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Think your motor is failing? How do you know?
First thing to do is observe the motor without using any tools.
- Is the motor running at all? � This could be due to a failed motor or problems in the power supply to the motor. � If you have the proper voltage out to the motor, you need to replace the motor.
- Is the motor humming for a moment when you turn on the power, not starting and then cutting off? - This could be due to a failed start capacitor. � You need to replace the motor.
- Is the motor starting slow and then picking up speed? � This could be due to a failing start/run capacitor or due to the motor getting a lower voltage input than the motor is designed for. � If the motor is wired correctly and has the correct voltage out to the motor, it is time to replace the motor.
- Is the motor making a squealing noise? � This could be due to failing bearings, a loose fan, or a clogged impeller. � If the impeller is clear, you need to replace the motor.
- Is the motor making a deep grinding sound like crushing rocks? � The pump is cavitating and needs to have a line unclogged, the impeller cleaned out, or is too large a pump installed on too small a pipe size. The next step is to pull out your multimeter, assuming you are comfortable working with live voltage, and testing for the correct voltage out to the motor. If the motor is rated for 240 volts and is getting 120 volts, then you need to look towards the wiring or motor control circuit. At this point, if the motor turns on, you should check the amp draw from the motor. Using an amp clamp or other similar device, test to see how many amps the motor is pulling. If the amps the motor is pulling matches the amp draw on the motor data plate, you are fine. If the amp draw exceeds that number you either have a mis-matched motor and impeller combination, clogged suction line, clogged impeller, or the motor is on the beginning stages of failure.
The Pool Guy Store has many replacement motors to choose from. To find an Emerson replacement motor, you will need to know 6 important pieces of information Pump Mounting (ie. Square Flange, C-Flange, etc.), Horsepower, Service Factor, Voltage, Frequency, and Phase. Note that most of this information can be found on the motor nameplate. The Pool Guy Store also carries OEM motors for most of the major brands.
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