Bryce wrote:
The Daring Dufas wrote:

Erma1ina wrote:
The Daring Dufas wrote:
Erma1ina wrote:
I decided to replace my still-working but aging sump pump with one (1/3
hp Wayne CDU790) that I got 7.5 years ago and kept stored in its
original packaging.

When I took the pump out of the original box, I noticed a small amount
(probably less than an ounce) of oil in the discharge volute. My fear
is that the motor seal has weakend from being on the shelf for so long.

I'd appreciate opinions on whether the pump is too risky, either
mechanically or electrically, to install.
Under what conditions was the pump stored. In a hot attic,
a cool dry place or an outbuilding?

TDD
It was stored in a cabinet in my unfinished basement which ranges in
temperature from about 60 degrees in winter to about 75 degrees in
summer with a pretty constant 40 - 50 percent humidity.
If it had been a hot attic, I would be very concerned.
You certainly stored it properly. Is there a local pump
shop or electric motor repair company in your area? If
so, you might ask them what they would charge to check
the pump out. It's a good pump and most people think
highly of them. I've seen them priced from $90-$150 new
and $60 for a factory reman. I would find out the cost of
a seal replacement verses new pump. The local shop may
check it for you at no charge and be able to tell you
if the seal is bad. In my area we have some good motor
and pump shops that will check out a pump like yours at
no charge and repair them economically.

TDD
In addition to storage in a hardware-friendly environment,
is there anything else that would help keep a spare pump in
ready shape?

If I had a spare pump, I would test run it once a year.
Heck, you can have a defective pump that's brand new.
The sump pump systems I've worked on in industrial
applications are often setup in pairs and have a control
system that will run each pump alternately. If one pump
fails, there is no flooding. I've seen homes that have
two pumps, one pump is installed higher than the other.
That type of installation is good for backup or unusual
situations where more water than normal comes in.

TDD