Can you help me solve a well pump question? My 1 3/4 hp Meyers shallow well pump gets electrically stuck some times. When the pump motor stops working it throws the breaker. I can then take the cover off back of the motor and turn the shaft by hand. Then when I turn the breaker back on, the pump runs fine. I should say the motor never actually stops while running. What happens is that while not running, it won’t turn again when called upon.
The contact points were recently replaced, but they had been previously “abused” by a condition where the pump motor would rapidly/repeatedly flick off and on.
I seem to recall reading here that it could be the capacitor. Is that right? If so, how do I fix/replace it. Everyone here has a well and the stores have replacement pressure switches but I’ve never seen capacitor replacements.
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It very well could be the capacitor. Remove the cover for the capacitor (the hot dog shaped cover on the side of the motor), write down the specs, and visit a motor supply house. Bring the nameplate data from the motor, too. They should be able to help.
The reason it is likely the capacitor is this. For the breaker to trip you must be drawing more current. A motor draws (a lot) more current when it does not turn. There are two likely reasons why it was not turning. One, it is jammed, which you ruled out by being able to turn the motor by hand. Two, the capacitor is bad. In a single phase AC induction motor a capacitor is needed to start the motor turning. If the capacitor is bad the motor will not turn, just sit there drawing very high current which will trip the breaker.
Thank you, I'll do just that today. I'm tired of running out there to spin the shaft and at this time the mosquitos are eating me alive.
Could be a bad cap, bad starter points, or just too much friction for the motor to overcome while starting. Does the shaft seem at all stiff when turning it by hand?
the shaft spins easily.
"The contact points were recently replaced, but they had been previously "abused" by a condition where the pump motor would rapidly/repeatedly flick off and on."
Now there are two different sets of contacts.
One is the pressure switch.
The other is the centrifically operated start switch. It mounted on the end of the motor shaft. And if is not making good contact then the motor won't start.
I have seen motor start capacitors in the hardware store. Also places like Graingers have them. As would any motor shop or electrical supply house.
William the Geezer, the sequel to Billy the Kid - Shoe
I was referring to the pressure switch contacts.I have the capacitor in my hand now and am headed off to ACE HW. They are the local Meyers headquarters. I'll go to Grainger if I don't find it at ACE.
Back from the ACE; problem solved, another Breaktime triumph.