T-Mash Posted May 6, 2012 Report Share Posted May 6, 2012 I opened my inground pool today and went to turn on the pump and it just hummed. I turned it off and checked the breaker, etc. I turned it back on and tapped the back portion of the motor thinking that would maybe "jar" it. It did not. When I turned it on again it sparked and smoked a little bit right under where the capacitor is located on the back plate. Have I screwed up my motor or does the capacitor sometimes do that? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PoolGuyNJ Posted May 7, 2012 Report Share Posted May 7, 2012 Caps do do that sometimes. Scott Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
T-Mash Posted May 7, 2012 Author Report Share Posted May 7, 2012 Well, I tested the capacitor and it still has voltage. Pulling the motor tomorrow to see if it is seized, etc. Will let you know for future reeference. Luckily my brother-in-law is a HVAC technician and can get me a motor at his cost. I wiill post a new thread on the advantages/disadvantages of possibly upgrading to a higher hp motor. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PoolGuyNJ Posted May 7, 2012 Report Share Posted May 7, 2012 There are lots of reasons to not do that. It isn't an upgrade. Changing the motor to a smaller size with a smaller impeller frequently is though. Always change the seal set too. Scott Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bugman1400 Posted May 7, 2012 Report Share Posted May 7, 2012 The reason why motors hum is because they don't know the words. If the motor turns freely then your caps are toast. Luckily, they are cheap! Your HVAC connection will be able to get you one off his truck. There is also the possibility that it is not the cap itself but, the wire to the cap instead. You can re-terminate the wire and you'll be good to go. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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