16 replies to this topic

[siouxbrewer]

So my March 809 of a little over two years went kaput today. Seemed to be working fine during my recirc, flipped it off, made a few connections and tried to flip it back on. Nothing. All I get is MMMRRRRRRR. Sat there for about a half an hour monkeying around and decided to pull the pump and use a grant to fill the BK. Meanwhile I took off the head and tried the motor, couldn't get it to turn on. This thing has been oiled and maintained for the past two years and I haven't had any problems. I've looked into getting a new motor and they run about $85. Any idea what's going on here?

[Thirsty]

Mine did this in the dead of last winter, I took it inside, warmed it, and it has worked fine since.

[siouxbrewer]

I have it in a portable box so it stays inside when not in use during the winter. It's definitely warm now. I've been messing with it throughout my brewday and all I get is dead motor sound. I've checked wiring and used different outlets, nothing

[djinkc]

Weird. I don't know a lot about motors but I'd take the sucker apart and check the bearings. Can't hurt a motor that isn't running.Do these have brushes?

[siouxbrewer]

I probably know less about motors than you Dan. But you're right, it won't hurt to take a look at something that's already broke. Anybody know where a guy could get one of these looked at?

[djinkc]

don't know if this will help but it was hashed over at that other place

[McNuggets]

One thing I would try is running hot water through the pump for a couple minutes, and then hit the power with the water still running.

[siouxbrewer]

One thing I would try is running hot water through the pump for a couple minutes, and then hit the power with the water still running.

Tried this. Sat and played with it for a couple hours yesterday trying every combination I could think of. I can spin the rotor when it's turned off but when I turn it on it won't spin freely and I get that stalled motor sound and smell. May try Fasco the company that makes these things to see it they can fix it or exchange it. Thanks Dan for links on that other site.

[siouxbrewer]

Tried this. Sat and played with it for a couple hours yesterday trying every combination I could think of. I can spin the rotor when it's turned off but when I turn it on it won't spin freely and I get that stalled motor sound and smell. May try Fasco the company that makes these things to see it they can fix it or exchange it. Thanks Dan for links on that other site.

Fasco was a no go. I got in contact with the March pump motor division. Talked to a nice guy who said he'd take a look at it if I send it in. In the meantime, it looks like I'm forking over $85 for a replacement motor

[3rd party JKor]

you should probably be able to find a surplus motor for a lot less than $85.

[siouxbrewer]

you should probably be able to find a surplus motor for a lot less than $85.

That would be nice. The motor that march uses lists at $85. I got a line on one from a distributor in KC. Is it possible to sub a different motor and swap the head assembly? It would be great to find a cheaper solution.

[3rd party JKor]

That would be nice. The motor that march uses lists at $85. I got a line on one from a distributor in KC. Is it possible to sub a different motor and swap the head assembly? It would be great to find a cheaper solution.

Sure, as long as you know the specs on the march motor.

[siouxbrewer]

Update on the pump situation. It appears to be back from the dead. I took it apart yesterday and found that the back plate wasn't properly aligned so the rotor could spin freely. It seems to be working okay now but it gave me enough of a scare to consider getting a backup pump. Doing my mashout as I type and haven't had any problems, yet.

[3rd party JKor]

[ChefLamont]

That's great to hear. I was surprised that it gave out like that.As a slight hijack, I have to say this only confirms one of my system's design criteria. If gravity breaks, I have more to worry about than a messed up brew day.

[siouxbrewer]

If gravity breaks, I have more to worry about than a messed up brew day.

Thanks for the good vibes!

[djinkc]

Update on the pump situation. It appears to be back from the dead. I took it apart yesterday and found that the back plate wasn't properly aligned so the rotor could spin freely.

That's weird, cheap fix though