January 11th, 2010 at 12:42 am
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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!
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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!
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Disclaimer
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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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2:58 am on August 23rd, 2010 1
Very nice guide.
1:34 am on August 24th, 2010 2
Just a suggestion when getting desperate and trying to remove the impeller with channel lock pliers.
I woulda/coulda saved the impeller if I had realized that I could grab the impeller with the channel locks on the thicker part of the impeller instead of trying to grab it out on the thin flimsy part where the flow isolator fits. If you grab closer to the motor beyond where the flow isolator slides, the impeller is a good bit heavier and will take the force a little better (kinda obvious when you think about it). oh well, live and learn. The guide was still very helpful and got me to the point where I can at least replace the seal (and impeller).
2:30 am on August 24th, 2010 3
If it is not removable from the front end, then you will almost certainly crack the shaft socket when trying to squeeze it, either that, or the socket will break off right where it meets the back of the impeller. The rear shaft socket is the weakest part of the impeller.
Thanks.