Sovereign 1992 New Pump Overheating

[Eddy S]

Hello and thanks for this forum!

I have a 1992 Sovereign that was given to me last year. 120v power. The pump failed, so I ordered a new AO Smith motor. Installed it and now it overheats and the internal thermal limit shuts it down after about 2 minutes of operation. The output is not right either.

After much investigation, I am down to just a couple items to change out before I give up!

1. Will a bad shaft seal cause overheating? (it is ordered and coming soon)

2. The new motor has same amps, RPM, and voltage as the old one.

3. Everything fits great! Ive run the motor at each stage to see if it binds, and it is running smooth until I run it with water and that is where the problem happens.

4. I am not plugged directly into power source at this time. Its on the soon to be completed list but am using a heavy gauge cord to a 20 AMP breaker.

I have to admit, Ive never had a hot tub, and have learned a TON in 6 months. It is great as long as its working, but these setbacks makes it difficult to be enthusiastic about it. It feels like throwing money into the old jalopy every other week.

Any help is appreciated and I hope I can answer questions if you have them.

Thanks again,

Eddy (hot tub squire...hoping for the rank of knight someday)

[PreservedSwine]

Is the filter clogged?

If it sounds normal with no load, but starts acting weird, once under load, either a bad pump (it happens) or there's an obstruction, or insufficient power. What's the voltage under load? Voltage with no load?