How to Read an AO Smith Pool Motor Label

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How to Read an AO Smith Pool Motor Label

WRITTEN BY: Matthew S.

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When the time comes to replace your pool pump motor the jumble of numbers and ratings on a motor can be overwhelming. This "How to" will guide you through which information is useful in your replacement pump motor search. We also provide tips on essential parts that should be replaced when installing a new pump motor.

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Step by Step

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Step 1

Tools you may need: 1. A cloth and cleaning solution, this is needed to remove any dirt or grime causing your pump motor label to be unreadable 2. A Shaft Seal or GOKIT when replacing your motor. Working seals and gaskets are vital to the health of your pool pump. A malfunctioning shaft seal will cause water from the pump to leak into your electrical motor causing it to fail prematurely. A GOKIT includes the complete set of your pumps gasket's and O-rings, including the shaft seal.

Step 2

In general there are two main labels on a pool pump; the pump label and pump motor label. Both can be used to determine the correct motor replacement but first we will focus on the motor label as it is the quickest and easiest to search. If your motor label is unreadable, later in the guide we will show you how to backtrack information off your pump to find the correct replacement. Quick Tip: The manufacturer of the pump motor and the pump itself are different companies even if the pump is brand new from the factory. For example, you have purchased a Hayward Super Pump, the wet end of pump where the water is housed is made by Hayward. The motor attached to that pump wet end was likely made by A.O. Smith, Century or Marathon.

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Step 3

An A.O. Smith pump motor label has a lot of different numbers and ratings that can have an appearance of alphabet soup at first glance. Let's narrow down the scope to just the information we will need to search for a new pool pump motor replacement. The list is as follows: Motor Model Number, Horsepower (HP), Service Factor (SF) and Frame (FR)

Step 4

When reading an A.O. Smith pump motor label the most pertinent information to aid you in finding a replacement is the "Motor Model Number." With this information alone you could find the exact match. As shown in the picture, an A.O. Smith motor may have two model number formats listed, either one can be used in INYO's pool pump motor search engine.

Step 5

The first format is one that follows the line of "UST1102", "ST1102" or "SN1102". The set of letters in the beginning denote the service factor rating of the pump. The "UST-" stands for an uprated motor and "ST-" means it is a full rated. The last four digits show its HP: "-1102" = 1 HP, "-1152" = 1.5 HP, "-1202" = 2 HP and so on. Type complete number (ex. UST1102) into INYO's product search at the upper right-hand portion of our site to find pool pump motor match

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Step 6

The second format of pump model numbers contains a prefix that is most commonly "C48", "C56", "K48" or "K56". This prefix is followed by four to nine letters and numbers which identify the specific motor. Type this entire number into INYO's product search to find the correct pump motor match. An example of this pump model number format: C48L2N134C1

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Step 7

If the Motor's model number is unavailable then we will have to use a combination of the pump label information and other available info on the motor label. The information needed off the motor label is the Horsepower (HP), Service Factor (SF) and Frame (FR).

Step 8

In most cases the Pump's manufacture label is located near the outlet port, location may vary depending upon the maker.

Step 9

On the pool pump label there should be two numbers listed, the serial and model. The pump model number can be entered into our product search engine; the result should provide the make, model and horsepower. Copy down this information and enter our pump motors section by selecting it in our “Shop by Category” sidebar.

Click Here to Find Your Replacement Pool Pump Motor & Gasket Kit

Step 10

In the Pump Motors section you will be asked for the manufacturer then the model. Your specific model may have two categories that list by your pump motor's service factor (SF). The motor's SF is listed on the label, this number will be in the range of 1.00 - 1.95. A SF of 1.00 to 1.27 is listed as an Up rated, anything over is Full rated. Please be sure you match the Service Factor of your pump as failure to do so will cause incompatibility between your current pump and new replacement motor.

Step 11

After checking all the previous information and have found a possible correct replacement, your last piece of info to check will be the Frame (FR). Most motors have a frame of "48Y", "56Y", "48J" or "56J". If your prospective replacement matches HP, SF, and FR then you have successfully found your motor replacement.

Click Here to Find Your Replacement Pool Pump Motor & Gasket Kit

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(1 to 40 of 236)

Jill A Maline Posted: 7/13/2021

I need a new run capacitor for model number USQ1152 C48L2PA105C5. What is the part number of the run capacitor that I need?
Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist Matt S. Posted: 7/14/2021

Hello, the correct start capacitor replacement for your USQ1152 motor is the 161-193 MFD - BC-161
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Ron Posted: 1/13/2021

Would you know which capacitor goes on a century B2983 1.5 hp motor ?
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InyoPools Product Specialist Matt S. Posted: 1/13/2021

The B2983 1.5 HP dual speed motor uses 25 MFD - 628318-307 capacitor. You can also open the capacitor doghouse that sits on top of the motorto see the ratings on the capacitor's barrel.
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Chris Posted: 11/23/2020

I believe I need a new start capacitor for my polaris pool pump. The motor buzzes every 3 minutes or so when the master control unit tries to start the system, but the pump has not been operational for the past few days. It is an AO Smith 1081 pool pump (motor label says it is a replacement for Polaris PB4-60 Booster Pump). I can't find the model #, but the label does indicate HP=3/4, SF=1.5, FRAME=N56CZ. Please let me know what replacement part to order. THANK YOU!
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InyoPools Product Specialist Matt S. Posted: 12/3/2020

You motor requires the start capacitor, 124-149 MFD (BC-124)
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bmc Posted: 10/25/2020

Motor HP question Pentair Challenger High Head motor replacement - it is a B843 Y56Y listed as 2.0 HP and 1.30 SF - total horsepower of 2.60 (MagneTek Century Centurion). I am confused by the information in the installation, operation & service manual (http://images.inyopools.com/cloud/documents/pentair-challengerpumps-manual.pdf). It has a horsepower column subdivided into F/FE* and A/AE. I believe my pump is a 1 1/2 F, 2 A based on the part numbers for the impeller, diffuser, etc., cross-referenced to the document. What are F/FE and A/AE?
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InyoPools Product Specialist Matt S. Posted: 10/27/2020

I believe those columns are referring to full-rated and uprated motors, respectively.
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Jay Posted: 6/26/2020

I'm looking for a dual speed motor to replace the current "Centurion for PAC-FAB, HP ---, part 7-168454-25, FR Y56Y, TYPE CX, RPM 3450, VOLTS 230/115". I think it is 2HP, but interesting not showing on the label. Any help is appreciated. Thanks.
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InyoPools Product Specialist Matt S. Posted: 9/24/2020

the dual speed replacement motor needed for your B2858 is the Century 1.5 HP Square Flange 56Y Dual Speed Full Rate Motor - B2983
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Justin M Posted: 5/25/2020

I think my start capacitor is bad. Can you tell me what part number it is? Pump motor is a Hayward Northstar SP1615-Z-2-BC RPM: 3450/1725 Volts: 230 AMPS: 9.1/3.4 FR: P56J Type: CXPM Says it's an A.O. Smith Century Two Speed 1081 Pool and Spa Duty. This pump is for my pool which the Barracuda floor cleaner and skimmers tie into. Was hoping you could tell me what type of start capacitor I need without tearing the entire thing apart just to get the number. Thanks!
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InyoPools Product Specialist Matt S. Posted: 10/23/2020

Your SP1615Z2BC motor uses the 21-25 MFD (BC-21) start capacitor.
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Anonymous Posted: 4/29/2020

I have an AO Smith Century Centurion Pool pump that is humming, I think I may need a new capacitor. With out having to open it up, can I figure out which capacitor I need with just the pump and motor information?
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InyoPools Product Specialist Matt S. Posted: 4/29/2020

What is the part, model, or catalog number on your motor's label? A picture of the motor label would be most helpful.
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David Posted: 4/27/2020

My booster pump "AO Smith model # 7-173840-23 just hums when I turn it on. After several seconds it trips the internal breaker. The shaft turns freely when I manually spin it from the end. Does this mean the capacitor is bad? If so, How do I find out which capacitor to replace it with?
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InyoPools Product Specialist Matt S. Posted: 10/27/2020

it could be a bad capacitor, the only way to know for sure is to test it, How to Test a Pool Pump Capacitor. The correct run capacitor you need for the B625 motor is the 25MFD 370V - 628318-307
Reply

danny Posted: 4/11/2020

i have a pentair pump but all i see is part 7-103262-20 w48y. im trying to find bearings
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InyoPools Product Specialist Matt S. Posted: 4/15/2020

Can you recheck that motor part number? I cannot find any cross-reference to it anywhere.
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Matthew.B Posted: 3/6/2020

Hello there My pump gave me some trouble now, it keep humming even with a new capacitor. I need to replace it or change just the bearings. Can u tell me link to the kit and the new motor. Thanks Here is the infos on the motor: SN: BY12-08 Part: 7-177452-03 Type: CX FR: Y56Y Hope it will help, thank you so much for your help
Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist Matt S. Posted: 3/9/2020

When i search the 7-177452-03 part number, the result is the Century 2.0 HP Square Flange 56Y Full Rate EE Motor - B2843. That motor uses two 10000353 bearings. The gasket kit is matched to the pump housing and not the motor. To find the right gasket kit, I will need the model number of the pump housing.
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Amanda Posted: 1/23/2020

Hi I need finding a replacement motor Serial BW2-21 Part 187100-02
Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist Matt S. Posted: 1/23/2020

What is the number before the "187100-02"? For example, the full number would be 07-187100-02 or 10-187100-02
Reply

WG Posted: 12/22/2019

Hello, I do not find a model number on my motor, but am looking for a replacement for a motor with the following info: CAT: BN37 Serial: BY05-26 Part: 7 -177782-03 HP: --- SF: --- Type: CSM FR: R48Y Any info to help would be appreciate! Thanks!
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InyoPools Product Specialist Matt S. Posted: 12/26/2019

The catalog(CAT) is equivalent to the model number. The replacement for your motor is the 1 HP Thru-Bolt 48Y Dual Speed Low Amps Motor - BN37V1.
Reply

Anonymous Posted: 12/14/2019

I'm looking a replacement for a Century two speed AO Smith 1 HP. Part#7-K56AA13A04-05 Serial#073123M FR-Y56Y TYPE-CXCP 1081 Pool & Spa Duty. Hope you can help me with a replacement number and where to find it. Thank you.
Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist Matt S. Posted: 12/16/2019

Hello - I typed your part number into our search and it came back with this result: Hayward TriStar 1 HP Full Rate EE Dual Speed 208-230v Motor - SPX3210Z2BER. Please review the link so you may match the specs listed to your motor's label.
Reply

terryo Posted: 11/22/2019

I have a 16 year old pump for my pool that has limited information on the label. I haven't found a replacement match and was hoping to get some guidance from the experts. Here's what I have...is there a newer version that's a drop in replacement? Century Centurion A.O.Smith Serial: CA10-19 Part: 7 -177452 -03 Type: CX FR: Y56Y HP: 2 SF: 1.3 PH: 1 HZ: 60 RPM: 3450 VOLTS: 208-230 AMPS: 11.0-10.2 Time: CONT ENCL: DP Form: KJM Code: G
Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist Hector F. Posted: 11/25/2019

The direct replacement motor for your motor part number 7 -177452 -03 is the model B2843. If you need the complete pump that includes the front pump housing then we will need that information as well. If you cannot locate any labels on that end then you can always email us images of that housing to upload@inyopools.com so we can review and further advise.
Reply

richard vemian Posted: 11/18/2019

what replacement motor ? for mod.C48J2EB23,HP 3/4,SF 1, FR 48Y,RPM 2850 thank you
Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist Matt S. Posted: 11/19/2019

Is this motor for a pool or spa? Also, is this installed in the US or overseas? That looks to be a non-standard RPM. What is the HZ. 50 or 60?
Reply

Tracy Felicia Posted: 11/9/2019

I search for replacement pump based on my current model # k63cxfgw-5043; HP 1.5; sf 1.60; fr 56J; but you’re site doesn’t come back with a full rated pump only the up rated pump. Can you please tell me how to get the correct pump that I need. Thank you.
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InyoPools Product Specialist Matt S. Posted: 11/11/2019

Your replacement motor is the 1.5 HP Full Rate NorthStar Replacement Motor - SN1152.
Reply

Kirk Posted: 10/10/2019

Hi there, what spa water heater pump can I replace my old one? It is an AO Smith part number 0-187694-01
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InyoPools Product Specialist Matt S. Posted: 10/10/2019

Hello - when I put the number 0-187694-01 in the search box at the top of the page, the 3 HP Thru-Bolt 56Y Dual Speed 230V Motor - B2234 is the only result. Does the horsepower, volts, amps, and frame match your current motor's ratings?
Reply

Wendell Mead Posted: 7/30/2019

Just replaced my motor but it seems like it is running slower than normal. Water is flowing but not fast enough. What's up?
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InyoPools Product Specialist Robert M. Posted: 8/1/2019

There are several reasons why the water flow could be slower. There could be an air leak, a dirty filter, full basket, or a clogged impeller.
Reply

Anonymous Posted: 7/30/2019

Hello, trying to find a replacement motor for an AO Smith/century centurion. Label is barely legible, but part numbers are B228SE, 7-184981-23, m3450. It has a square front on it not a round one. I have pictures I can email. Thank you
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InyoPools Product Specialist Matt S. Posted: 7/30/2019

The B228SE - 1 HP 56J Up Rate is definitely a round flange motor. I think you may be confusing the seal plate, which is a part of the pump, for the motor flange.
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Anonymous Posted: 8/7/2019

Ok, thank you. You are probably right about confusing the two, so is the motor a c faced one? That’s what comes up when putting in part number. Thank you
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InyoPools Product Specialist Matt S. Posted: 8/7/2019

It is a Round Flange, which can be listed under the Frame (FR) rating of the motor label as a J or a C. If you would like a more thorough explanation, I would give this a read: What Does My Pump Motor’s Frame (FR) Rating Mean?
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