First-time pool owner here. Apologies if this topic has already been covered.
I have a ‘Waterway Econo-Flo VSA 2.7 Variable Speed Pump,’ and I mistakenly ran it without water for about a day when the temperature was around 55F - 70°F. I’m aware that this could have damaged the shaft seal, so I’ll test it next spring and replace it if needed. I have a couple of questions:
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The motor is a Century M48AA66A79U. I haven’t been able to find information on this specific model, only on the M48AA66. Does anyone know what the ‘A79U’ designation means?
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The pump/motor was likely manufactured around 2015, making it 8-9 years old. If I need to replace it, what would be the best alternative since the Century pump/motor model is discontinued?

Hi Tyler, we are sorry to hear about that, but, rest assured that it has happened to the best of us.
Let’s start with the motor. It should be fine since it doesn’t care much about the pump that it is hooked up to. I’m not sure what the ‘A79U’ designation means (it could be the manufacturing plant identifier, date code, or build series), but that’s largely irrelevant; the M48AA66 is the true model number. Your V-Green 2.7 HP Square Flange 48Y Variable Speed Motor - ECM27SQU has been discontinued, but the US/Nidec Neptune Variable Speed Motor 2.70 THP Square Flange 230V 48Y - NPTQ270 would be a perfect replacement for it should you need to replace it.
Your shaft seal could be toasted and it may have taken out the face plate and the impeller from the heat generated by friction if it was run dry. We have all of the parts for your Waterway Econo-Flo VSA 2.7 Variable Speed Pump listed here in case you do need a new face plate and impeller as well as the shaft seal. I would also recommend a new face plate gasket as well. Be sure to put a little lubricant on the face plate gasket to help it seal up perfectly for a leak-free repair.
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Thank you so much!! I just winterized it. I will test in spring/summer. If I see leakage and I will try to fix it. If I cannot fix it [edited], I may just purchase the new motor.
Thank you again!
I purchased the new seal, face plate, gasket, impeller and an oring from inyopool. I installed very carefully. Not touching the shaft seal faces. Lubricate rubber. It still leaks. What else could I do?
We are sorry to hear about that. Where on the pump is the leak? Can you add a couple pictures of it?
Thank you for helping. The leaking is at the bottom, between the pump and the face plate. The water is on the pump side. Very slow (1 drop every 40 seconds). I will get pictures later (on a biz trip).
It sounds like iut could be the shaft seal or the seal plate. Give the seal plate and the part of the shaft seal that goes into it a quick inspection - maybe the seal plate melted a bit when the pump ran dry and the area for that part of the shaft seal is misshaped.
Thank you for replying. Both are new and both were just bought from inyopool.
PM me your email address and/or the order number and we will get you some new parts.
I have difficult to find a way to PM you. The order number is #1625011. Let me know if you really need the email. Thank you
That’ll work. Thank you!
Watch your email for the shipping and tracking information, and check out our video on How to Replace a Pool Pump Shaft Seal for some helpful tips!
Yes, I received the email—thank you very much for sending the new shaft seal!
I’ve watched the video you shared; thank you for that as well. The structure of this shaft seal appears to be slightly different. I also viewed a Pentair shaft seal replacement video, which features a similar seal design.
[edit, replying to previous request]
Picture attached. Red arrow is where I see water drops.
Yes, that is most likely leaking from the shaft seal. Let us know if you have any issues after installing the new one!
Will do. Thank you so much!
Got the new shaft seal! Redo the assembly. Overnight, it is as dry as bone. I will keep checking it for a while. I think it has been fixed. Thank you a zillion!!
That is great to hear - thank you for the update!!