Starke Pro X Series 3HP 2.2kW Swimming Pool Spa Water Pump Self Priming

Here is the deal about my purchase of this pump to replace a 2HP Pentair Whisper Flo. When I got it I had to re-wire it because the cord that came with it was way to small gauge and not solid copper plus the connector was useless(I believe it was a spa connector). Once that was done I tried to spin the impeller by hand and it wouldn't budge. After getting a flat tip screwdriver into the back i was able to break it free. So then I finally got the plumbing all set and wired filled the strainer up with water so I didn't dry run it then flip the breaker and it was running very quiet and pushing about 29psi of head pressure. Things was great so I thought. After about 15-20min the motor shut down.(thermal protection) so I waited and it started back up after another 20min's. After that I turned it off and noticed the smell of something melting/burning and it was the motor melting into the pump housing and also the internal motor fan was also melting. So I figured for the price I paid ($185) why not rebuild it. Read on.... I disassembled or separated the motor from the pump. I didn't have a clue at first who or what brand it was replicating but I do believe it's the Hayward Super Pump II so I ordered all the 3HP parts for that pump as for the motor it says Starke but I would say POS is more like it. I cleaned out the melted internal plastic fan remains and so then I mounted a 110v high volume fan on the back side to pull air through the motor and replace the wet end front bearing(it was bad from the factory) by the looks of everything and caused the whole failure. Now for the pump part of the re-build when the bearing went out it caused the impeller or shaft to cant or kicked to to one side making it off balance and pretty much ruined all internal components. I was right on being Hayward Super Pump II and whoever Starke is did modify or not use the same shaft type or threaded the same as Hayward's and by comparing the 3HP Hayward impeller that I bought to replace the Starke one was more like a 2HP and almond color not black(they lied about this being a 3HP pump and probably the motor rating as well) so that brought up the next problem of the pump housing, impellar and defuser for a 3HP Hayward is totally different then all the lower horse power pumps so I ordered a 3HP pump housing, defuser, seal kit and impeller. The 3HP replacement impeller didn't or wouldn't screw on the shaft of the Starke motor because the threads were wrong and collar shaft length was to short. I ended up putting back the supposed to be a 3HP impeller after using my tap and die on it to clean up the threads as best as I could I had to use the 3HP defuser because the original was fubar(f'd up beyond all recognition). Finally I got it back together and it ran great up until the original impeller that I couldn't or didn't replace went all wobbly and turned the pump into it's original condition of being a POS and the motor made a loud poof sparks flew out the back and tripped the circuit breaker. Overall I should of just sent it back before I opened the box or even right when I noticed the impeller was seized or wouldn't spin by hand! I learned a whole bunch about brands and names. That is stick with the brands or ones I know belong and have been in the Pool and Spa business for many, many years paying less can or actually costs a lot more in these cases so Pentair and Hayward are two of the best or pretty much only solid choices.Who is Starke? I would also say WTF Amazon for allowing this kind of vendor in your suppliers?

I LOVE this pump. I needed to replace my old one, so I found this and since it was Prime, shipping was free. It arrived quickly and I personally installed it in less than 3 hours. I'm a retired electrician so I don't understand the reviews where people hired electricians and they couldn't figure out how to wire it in. I bought the 220v 3 HP and it's 3 wires. Two hots and a ground. The wiring diagrams are included so it's not rocket science. The pump works GREAT!

well i guess never is late to write a review, sorry for delay, i have to tell you guys this pump is really outstanding, works perfect on my pool, I remodel my pool , and also built an air jacuzzi on it to use this pump , i waited long to connect from my purchase and the result was fascinating thanks a lot.!

It has only been in service for 1 month but it has met all expectations