Capacitor let go on electric motor —any lasting issues??

[astasoftride]

I have a pool with a 3/4 hp electric motor turning a booster pump. The other day, the capacitor let go. It was oil filled so it leaked onto/into the motor. I am guessing some of the oil went inside through the hole that passed the wires to the capacitor.

So so can I simply replace the capacitor or did the oil leaking in cause an issue?

Motor is a Century Centurion B668

thanks Mike

[cneubass79]

Throw a new capacitor on it and find out. The windings are insulated but you could also have a problem with the motor which caused the capacitor failure.

[astasoftride]

Yes, I wanted to give it a go. I was worried that the oil could cause a issue. The motor showed no signs of distress before the capacitor let go.

[Wackyjig]

It's dielectric oil. You should be fine

[fishnfool38]

It could be a voltage issue not necessarily anything wrong with the motor. Put a new one on it and forget it I would check the incoming voltage. And for the oil extra lubrication!

[BroWhoop]

It depends on the capacitor. If its a run capacitor or a start capacitor. The motor can fry either, not usually though. If its a run capacitor replace it and run it if it will. If its a start capacitor the motor will have centrifugal switch in it. If the switch is bad, the motor may start or may not with a new capacitor. The switch can fail open or be welded closed. Either way replace the capacitor (they're cheap). Check the operation thoroughly, don't just replace the capacitor and walk away.

[adchunts]

If the cap oil got into the winding, it could potentially cause an issue by degrading the insulation on the wire. Having said that, we have replaced many blown caps on motors that went on to run for a long time. I would clean it up as best I could, check all the connections, confirm incoming power, replace the cap, and go.

That is a permanent split capacitor type motor, so be sure you replace with a run-type capacitor of the appropriate microfarad and voltage rating.

Shoot me a PM if you have questions. I’ve been in the electric motor biz for 20+ years.

[jp71291]

I'd replace it with a flux capacitor.

[astasoftride]

I'd replace it with a flux capacitor.

If if I did that.....I would have a “hot tub time machine”

[astasoftride]

If the cap oil got into the winding, it could potentially cause an issue by degrading the insulation on the wire. Having said that, we have replaced many blown caps on motors that went on to run for a long time. I would clean it up as best I could, check all the connections, confirm incoming power, replace the cap, and go.

That is a permanent split capacitor type motor, so be sure you replace with a run-type capacitor of the appropriate microfarad and voltage rating.

Shoot me a PM if you have questions. I’ve been in the electric motor biz for 20+ years.

i have the shell of the old capacitor and I was planning on carrying that to a shop with me. So hopefully I would end up with the right on.

[billnorman1]

It depends on the capacitor. If its a run capacitor or a start capacitor. The motor can fry either, not usually though. If its a run capacitor replace it and run it if it will. If its a start capacitor the motor will have centrifugal switch in it. If the switch is bad, the motor may start or may not with a new capacitor. The switch can fail open or be welded closed. Either way replace the capacitor (they're cheap). Check the operation thoroughly, don't just replace the capacitor and walk away.

^^^Yup!

[astasoftride]

Well to hopefully close this out, I did locate a new capacitor.

The motor is is up and running again, and it has been for a few days

thanks to all for the help. Unfortunately, I could not locate the correct sized flux capacitor so I went with a regular one. Maybe next time.

[BroWhoop]

Well, so much for working that motor in 2525!

[cowtrimmer]

How did it just "Let Go"? wasnt it holding on tight enough ?

[astasoftride]

How did it just "Let Go"? wasnt it holding on tight enough ?

it blew apart. The cover flew over a wood fence, the top was still attached to the motor wiring, the casing was a few feet away, and a bit of oil on the motor.