Shallow Water Well Pump

[DavyW]

I know this does not pertain to tractors but is it farm related... I just installed a shallow well to keep my farm pond full and I am using a Harbor Fright 1 hp Shallow Well Pump. I live in coastal NC and after driving the well I have plenty of water pressure with the pump... The problem or possible problem is the operating temperature of the pump.. When running I have about 8 gallon per minute flow with 50 psi and after running for 10 minutes the motor temp increased to 130 degrees before I shut if off.... Is the 130 normal? What is the normal operating temp for this type of pump? I do not want to ruin the motor but it seems like everything is fine on the water supply side. Thanks...

 

[Daren Todd]

Seems like you would be fine with the motor reaching 130°. Does it have a temperature guage?? Or are you using an IR thermometer?

 

[lynnmor]

I know this does not pertain to tractors but is it farm related... I just installed a shallow well to keep my farm pond full and I am using a Harbor Fright 1 hp Shallow Well Pump. I live in coastal NC and after driving the well I have plenty of water pressure with the pump... The problem or possible problem is the operating temperature of the pump.. When running I have about 8 gallon per minute flow with 50 psi and after running for 10 minutes the motor temp increased to 130 degrees before I shut if off.... Is the 130 normal? What is the normal operating temp for this type of pump? I do not want to ruin the motor but it seems like everything is fine on the water supply side. Thanks...

130 degrees fahrenheit is normal, if it continues to get hotter you should reduce the load by throttling the amount of water pumped. Also check the voltage while it is pumping, low voltage will increase the amperage causing more heat.

 

[DavyW]

I am using a IR termometer... also, where should I check the voltage?

 

[lynnmor]

I am using a IR termometer... also, where should I check the voltage?

Find a place near the motor, possibly in the pressure switch. Don't check it a long distance away since there is always voltage drop over distance.

 

[Tughill Tom]

I am using a IR termometer... also, where should I check the voltage?

You want to check the Amperage of the pump while running. Then compare to the name plate on the motor/pump to see how it's operating. Under amps<good over Un-good

 

[GreensvilleJay]

Most pumps will draw at least 10 amps, so you need 14/2 or bigger wire, separate 15A circuit.
Hope it's better built than 'Red Lion' brand pumps. Though a USA company, made in China KRAP. Broke the closed loop on a spring on the centrifugal switch ! Pump is maybe 2 years old (super clean). In 50 years NEVER ever had ANY motor do that... NO help from Red Lion.. $350 pump has gone back to China as scrap.

 

[PoTreeBoy]

Hope it's better built than 'Red Lion' brand pumps.

LOL, it's from Harbor Freight!

 

[GreensvilleJay]

yes, but 1/2 the price ! You can buy 2 (or more ,if on sale) and have a spare AND a backup....for what the 'RL' cost

looked at hf unit 1hp /tank.... NO centrifugal switch or caps....,diffenet style motor...last forever.

has for the motor heat. wrap a coil of copper tubing tight to the motor case,plumb into the water line ,it'll help keep motor cool

 

[DavyW]

Thanks for the feedback.... Going to try and check it tomorrow and will report back...

 

[fried1765]

Most pumps will draw at least 10 amps, so you need 14/2 or bigger wire, separate 15A circuit.
Hope it's better built than 'Red Lion' brand pumps. Though a USA company, made in China KRAP. Broke the closed loop on a spring on the centrifugal switch ! Pump is maybe 2 years old (super clean). In 50 years NEVER ever had ANY motor do that... NO help from Red Lion.. $350 pump has gone back to China as scrap.

Buy made in USA!
GOULDS pumps ..... !!!!!
Have used them for MANY years!