Comments on: Polaris Booster Pump & Motor Overhaul / Rebuild Guide

By: John

John — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 02:36:29 +0000

So far this has been a great help, but now I’m stuck. where can I get parts for the motor? I need to replace 1 of the thru bolts and the wet end bearing is held in by a clip of some sort which is very rusty. I would drill out the bolt holding the clamp in place if I knew where to get a replacement. I’ve tried web searches but haven’t found a site yet that will sell parts to the motor, just a complete rebuild. Thanks
John

By: Roscoe

Roscoe — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 01:53:06 +0000

The equipment sits on a concrete slab. The bottom of the polaris booster pump sits about 4 inches above the concrete slab. There is about an inch or 1-1/2 inches of soil that washed onto the slab during the rain. I can see how water/soil could get inside if the pump had been covered or submerged, neither was the case. Just the normal heavy fall rains. The pump has been off and not working since Sept. 19 — if it were wet inside, it would have dryed out by now. My understanding is that the shaft seal (if properly installed and not compromised) is intended to protect the inside of the pump. So, I go back to the shaft seal — if infact water/soil is the problem. The challenge that I have is that the technican made this diagnosis based on a visual inspection. He did not take apart the booster pump, nor did he remove the housing — nothing.

The warranty kicks in if the seal was compromised or if there was some other mechanical problem — but I don’t know what else to look for. Any ideas?

By: Joseph

Joseph — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 01:33:42 +0000

Hi Roscoe,

Was the pump sitting on a platform or was the pump sitting directly on the ground and then when the heavy rains came the motor soaked into the water?

I would let the motor dry out for a few days to a week and then try it again. The motor windings could be soaking wet.

The other thing is that if this pump was only installed 90 days ago, you should have some sort of warranty right?

Let me know if you have any other questions.

Joseph

By: Roscoe

Roscoe — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 01:29:23 +0000

Awesome site. I have a question. My polaris booster pump was installed new about 90 days ago. Booster pump stopped working about 3 weeks ago. Pool company said that water and soil due to recent rains have damaged booster pump? How is that possible if the seal was properly installed? Could there be other causes?

By: MikeM

MikeM — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 03:44:58 +0000

Joseph -
Great site – thanks. Taking my pump apart now, but I committed a mortal sin! I pulled the two wires off the back without remembering to mark which wire went where! AAAARRRRGGH!
Can you tell me where the red and blue wires go on the back plate? Give me a hi pin/lo pin reference when looking from the back. Thanks in advance for the help.
Mike

By: Joseph

Joseph — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 23:30:37 +0000

Hi Chas,

No secrets, just take your time and try to get them lined up.

Joseph

By: Chas

Chas — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 13:26:28 +0000

Got it all apart and cannot get to one of the bearings, too rusted out. Now I can’t get the through bolts to line up?? Any secrets or tips on how to line these up??

By: Joseph

Joseph — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 15:16:12 +0000

Hi Chas,

You can get both at the same place if you have a “Grainger” near you, Although the pool supply store may sell the seal and the bearings as well.

Let me know if you have any trouble finding the parts,

As for the bearing press tool, I just use a large socket that matches the inner race of the bearing and then a hammer to drive the bearing onto the shaft,

Joseph

By: chas

chas — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 15:14:06 +0000

So, I need part #3 (mechanical seal), o-rings # 4 & #7, and the RTV silicone around rim of part #5?
Also, bearings from where? Auto parts? Need the bearing press tool? Thanks for the help.

By: chas

chas — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 15:09:24 +0000

Roger that. So, pump seal from the pool supply store? Suggestions on where to get the bearings? Auto parts store? Also, really need the bearing press tool? Any ideas as to what someone would charge to replace the bearings if I took them the motor? Thanks.

By: Joseph

Joseph — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 14:34:13 +0000

Hi Chas,

Thanks for the nice words about the website. You are correct, you will need to replace the seal and the motor bearings, which is way cheaper then a new pump.

Bearing should be around $6 – $10 each and the mechanical pump seal is around $6 – $8.

If you need any additional help let me know,

Joseph

By: Chas

Chas — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 13:43:12 +0000

Getting a leak on the “wet side” of the pump. Right where the impeller rod goes into the housing. Also, pump does make some above average noise. Suggestions on what to repair/replace? I’m thinking mechanical seal? Bearings? Great website, very technical yet easy for the DIY’er!

By: KTR-SB

KTR-SB — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 12:18:26 +0000

Well, I pulled it apart last night. Broke all four through-bolts about 2″ above where they screw into the rear “bell.” There is an electric motor repair shop near my workplace – gonna see what they will charge me for drilling and tapping and new bolts, but I think my motor is history. RATS!

By: Joseph

Joseph — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 17:35:36 +0000

Hi,

Yes, you can slide the Armature right out, Its a magnetic motor, no brushes.

Let me know if you have any other questions,

Joseph

By: KTR-SB

KTR-SB — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 17:33:30 +0000

RE: Polaris Booster Pump Rebuild

Mine’s squealing like a pig. Just curious – didn’t see you mention anything about dealing with brushes in the motor – is it brushless? Is it really just a matter of sliding the armature in and out?