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Sal Lubrano

Active Member
Joined
Apr 26, 2002
Messages
1,233
CAM00007.jpg CAM00016.jpg CAM00009.jpg CAM00010.jpg CAM00012.jpg CAM00014.jpg CAM00015.jpg Pics

I have a broken Aquabot pool cleaner. The pump motor does not spin anymore. Thru some google searches people have found out the capacitors which start the motor blow out. After opening mine this is the problem. Ordered the correct capacitors and waiting on them now. My problem is the capacitors were encased in some form of hard epoxy for two reasons I assume. Since this motor will be submerged in the pool water it needs to be sealed and cooled. Where the wires enter the motor the epoxy sealed the case from water. Then the capacitors were sealed in the epoxy, most likely a potting compound which is thermally conductive. Next the motor is filled with oil to cool and lubricate it. I was told it is 30w non-detergent just like air compressor oil. So the epoxy kept the capacitors from being exposed to the oil. My question is "what can I use to encase the new capacitors I install? What ever is used I don't want it to be so permanent it can not be removed from the plastic case if the capacitors blow again. The old stuff was not very flexible it was breaking apart as I pulled it out. Here are some pictures of some things around the house. Let me know if any of these would be acceptable and work.
 
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I've potted electronics in epoxy similar to what your AquaBot is potted in now.

Non-acetic acid based silicone can be used also; some people have even used hot glue.

Decent article on Electrical Engineering stack exchange on using silicone to waterproof. No issue of heat since the aquabot will be underwater.
http://electronics.stackexchange.co...insulate-and-waterproof-electronic-components.

Obviously test everything before you seal it up.
 
Damn, that first pic that looks like a regurgitated hard tack biscuit...

I'm not sure I'd fill the motor housing with oil, seems like it would be really sluggish trying to spin through a liquid. My vote is for sealing the housing is hot-glue. Don't think I'd cover the caps with anything, especially if they're only start caps...
 
Plastidip. You dip it, it's waterproof. There are youtube videos about it.
 
Thank you for the help. I ended up using silicone II neutral cure. Have to let it dry for a few days to make sure the center cures.
 
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