite common. Usually a simple fix. In your case you first have to make sure the rotor is not seized. Easiest way is to see if you can turn the impeller by hand. MAKE SURE POWER IS OFF AND THE PUMP CANNOT COME ON like from a timer. Dump the circuit breaker. Remove the pump basket and reach in the hole at the bottom of the chamber and see if you can turn it. While poking in there make sure there is no debris jamming the thing. If it is seized then you either have a lot on junk in there or the bearings are shot.
If it is free to turn see this thread

\http://www.poolforum.com/pf2/showthread.php?t=4800

which shows the back end of my superpump. On these motors there is a starting circuit that is composed of a separate winding, a centrifugal switch, and a starting capacitor. When starting this circuit pulls a substantial current, thus the loud hum or buzz. Once a certain speed it reached the switch opens and only the running winding is powered.
Remove the back cover and apply power and see if the rotor is turning at all. If it is, most likely the starter switch is stuck closed. Unlikely though. Get some 600 grit sandpaper (auto stores, Home Depot etc) and clean the contacts. The contacts are soft silver so you don't have to grind away.
If it isn't turning the starter capacitor is probably shorted. Slip a piece of paper between the contacts and see if the loud hum is reduced to a low hum. If it does, then the cap is shorted. Replace it. Not expensive, maybe $10 at a electrical supply place. Heven't bought one in a long time.
See where you stand after this and we'll work it further.
Al

(ajs-1)

[hhkont]

Impeller is most definitely jammed. It will not turn. I didn't feel any debris.

Is it time to disassemble the pump?

BTW, I can read your other post but I can't open the jpg. The forum tells me I don't have authorization.

[Poconos]

Yep, time to open it up and find out what is causing the jam. Could be seized bearings and if that is the case and things aren't rusted too bad then they can be replaced. Let us know what you find.
Al

[hhkont]

I disassembled the pump and got the impeller turning with a pair of channel wrench pliers. However, it doesn't seem to be turning too freely. I would think it should spin like a bicycle wheel but it doesn't. I think a bearing replacement is in order. Is that a DIY or should I find a re-builder?

BTW, don't use a socket wrench to tighten the drain plugs, use a screwdriver instead. It's easy to apply too much torque with a wrench and shear off the plastic plugs. Guess how I know that?

[Poconos]

Should spin freely. If there isn't much rust or corrosion then replacing the bearings should be pretty easy. Probably have to get a small bearing puller. Sears, Home Depot, most auto stores. Liquid wrench, tapping, prying, pulling, and patience. Back later.

Al

[paulmc]

Hello all,

I had the same problem with my pump. (Well, I actually first had the problem of a wire that had come unscrewed in the pump when I was moving it around to get the ground to slope away from the house). When we got things re-connected, the pump made the loud buzzing sound.

I ended up taking the back cover back off and just ran my fingers under the starter switch to make sure they were clean and the pump started right up when I tried it next. Hopefully it will continue running properly for the season. Much cheaper than buying a whole new pump