| Wet
End Replacement, Standard Spa Pump, Page 2 |
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Note that the purpose of this section is
to show you how to replace a spa pump wet end. While every effort
is made to be sure that virtually all areas of complexity are covered,
you may find it more difficult or sometimes easier to accomplish this task.
Use common sense. If the wet end that you have on your spa is a lot
different from what is depicted here, then do not use these instructions.
Safety
Warnings!
| Remove
Power from the spa/hot tub BEFORE performing this procedure.
Failure to comply with this requirement, can lead to electrical shock and/or
electrocution! |
Disclaimer
|
| The
instructions here are intended for general reference only. Many
pumps are different from the one depicted here, and may require more or
less mechanical effort or knowledge in order to achieve the desired results. |
READ FIRST BEFORE
YOU CONTINUE
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If you have access to the rear of the
pump shaft, as depicted, hold the shaft securely with pliers or vice-grips
to keep it from turning. Other types/brands of pump motors will require
a different method of stopping the shaft movement. |
First, try to unscrew the
impeller with your hand while you hold the back of the shaft securely.
It may take a great degree of force to get it to unscrew. The direction
that you should rotate the impeller is counter-clockwise as you look into
the suction end.
If you are unsuccessful,
then try removing the impeller using channel-lock type pliers. Please
note, you may destroy the impeller using this method, requiring the replacement
with a new one, or by replacing the entire wet end assembly. |
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Worst
case scenario is now depicted. In order
to remove the wet end, the pump seal, or the impeller, it (the impeller)
must be destroyed. This is generally caused by rust and corrosion
that has built up between the steel pump shaft and the plastic sleeve of
the impeller. Also, corrosion can also build up in the metal nut
that is imbedded in the wet end, therefore ensuring that the impeller can't
be removed using conventional methods.
What you will see here is
simply nothing more than using a hammer and a chisel or screwdriver (unsafe),
to destroy the impeller. However, it must be accomplished
in a manner that does not bend or warp the pump motor shaft. Looking
at the diagram here, when you must put excessive force on the pump shaft,
always do it from the end.. never the side! If you do, and the pump
shaft bends even slightly, then you'll need to replace the entire motor.
| Warning!
This is a destructive procedure, that will cause plastic or metal debris
to fly away at high speeds from the work area causing which can cause injuries
to you and other persons in the vicinity. Use protective shielding and
clothing. Flying debris can cause blindness, injury, or death to
unprotected persons or animals in the work vicinity. Clear all unprotected
persons away from the work area before commencing this procedure! |
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Using a hammer and a chiseling
tool, (and wearing a face safety shield), cut directly into the center
area around the outside of the center whre the shaft exists. The
idea is to cut away the impeller from the shaft. Use care never to
strike in a direction that is away from the center of the pump shaft to
prevent bending it.
You can also use an electric drill to cut
through and destroy the impeller, just be careful not to drill through
the wet end housing if you plan to re-use it!
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These
images are provided only as visual reference as to what to expect when
trying to destroy a siezed impeller from a pump shaft. Remember,
no 2 wet ends will be the same when it comes to this step.
The key thing to remember
is that the entire impeller must be removed, leaving only the impeller
shaft nut (which was molded into the impeller, and the pump seal.
These last two items will also be removed and discarded. |
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| Once the impeller has been
removed, using a 1/4" nut driver, loosen the four pump thru-bolts from
the back of the pump motor, and then remove the wet end |
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With the wet end totally
removed, you must now remove the metal retainer nut that is on the end
of the pump shaft. Use whatever tools to grip the shaft and turn
the nut that you have.... while two pairs of pliers are being used here,
two pairs of vice grips will do a better job. |
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| If you had
no success removing the nut, then saw through it with a hack saw.
Most of these nuts are brass, and sawing through it should be an easy step.
Use care only to saw through the nut itself, as it is rather easy to get
carried away and saw half-way through the pump shaft!
You will cut through part
of the threads on the shaft, but if you keep your cut simple, straight,
and only make one cut, (at the angle depicted), then all should be ok. |
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