On Jul 20, 7:29*am, Ivan wrote:
Sometimes, when I start my pool pump motor, it turns for a few
revolutions, then pops the circuit breaker. *Other times, it starts
and runs normally. *This is not a case of clogged skimmers. *Before
the breaker pops, I can run the electric light in the pool shed--the
breaker only pops when I switch the motor on.

The motor is ju-u-u-st out of warranty --installed May '09. *Before I
spend $370 replacing it I want to be sure it's the motor and not some
electrical glitch in my wiring, or a problem with the pool pump. *Any
suggestions?

short answer
Probably the centrifugal switch..........


explanation.......
I've been confronted with this situation twice; once about 40 years
ago and a couple years ago.

Different motors, different pools (thus completely) different setups.

The first case a lizard had crawled into the motor at night and his
tail got into the swtich.

The second time it was just that the contacts were a bit burn &
pitted.
I showed my neighbor how to dis-assemble the motor and run some crocus
cloth over the contacts.
Blow the mechanism and re-assemble.....been working fine for a couple
years now.

You only have to expose the switch, you don't have to remove it from
the motor rotor.
The contacts can be easily tuned up in place. The switch is spring
loaded so I recommend against messing with the switch assembly.
Just open the contacts slighty to get the point file or some crocus
cloth between them.

Your motor is new so that adds a bit to the mystery. But I've had new
motors be problematic too (case misalignment that caused excessive
starting torque)

I'd try some compressed air into the end of the motor before a
complete R&R.


Let us know how it works out.

cheers
Bob