Return pump just died...

PEA · #1 11-22-2011, 03:27 AM

So I was changing my water and turned off my return pump for my sump... Now it won't turn... I've taken it apart and it's stuck or jammed... Something seems to be wrong with the motor since it does do a very slight hum when I plug it in... So I'm thinking if I could get the motor fixed... Take it to an A/C motor shop and see if they can fix it? Or just bite the bullet and buy a new pump?

Any advice would be greatly appreciate!!! Thanks in advance...

BlueTang<3 · #2 11-22-2011, 03:42 AM

What kind of pump is it? How old, what was you initial cost of the pump. I know they are sealed in epoxy dont know how it would be to fix. Have to consider the impeller and magnets are all aged as well as bushings. For the hassle it may be easier to replace.

mark · #3 11-22-2011, 04:21 AM

depends on the motor. If it's an internal, probably not worth it, external could be.

bignose · #4 11-22-2011, 04:31 AM

Check your impeller to see if it is swollen look for scrape marks on it could be rubbing.

Lance · #5 11-22-2011, 05:13 AM

It it's a submersible pump it may be seized due to calcification. If so, take the pump apart and soak parts in a 50/50 vinegar/water solution. If there is a lot of build-up on the magnet, a little rubbing with some Emery cloth and a wipe with some vasaline should do the trick.

PEA · #6 11-22-2011, 05:15 AM

It's a Reef-Flo Snapper... So it's external and it looks like the motor is serviceable... It's about 5 years old... I took it apart and the impeller and housing looks good, not too dirty... Spins good, except the motor doesn't work... hahaha

#7 11-22-2011, 05:30 AM

The brushes maybe worndown to the point one poped out of its holder i have had this happen on a couple motor driven tools. have them take the moteor apart and if it only needs the brushes replaced do that but anything else buy a new pump as it will not be worth repairing the rest of the motor.

Bill

Quote:

Originally Posted by PEA

It's a Reef-Flo Snapper... So it's external and it looks like the motor is serviceable... It's about 5 years old... I took it apart and the impeller and housing looks good, not too dirty... Spins good, except the motor doesn't work... hahaha

PEA · #8 11-22-2011, 05:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bvlester

The brushes maybe worndown to the point one poped out of its holder i have had this happen on a couple motor driven tools. have them take the moteor apart and if it only needs the brushes replaced do that but anything else buy a new pump as it will not be worth repairing the rest of the motor.

Bill

If I took apart the motor would I be able to see that the brushes are too worn out and popped out? Pretty much it was working fine, till I stopped the pump and won't spin now...

PEA · #9 11-22-2011, 06:16 AM

Also... I did notice some metal shavings under the pump where the shaft is exposed... Does it mean it's a goner? Or just worn out brushes / bearings?

Bblinks · #10 11-22-2011, 06:32 AM

The brushes should be in the back of the motor, but be careful when you take it apart, the brushes should be placed in a spring loaded housing. Once you have it apart take some photos and post it, if the brushes are gone you need to find some where local that carries them. If not just contacting reeflo. If the brushes are still good check for the contact point between the brushes and the armature, if any rust is present use some emery cloth to clean it up. Before putting every thing back, check for bearing wear since there are metal shaving you might have a bearing that's gone. Also check for continuity on the motor winding, make sure there are no shorts in the motor itself, slap it back it together and see if she will start again. Best of luck.