How-To Rebuild your Pentair WhisperFlo Pool Pump
IMPORTANT: Make sure you have completely disconnected the pump and motor from all electrical supply before you begin any repairs. Please contact an electrician to verify there are no electrical hazards if you are unsure.
Tools needed:
3/32″ wrench
9/16″ wrench
Rubber gloves
Adjustable channel-lock pliers
Large flat head screwdriver
Phillips screwdriver & rubber mallet
1-1/2” Male Adapter
1. Opening the pump
Start by removing the six hex-head bolts (keys 5 & 7) holding the Seal Plate to the Volute Casing. Now slide back the motor to access the Diffuser & Impeller.
2. Disassembling the pump
Next remove the two set screws (key 12) to remove the diffuser. Then holding the motor shaft with 9/16 wrench remove the impeller screw with washer. Note: the impeller screw is reverse thread, so turn clockwise to unscrew. Still holding the motor shaft, unscrew the impeller counter clockwise. Lastly remove the four remaining 9/16″ bolts holding the seal plate to the motor.
3. Removing the old shaft seal
The mechanical seal is in two parts. The white ceramic side is in the impeller, and the black spring side is in the seal plate. Now gently remove the seal plate itself, and push the seal out from the other side using a screwdriver and rubber mallet to knock the seal out from the reverse side of the seal plate.
4. Installing The New Shaft Seal
Installing the New Seal-The new seal should also come in two parts. You should wear gloves, so as not to touch the face of the seal. The white porcelain seal half should be lubricated on the rubber cup of the ceramic seat and then pushed into the back of the impeller, white-side up. The spring seal must be pressed into the seal plate using a 1” PVC coupling and placing a bead of silicone glue around the perimeter of the metal plate. Allow the silicone to cure for 24hrs before before running water through the pump.
5. Installing new o-rings and gaskets
Remove and install new seal plate gasket into the grove on the seal plate, being careful not to stretch it as you put it in place. Remove and replace O-Ring on the cone end of the diffuser. Strainer Lid O-ring and impeller screw washer. Lightly lubricate all with Magic Lube to protect and ensure a good water tight / air tight seal.
6. Reassembling the pump
Reattach seal plate to motor, reinstall impeller with screw and washer, remembering that the screw threads are backwards… Reattach the diffuser over the impeller to the seal plate using the set screws. And lastly slide the completed assembly back inside the volute casing. Gently and slowly begin tightening the hex-head bolts in a zigzag pattern up and down until the seal plate is firmly secured. Needs to be sealed but don’t over tighten to the point of stripping anything.
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