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Installation of mechanical seals for centrifugal pool pumps

Your pool pump is one of the key components in your pool filtration system; however, there will be times when it will require some major repairs. One of the most common repairs performed on a pool or spa pump is the replacement of the mechanical seal. This is one of those repairs that could cost you a ton of money. A more cost-effective way to do this repair is to learn how to do it yourself.

Purpose of the pump seal

All centrifugal pumps have a shaft seal installed. The purpose of these shaft seals is to prevent water or liquid being pumped from leaking along the shaft. Understanding mechanical pump seal designs is very important. Teaches you how a basic mechanical seal works. So how do I change the seal on my pool pump? Please understand! Some pump seals install a little differently on some pool and spa pumps; however, the primary purpose of the seal is the same. And that’s to stop the leaks.

Repair of mechanical seals

Before beginning your seal repair, you must cut off all electrical power to the pump motor. Once the power supply is disconnected, you must lock out the main circuit breaker. This will prevent any accidental power changes.

Tools and resources needed for seal replacement

Replacing pool pump mechanical seals requires a few basic tools and parts for the job. These are items like:

  • A set of open end wrenches, as well as a good ratcheting set.
  • A new mechanical seal for the new installation.
  • A set of flat screwdrivers.
  • Emery cloth (sandpaper).
  • A bearing puller. To help remove the impeller from the pump.
  • A new replacement impeller. This will only be necessary if the one in the pump needs to be replaced.
  • A new gasket of scroll paper. You will not be able to reuse the original.
  • Hammer Gold Heavy Duty Rubber Mall.

Now that you have the necessary tools and parts for the repairs, you can proceed.

Steps for a successful shaft seal change

  • Double check that your main circuit breaker is turned off and locked out.
  • Close the valves on both the discharge and suction sides of your pool pump.
  • Loosen the bolts that hold the motor in place on its base plate.
  • Move the motor away from the pump section and secure the flexible coupling.
  • Loosen the volute casing drain plug to free and drain the pump casing.
  • Loosen the bolts that connect the volute cover plate to the volute.
  • Loosen the pegs on the pump support and separate the cover plate from the volute. Using recoil bolts. You may need to use your hammer to lightly tap the cover plate.
  • Using your ratchet, remove the bolt holding the impeller in place.
  • Remove the impeller from the pump shaft. If it is difficult to remove, use the bearing puller to help remove it. Inspect the impeller for wear. This will determine if it needs to be replaced. If the impeller is in good condition, be careful when removing it. You don’t want to break or bend the impeller.
  • Once you have removed the impeller, remove its holding key from the slot in the shaft.
  • Using your screwdriver, remove the spring and rotating component of the old seal from the extended end of the pump shaft.
  • Then, remove the ceramic (stationary seal component) from the seal bore in the volute cover plate. To do this, you need to flip the cover plate over and gently tap on the damaged seal to remove it.
  • With the old mechanical seal completely removed, inspect the pump shaft and sleeve along with the seal recess for damage. There are times when you may need to replace the pump shaft, but that’s another repair in itself.
  • Clean the seal bore with emery cloth and water and dry thoroughly. Clean extended end of shaft and sleeve to remove all rust and dirt.
  • Open the new mechanical shaft seal, being careful not to touch the polished face of the seal faces. Also, do not rest the mechanical seal on your work table. The pump seal faces are easily scratched and once this happens the seal is no longer useful. It will leak.
  • Install the stationary part (ceramic part with the black rubber cup) of the seal in the volute cover plate. Remember that it must be installed exactly the same as the previous one. Also check and make sure that this part of the seal is fully inserted into the seal hole in the cover plate.
  • Now slide the rotating part of the pump shaft seal over the extended end of the shaft. Carefully push it onto the polished face of the ceramic piece on the volute cover plate.
  • Insert the impeller key into its slot on the pump shaft.
  • Place the impeller on the shaft, align the keyway in the impeller with the key, and slide it into place.
  • Replace the impeller washer and dry and tighten.

You are now ready to reassemble your pool’s centrifugal pump.

But first you need to replace the paper volute gasket and secure it in place with some RTV silicone sealant. Always use non-hardening silicone lubricant on all pool and spa pump repairs. DO NOT use Vaseline or any other petroleum based lubricant. They can cause problems by eating into some paper and plastic joints. Once the paper gasket is in place, you can begin to reassemble your pump.

  • Slide the volute cover plate assembly into the volute of the pump casing.
  • Align the bolt holes in the cover.
  • Insert the bolts and tighten them in a crisscross pattern. This helps the cover plate assembly to slide into place without the impeller binding to the volute walls. accommodation.
  • Reinsert the flexible coupling into its hub and slide the motor back into place; thus aligning the motor hub with the end of the flexible coupling.
  • Insert the retaining bolts for the engine. Align the pump and motor to ensure proper operation. Otherwise your mechanical seal will fail again.
  • Open the valves on both the discharge and suction sides of your pool pump.
  • Restore electrical power to the pump motor.
  • Run the pump system and check for leaks.

Congratulations! You just saved a ton of money by replacing the mechanical seal on your pool pump. I invite you to visit my site where you will find a wealth of information to help you successfully manage your pool/spa. Just click the link in the resource box.

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