Hi All,

My Artesian Merlin spa just turned 3 (the warranty expired!). When I went to use it the other night I noticed the GFIC had tripped. I tried to reset it and it immediately tripped again. The service guy had me unplug the pump from the control panel and it didn't trip the breaker. He then told me I needed a new pump motor ($500-$700). Since then I've done the following troubleshooting: Disconnected lead from pressure switch to rule out bad heater (still trips breaker). I've also been able to spin the motor by hand. What else should I try before I order a new pump? This is a 230 Vico Products 2 speed Ultra Jet pump.

disconnecting the pressure switch will not rule out the heater. You will need to physically disconnect the element to rule that out. If the gfi quits tripping when you disconnect the motor, that is where the problem will be. You might be able to just order a replacement motor from any source rather than the whole pump unit from an expensive dealer

Thanks for the advice. Question: Can I loosen the two nuts on the top of the heater housing without damage the contact strips? Will they bend out of the way? See picture

Yes you can, and yes they do (but I wouldn't recommend too much, just enough to break the connection)

Thanks again. I'll give it a whirl tonight and see what happens. It's hard for me to believe the motor is shot--didn't make any bearing noises or anything--and I'd much rather replace a heater core.

Well, I guess it's not the heater. I disconnected both leads on the heater and switched on the breaker, which tripped immediately. Anything else I should check, or should I just yank the motor, bite the bullet, and order a new one. Any and all advice is appreciated

Sure sounds like the motor.... but 500-700 sounds a bit high. If the wet-end is in good shape, you can likely find a replacement motor for half that...

As I said....

Thankx swine for seconding that

A new twist. I removed the motor and pump last night and took it to the work bench. The plate (which was hidden on the other side of the motor) says it's a Big-Foot 56 6hp manufactured by Sta-Rite Industries. I removed the two "hump" covers on the top and found one of the capacitors(?) completely blown apart. Looks like the same thing that happened to my well pump a few months ago. This looks like an easily replaceable part. Question is: What is it (capacitor) and where can I get one? The part number is mostly scratched off the side. It's a black plastic cylinder about 3-1/2 inches long by 1-1/2 inches in diameter. Is has the letters "CGE" stenciled on the side (that's about all I can read).

Any ideas?

The capacitors allow a single phase motor to start, by splitting the phase and sending the power through a centrifigual switch in the rear of the motor. Once the spins up to about 70% of it's total speed, the switch disengages and takes the capacitor out of the circuit and allows full power to the motor.

There is one capacator per winding, so in your two speed, you will have 2 capacitors. What you will need to find out is which speed that capacitor is for, and the hp rating of that speed. The 6 horse rating of the motor is for the high speed. If you look on the label, it should have a second hp rating for low speed. If you can't locate a second hp rating, it can be calculated based on amperage and voltage of the winding. Take all this information to an electric motor supply or repairing center and they can get you a suitable replacement capacitor.

You, my friend, are a wealth of knowlege. This is a great forum and your advices is MUCH appreciated! Okay, there's nothing printed on either sticker which gives the lower HP rating (I've determined the capacitor is the low speed one), so how do I calculate using your formula? The voltage of the motor is 230 V and amps are 11.7/3.5. I've attached photos of the two stickers if you can see them. I'm pretty naive about all this electrical stuff (can you tell?).

Thanks again

Your motor is grossly overrated, and this is normal for pool and spa pumps. Based on calculations, you have a 3HP motor with a low speed of just under 1HP. When you get your capacitor, keep this in mind. I believe a 161-193 MFD would work for you. Of course, you will want to verify that size with your motor repair shop if possible.

Thanks, I was able to decipher 72-88 MFD off the casing after all. I also located a replacement at a nearby electonics shop (last one) and will install it tomorrow, keeping my fingers crossed. Here's a shot of the capacitor with its guts blown out and a close-up of the visible numbering on the side.

Done! Installed a new capacitor ($10.95); put the motor back in the tub; and presto, she works like a champ again. Sure beats buying a new pump. Thanks again Charger 1. Couldn't have done it without you.