Step 4
Motor gets hot and shuts down - Generally due to low voltage or being overloaded. Check that the motor is wired correctly. If the motor is configured for 230V and has 115V coming in, it will shut down after running 3-5 minutes. Check for loose connections. Check for undersized wiring. For a hook-up to the circuit box of under 50', pumps of up to 2HP wired for 230V need No. 14 size wire, For pumps wired for 115V, the wire size must be No. 14 for 1/2 and 3/4 HP; No 12 for 1 HP; and No. 10 for 1 1/2 and 2 HP. Check that the motor is not overloaded. Does the pump have the correct impeller and diffuser for this motor? Is the impeller worn and rubbing on the diffuser.
Joseph Simon Posted: 2/12/2019 Latest
Hi I ordered a new pump motor from you guys last week (Order #917261) and replaced the old pump motor with the one you sent me. When I go to turn the pump on, nothing happens, at all. I checked with a volt meter to make sure I am getting electricity to the motor and verified that I am getting power. But like I said, literally nothing happens at all. Timer is on as well as all breakers. Any suggestions?Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Robert M. Posted: 2/13/2019 Latest
Hello Joseph - The motor is set at the factory for 230v. Are you supplying 230v or 115v to the motor?Reply
Joseph Simon Posted: 2/13/2019 Latest
Hi Robert, yes the motor is switched to 230v and that is the power I am supplying.Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Robert M. Posted: 2/13/2019 Latest
You ordered the B2853. This is a 1HP uprated motor with a total HP of 1.25. If the old motor was the same rating, you may have a defective new motor. If the old motor had a higher total HP, the new motor may have burned up attempting to run. Either way, call our customer support at 407-834-2200. They can initiate the replacement process.Reply
Bailey Posted: 1/31/2019
I have a weird problem i can't pin point. I got this spa for free awhile back and have since been replacing parts to get it to run right. I don't know the brand or model, but the circuit board is a spabuilders one and there's a date of 07/2005 on the tub itself, so it is quite old. I have gotten the tub to cycle and heat up fine, but when the motor is running on high, the motor itself shuts off after a few seconds of running. I tested for power and it is still receiving power from the relay when the motor shuts off so i would assume that my issue has been something inside the motor the whole time? The only thing i replaced on the motor was the starter cap because it never used to start from a stop when i got it. This happens throughout all temps of the motor as well. I have left the tub unplugged for a week so the motor is dead cold, (40f or so) and it'll still shut off and shut off faster when the motor is warmed up. Is there something inside the motor i could fix or replace or would I be better off replacing the motor as a whole? Thank you.Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Robert M. Posted: 2/4/2019
Hello Bailey - It sounds like it could be the windings. We would recommend replacing the motor. What is the catalog or part number of the motor?Reply
Stel Posted: 1/21/2019
My pressure pump motor hums. I have changed capacitor but no change. I have turned the motor over by hand at motor end using screw driver and although it turned, it was not easy. It has been in place for almost 15 years so am I right in saying it's time to get a new one?Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Robert M. Posted: 1/22/2019
Hello Stel - The fact that it's hard to turn by hand and that a new capacitor didn't work, signifies that a new motor is likely needed.Reply
Steve Dickel Posted: 1/13/2019
My pump shut off this morning after running just fine. The breaker for the pump in the breaker box near pump and the main house breaker box pool equip breaker both tripped for the pool pump. I flipped them back on, and they stay on, but the pump appears to be getting no power. Not sure what to do at this point.Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Robert M. Posted: 1/15/2019
Hello Steve - We would recommend using a voltage meter to make sure that power is getting to the pump motor. If it is, we recommend replacing the motor. If not, we recommend contacting an electrician to diagnose the problem.Reply
Todd Posted: 1/9/2019
My pool pump motor is not coming on during the auto programming. I can put it in service mode on the main panel and use the control on the top of the pump and it works. Do you think there is a problem with the main panel causing the pump not to engage during the normal programmed settings?Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Robert M. Posted: 1/10/2019
Hello Todd - What is the make and model of your pool pump motor and control system?Reply
Matt Posted: 11/1/2018
I have a Jandy RS4 system. My filter pump won't start from the remote unit, but will start from the power panel when the unit is in service mode. Since it starts at the local button, does that rule out the relay? Should I be troubleshooting the remote unit and the board? Thanks for any help.Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Robert M. Posted: 11/2/2018
Hello Matt - You are correct. It doesn't sound like a relay issue. We would recommend looking at the board and remote/receiver.Reply
sklemetti Posted: 10/31/2018
I have a US Motor 1081 Polaris Booster pump. It recently began to not startup when power was on. But when I spin the shaft, it starts and runs fine. It does this with the 370v, 35mf run cap connected and disconnected. I connected a 125v start cap to it and it starts up but it makes noise. It's not not the right size but would this indicate that the run cap also functions as a start cap and that it is bad?Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Robert M. Posted: 10/31/2018
Hello Sklemetti- Your problem could be a defective run capacitor. You can rule out the capacitor by testing it with a multimeter. Check out our article titled "How to Test a Pool Pump Capacitor". If the capacitor checks out ok, your problem could be a phase winding. If that's the case, the motor should be replaced. The replacement motor for the Polaris Booster Pump is part number B625.Reply
Kerry Posted: 10/3/2018
We left the area before the hurricane and turned off the swimming pool motor. Upon our return the motor just hums but does not engage the pump. We have checked for debris etc., Is here anyone in the Clarkton NC or Elizabethtown NC that works on swimming pool equipment. We need help! In addition to the present problem we also need new plastic pipes and other parts of our equipment replaced.so although getting the pump started so we can clean the pool we will need to purchase some equipment. Kerry Baidin kts@gmx.seReply
Inyopools Posted: 5/8/2018
Hello Patti - We could not find your order in our system. What motor did you order? Are you supplying 115v or 230v to the motor? Have you tested the voltage to make sure power is getting to the motor?Reply
Patti Posted: 5/7/2018
I replaced the motor and still will not start. I bought new motor last week from you. any suggestions?Reply
Jeff Posted: 5/2/2018
Thanks for the reply. I was thinking it was the relay, too. I was only doubting it because everything I found online indicated that when relays fail, they get stuck shut, meaning that the pump won't shut off. I couldn't find any case where the opposite was true, but I'm guessing it's possible.Reply
Inyopools Posted: 4/30/2018
Hello Jeff - It sounds like the relay is the problem. You can also check the connections at the relay. Sometimes the lines will get loose and it can cause the motor to run intermittently.Reply
Jeff Posted: 4/29/2018
My pump won't start unless I whack the control panel on the wall with my hand. Then it might run continuously, or might start and stop intermittently. Is there something inside the control panel that might need to be replaced. I have read online about bad relays, but not sure what to look for.Reply
Ronald Posted: 3/9/2018
Found the culprit: I pulled the motor apart and found a very thin 1" ring lodged between the windings and the housing. It must have fallen off the back of the end bearing into the motor when I pulled the shaft for the bearing change. The ring wasn't listed on the drawings of the motor, nor did I see it in the motor when I put the shaft back in. I suspect that it has been moving around in the motor causing the intermittent failure. Pump started straight away once I had it all together and hooked up again.Reply
BillyG Posted: 1/19/2019
Wow..perfect description of my problem. I replaced the bearings, seals and impeller with the pump running fine for couple years. It is now doing the exact same thing as yours, intermittently tripping the breaker! I will let you know if this little ring (aka.culpret) is my issue ..or will be asking if there are other potential remedies. Thank you.Reply
Ronald Posted: 3/8/2018
My 3 year old 1hp Certikin pump was running without any issues until the bearing failed. I replaced the bearings and the water seal myself and the pump was turning smoothly. Now when switching the pump on, sometimes the breaker trips immediately, sometimes the pump runs for 5 to 10 seconds before the breaker trips while other times it just runs fine and does so for many days switching on and off on the timer until the breaker trips again. Once the breaker has tripped I need to reset it sometimes once, sometimes more times for the pump to start but when it finally runs, it keeps running fine, it doesn't trip. This morning after cleaning the pool, switching the pump on/off various times, the pump now keeps tripping the breaker. I live in a warm and dry climate, the pump is dry hence moisture is not likely to be a possible cause. Any suggestion what may cause this is much appreciated. Thanks.Reply
Chris Posted: 11/9/2017
I came home last week to a no flow light on my panel. Checked the pump and it hummed, but didn't start - and was getting 230V across L1/L2. Odd thing was that the heater started to fire up while the pump was humming, even though the heater was set to off. As the pump was 12 years old and a little noisy, I decided to order a replacement Century SN1202 from Inyo (and a new impeller and gasket kit). I installed all the new stuff today and had the exact same problem when I was done...pump hums and the heater kicks on. As before, I'm getting 230V across L1/L2. Any ideas before I call the pool dude? thxReply
CarlB. Posted: 10/31/2017
Hello. When I turn on my booster pump while the filter pump is running the filter pump shuts off. This causes no flow to go to my heater so I get this boiling sound in side the heater. The system was installed in May. It is a Jandy variable speed pump and 1.5 horsepower booster pump. This problem just started maybe a month ago. Thanks.Reply
DAvid Posted: 9/13/2017
Kevin,funny thing. Exact same thing happened to me. I also did the exact same test as you measure the voltage from ground to L1 and ground to L2, both were reading 110V AC. I did NOT however, check it with another power cord. Have you figured out what's wrong?
DAvid
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InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 7/21/2017
Maxair - I would bet that the low side of the switch has failed. Try replacing the switch.Reply
Maxair Posted: 7/19/2017
hi-flo ph2200-6 1 yr old only turns on HI. the Low setting wont work.Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 7/9/2017
Kevin - I would have been surprised if both of your motors failed at the same time, so I would have questioned the circuitry to the motors? If you said you measured 120V on both the L1 and the L2 leads against a ground, you should have 230V across L1 and L2 which means your supply voltage is 220V. Are your motors configured for 220V? When you said you plugged an extension cord into an outlet, was that an 115V outlet. Are your old motors set up for 115V?Reply
Kevin Posted: 7/7/2017
Hello, my two pool motors (1HP and 0.75 HP) have suddenly both stopped working (no humming, completely dead). Naturally I assumed the motors were broken as they looked very old. So I bought two replacement motors from here, hooked both up the same way the old ones were and still absolutely dead. I checked the Voltage on both motors (GND to L1, and GND to L2) both read 120V. So what on earth can be the problem? Side note (don't try this, danger): To make sure that the issue isn't the motors, I took an old extension cord and cut it to expose the 3 wires, plugged it into an outlet and held the wires to the OLD motor, and surprise it started running. Thus the old motors were probably not broken and something must be wrong elsewhere. ANY IDEAS??Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 7/1/2017
Bnd31 - The motor humming is a symptom of a bad start capacitor. So I would replace that first. Usually, the start capacitor is in the back of the motor and the run capacitor is on the top. I'm not sure why the motor stops after a few minutes. It sounds like your thermal overload protector is cutting the motor off because the motor is too hot or the thermal overload protector has gone bad. Otherwise, your motor may be going bad. Try replacing the run capacitor if your motor has one. See our guide on “How To Replace AO Smith Motor Parts – Overview” for motor parts information.Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 6/30/2017
Anonymous (pump won't start) - I see no correlation between backwashing the excess water from your pool, and your pump subsequently not turning on. If it's humming, it may need a new start capacitor. Note: if your MPV has a Waste option, you should use that setting instead of Backwash to drain off your pool but that should have no impact on your motor not starting.Reply
Bnd31 Posted: 6/30/2017
When I turn the pump on, It just hums but dont start. Im able to start it by turning the shaft and turning the pump on at the same time. But it shuts off by itself in few mins. Then it wont hum at all if i try to start right away. If i let it sit for a while, i hear the click, then i turn the pump on, hums, turn the shaft and starts.. dies again in a while..Any help?? I havent checked the capacitor yet, looks like theres one at the top of the pump. And abt the wiring issues, low and hight voltage issues, i have never altered anything at all. We moved in last year and the pump has been working fine so far
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Anonymous Posted: 6/29/2017
I stupidly forgot to turn the garden hose off, filling my pool with water for 9-10hrs, I backwashed all the excess water and it's back at its regular level, however, the pump won't turn on.What do I do? It was working fine earlier
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InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 6/14/2017
Anonymous (dead motor) - Make sure that your motor is configured to match your supply voltage. If you have 220V coming into the motor, the motor should be set up to receive 220V. Recheck your wiring. If the motor still doesn't work, talk to the dealer again. Have him check the motor.Reply
Anonymous Posted: 6/13/2017
Hello. I just replaced the motor on my pool pump. The old one was only two weeks old. The old one just stopped working. Took and exchanged the motor for another one. Hooked it back up, and nothing. Replaced breaker and timer. Still nothing. I know power is making it to the timer and motor. The motor is a century USQ1152. Not sure where to go from here. Thanks for any help. BobbyReply
InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 6/12/2017
Gary - You may be in an area with unstable supply voltage. Some motor reps have suggested switching to a run capacitor with the next level voltage. If you have 370V now, go up one level in voltage to 440V.Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 6/11/2017
Ozzie - If you have a multimeter, check the voltage at the motor terminals L1 and L2 to see if your motor is getting power. If your motor has one or two capacitors, change them. Otherwise, your motor winding may have shorted out and you may need a new motor.Reply