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It could be the pump is bound up but it is more likely the motor is failing. It may be a small part such as the capacitor or the starting switch, but could also be more severe such as the winding itself. You will also want to examine the shaft where it passes thru the pump and motor and look for signs of rust from a pump seal leak. Start with the capacitor if one is present. Use a digital multi-meter (DMM), preferably with a capacitor setting, or an analog meter set for Ohms. With an analog, you should see the needle deflect as if testing a closed circuit then it will slowly drop to 0 if the capacitor is good. If it doesn't move or moves and stays to the side showing a closed circuit the capacitor is bad. If you notice a burn hole near the terminals on the end of the capacitor do not bother to test it. If you do not have access to a meter you can try grounding the posts together with a screwdriver to see if they arc although it is not a very reliable test method. Be sure you are holding on to an insulated handle for the tool you use to short the terminals together or you can get a good poke. Next check the internal stationary start switch for continuity thru the contacts. Bent or burned up points and arms can cause a startup failure...you may need a new part if yours is more than bent out of position. Finally check the winding for grounds and shorts...if you find any it is most likely time for a new motor. If you are not familiar with testing these parts your best bet would be a local electric motor repair shop to see if the motor can be repaired or if it would need to be replaced. They should also be able to ensure there is no pump damage. If you wish to continue to try to repair it yourself please comment with any questions you have as you work thru the pump and motor.
If this answer does not fix your problem, please comment with additional details or contact me thru our site at www.arrowpools.net prior to rating the answer; I'll do what I can to help. Positive feedback is appreciated once your problem is solved!
Answers & Comments
Thank you for posting your question here on Fixya.com.
It could be the pump is bound up but it is more likely the motor is failing. It may be a small part such as the capacitor or the starting switch, but could also be more severe such as the winding itself. You will also want to examine the shaft where it passes thru the pump and motor and look for signs of rust from a pump seal leak.
Start with the capacitor if one is present. Use a digital multi-meter (DMM), preferably with a capacitor setting, or an analog meter set for Ohms. With an analog, you should see the needle deflect as if testing a closed circuit then it will slowly drop to 0 if the capacitor is good. If it doesn't move or moves and stays to the side showing a closed circuit the capacitor is bad. If you notice a burn hole near the terminals on the end of the capacitor do not bother to test it. If you do not have access to a meter you can try grounding the posts together with a screwdriver to see if they arc although it is not a very reliable test method. Be sure you are holding on to an insulated handle for the tool you use to short the terminals together or you can get a good poke.
Next check the internal stationary start switch for continuity thru the contacts. Bent or burned up points and arms can cause a startup failure...you may need a new part if yours is more than bent out of position.
Finally check the winding for grounds and shorts...if you find any it is most likely time for a new motor.
If you are not familiar with testing these parts your best bet would be a local electric motor repair shop to see if the motor can be repaired or if it would need to be replaced. They should also be able to ensure there is no pump damage. If you wish to continue to try to repair it yourself please comment with any questions you have as you work thru the pump and motor.
If this answer does not fix your problem, please comment with additional details or contact me thru our site at www.arrowpools.net prior to rating the answer; I'll do what I can to help. Positive feedback is appreciated once your problem is solved!
John