I noticed my pool pump was off for no apparent reason. Now, when powering on, the motor is very loud and the internal circuit breaker trips after about 3 seconds. Both capacitors are fine. For similar reasons I replaced the original Haywood motor in 2019 with the Century (A.O. Smith) Model B2984 B984 from INYOPools, and then again last year. Does this sound like another dead motor?
Has anyone gotten any help from inyopools.com recently?? In previous years they were quick to respond. Last week I opened a support ticket regarding the motor I ordered from them 10 months ago, and I have not heard a word.
Reply from Inyo Stephanie T :
Based on the symptoms, it is possible that the motor has failed, especially since it is very loud on startup and trips the internal overload/breaker within a few seconds. However, before replacing the motor again, I would check the pump side closely.
A jammed or damaged impeller can create similar symptoms. If the impeller is locked up or dragging, the motor may hum or run loudly and then trip shortly after startup. This can happen even if the capacitors are testing fine.
With power completely off, try turning the motor shaft by hand from the back of the motor. It should spin freely. If it feels tight, stuck, rough, or only turns a little, the impeller may be jammed, damaged, or rubbing inside the pump.
We would recommend checking:
- The impeller for debris, damage, or binding
- Whether the shaft spins freely by hand
- The diffuser and pump housing for broken plastic or obstructions
- The shaft seal area for signs of leaking into the motor
- The incoming voltage and motor wiring
If the shaft does not spin freely, I would not assume the motor is the only problem. The pump/impeller side may need to be inspected before replacing another motor.
If the shaft spins freely, the impeller is clear, both capacitors are good, and the motor is receiving proper voltage, then the motor itself becomes the more likely issue.
Stephanie T
Inyo Pools Customer Care
Thanks Stephanie. I originally did verify that the impeller turns freely, and there is no sign of debris or damage. I attempted to test the voltage, but a couple of voltage reading flicker too quickly for me to read before the internal breaker trips. I will remove the wires and verify the voltage being delivered under no load.
I re-verified that I can spin the impeller freely; there is no sign of struggle.
The pump incoming wiring is as follows:
Green → ground terminal
Red → A (LO)
Black → L1 (HI)
White → L2 (COM)
On high speed, I measure 240VAC from L1 to L2.
On low speed, I measure 240VAC from A to L2.