What do you think is wrong with my well pump/pressure switch?

[Valveman]

Shoot. I took a wire brush to the contacts. Guess I should buy a new switch now…here is a before picture:

The only thing that wears out the switch and start capacitor is starting or cycling too much. A 202 only hold 5 gallons of water. You would have been much better off with a 302 or a PK1A like this.

PK1A Pside-Kick Pressure Tank Kit – Cycle Stop Valves, Inc

Buy It! Interactive Animation Installation Video General Information Typical Applications Specifications Dimensions Installation Instructions Troubleshooting VFD Controller Replacement WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including nickel, which is known to the State of California...

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But you can still add the CSV1A to the 20 gallon tank to solve the cycling problem.

CSV1A CYCLE STOP VALVE

Compare to the Competition Model CSV1A CYCLE STOP VALVE is recommended for 1 to 25 gpm and is adjustable from 15 psi to 150 psi. It is a stainless steel valve with a molded thermoplastic spring cage. It also has three additional ports (2 - 1/2" and 1- 3/4") and can be used as a pressure tank...

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[Koches]

Update: Still unable to get the pump to run.

As before, when I go and restart the lever on pressure switch all I get a spark when contacts close.

I did just pull the well line and found the foot valve to be broken. Just replaced the valve and have filled the pipe with water and the pump with water to prime. Tried to start and no run.

Any idea why I am getting a spark at pressure switch/pump not running? Should I replace the centrifugal switch?

 

[Sponsor]

 

[Koches]

Update. Still can’t get pump to run and contacts still spark when I restart pressure switch. Just replaced start switch in pump.

 

[Reach4]

Update. Still can’t get pump to run and contacts still spark when I restart pressure switch. Just replaced start switch in pump.

Did you replace the start capacitor? I looked back, but did not find where you said this. I could have missed it.

 

[Koches]

Did you replace the start capacitor? I looked back, but did not find where you said this. I could have missed it.

Yes at this point start capacitor and start switch have been replaced.

 

[Reach4]

Troubleshooting thoughts...
How long before the circuit breaker opens?

What voltage do you read across the start winding when you try to start?

If high enough (and I don't know where to draw the line) what is the voltage across the main winding?

If those are present, is there continuity thru each winding?

What is a Centrifugal Switch? | Censtry

The motor centrifugal switch is a common electrical component that monitors the speed of the motor when it is running and automatically cuts off power when the speed reaches a certain value to pro

www.censtry.com

I have never worked with one of these, so I don't know how practical is is to read those.

 

[Fitter30]

Capacitor is reading 1.79 nanofarad

It should be a microfared not nano and it wouldn't be that low. Does that cap have a label? If cap has a resistor it has to removed to read.

 

[Valveman]

Low voltage will cause a spark, but not the pump to spin.

 

[Koches]

Update: Replaced pump and water is restored.

 

[Valveman]

Glad you got it working. Sorry you had to buy a pump. The WX202 tank only holds 5 gallons of water, which causes lots of cycling for the pump. Adding a CSV1A before the tank will greatly reduce the cycling and greatly increase the life of the pump, tank, and everything else in the system. As a beneficial side effect of the CSV you get strong constant pressure to the house.