HumanJHawkins
New Member
I have a 350 ft. well with a 17 year old 2HP pump. Recently, the overload has intermittently tripped instead of the pump starting. I have only noticed failure on startup. If it happens to run, it always fills the tank. When it fails, I can shut off the breaker, wait a few seconds, turn the breaker back on and then reset the overload for another fair shot at getting it to start. So far, it has usually started on the second try. Once it took three tries.
I've tested the above ground equipment and it all tested good. The start and run capacitors were right on spec. I've also tested the resistance of the windings and it all appears to be within spec. The resistance to ground is a bit low at 1M ohms, but I am told that in an installed well it is considered OK as long as it is above 500K.
So, my theory is that wear in the pump has lead to increased friction that make starting more difficult.
I know the pump will need to be replaced soon regardless, and I know one should not use a different value for the run capacitor. But I'm wondering if it is likely that I can buy a few more months by doing something with the start capacitor. The spec calls for a 105-126MFD. Would moving to a 124-149MFD, or 189-227MDF give it a bigger start kick and maybe make it start more reliably until I can get the thing properly replaced? Or would that just make it overload more quickly?
Thanks in advance for any tips.
I've tested the above ground equipment and it all tested good. The start and run capacitors were right on spec. I've also tested the resistance of the windings and it all appears to be within spec. The resistance to ground is a bit low at 1M ohms, but I am told that in an installed well it is considered OK as long as it is above 500K.
So, my theory is that wear in the pump has lead to increased friction that make starting more difficult.
I know the pump will need to be replaced soon regardless, and I know one should not use a different value for the run capacitor. But I'm wondering if it is likely that I can buy a few more months by doing something with the start capacitor. The spec calls for a 105-126MFD. Would moving to a 124-149MFD, or 189-227MDF give it a bigger start kick and maybe make it start more reliably until I can get the thing properly replaced? Or would that just make it overload more quickly?
Thanks in advance for any tips.