Need to replace your motor and cam? This can be intimidating, but don't worry, we've got you! We'll walk you through these steps together and you'll have your replacement on in no time.
Tools Needed:
Phillips/Cross-head screwdriver
Before You Start
- Remove the top cover. If you need assistance removing the top cover of your unit, refer to Removing the Top Cover article.
- Identify your valve size. The easiest way to figure this out is to count the number of screws on the valve. If your valve is a 3/4 inch - you'll have 5 screws on the valve. If your valve is a 1 inch - you'll have 8 screws on the valve.
How many screws does yours have?
5 Screws - Click here for instructions
Snapshot of Replacement Process
How To Video
Removing Old Parts
1. Bypass the water softener by pushing the handle in on the back of your unit. This will stop water from coming in or out of the softener while you work.
2. Go on over and unplug the power supply to the unit.
3. Next, you'll need to disconnect the switch on the side of the valve. You can identify it by the orange and green wires running to it.
4. Now you can disconnect the black and red motor wires connected to the faceplate. The connector is a thick white plastic connector that can be separated. Unclip them.
5. It's time to locate and remove the 2 screws holding the motor on (pictured below in red.) You'll need the screwdriver for this part.
6. Disconnect the black motor by pulling it straight up.
7. Go ahead and remove the plastic motor mount by lifting it up off of the valve.
8. There is a small microswitch lever next to the gear on the valve - it rests on two small prongs. Remove this lever by lifting it straight up and off of the two small prongs.
9. Now you just need to remove the gear from the center prong of the valve. You can lift this straight up to remove it.
Attaching New Parts
1. Now, you'll want to look at the hole in the center of the new geared cam and you'll see it has 2 flat sides, one longer than the other. The gear will only fit on one way. The letters should be facing up.
Attach this new plastic gear - the gear slides onto the top of the gray rotor stem. Make sure to use the new gear that came in your replacement parts bag!
2. Next, replace the small microswitch lever by placing it onto the 2 prongs next to the gear.
3. Attach your new plastic mount by setting it on top of the valve, over the cam and gear. Refer to picture below.
3. Now, you'll install the new motor on top of the plastic mount. Make sure the motor is inserted properly to the plastic mount. Use the new screws provided.
4. Next, replace the switch onto the side of the valve, the switch is easily identifiable by it's green and orange wires. The switch will only cover 2 of the 3 prongs on the side of the valve.
5. Go ahead and connect the new black and red wires to the white connector clip.
6. Replace the lid of your softener and ensure that the power supply is plugged back in.
7. Pull your bypass back OUT to put it back into service again.
Testing the Unit
Lastly, we're going to put your system through a recharge cycle to make sure it's been installed correctly.
1. Hold the Recharge button down until you hear the motor turn on. You should hear it run for a few seconds and then stop. Keep in mind, that it may run longer if it's trying to find it's home position on the cam and gear. You should be seeing a 'Recharge' icon on the screen.
2. Once the motor stops, press the Recharge button again and then let go. Continue to do this until the flashing 'Recharge' on the screen disappears. You're all done and you've just successfully completed the replacement. Nice work!
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8 Screws - Click here for instructions
Snapshot of Replacement Process
Removing Old Parts
1. Bypass the water softener by pushing the handle in on the back of your unit. This will stop water from coming in or out of the softener while you work.
2. Go on over and unplug the power supply to the unit.
3. Now it's time to locate and remove the 2 screws holding the motor on (pictured below in red.) You'll need the screwdriver for this part. Also, you'll need to disconnect the thicker red/black wires from the control board by unhooking the white connector clip. You'll see a black arrow pointing to it below. Set the old motor aside.
4. Next, you'll need to remove the 3 screws holding the motor plate (in blue below.) Go ahead and set the plate and screws aside.
5. Lift the circle "bushing" (in green below) and the Cam & Gear (in orange) off the system and set aside.
Attaching New Parts
1. Now, you'll want to look at the hole in the center of the new geared cam and you'll see it has 2 flat sides, one longer than the other (refer to picture below). The gear will only fit on one way. The letters should be facing up.
Attach this new piece - the gear slides onto the top of the gray rotor stem. As you set the new cam and gear on the stem, hold the lever on the microswitch in (pictured below.) Once you set the Cam & Gear down all the way you can let go of the lever and it should be resting on the side of the cam (not underneath.) If you want, you can just take the microswitch off, put the Cam down and then slide the microswitch back on if that's easier for you.
2. Now you'll place the circular bushing back on.
3. Grab the metal mounting plate (with the 3 screws) and screw it back in overtop of the geared cam like before.
4. Next, you'll place the new motor on and screw it down with the 2 screws.
5. Connect the new black/red wires back to the white connector clip (pictured above.)
6. Plug the power supply to the unit back in.
7. Pull your bypass back OUT to put it back into service again.
Testing the Unit
Lastly, we're going to put your system through a recharge cycle to make sure it's been installed correctly.
1. Hold the Recharge button down until you hear the motor turn on. You should hear it run for a few seconds and then stop. Keep in mind, that it may run longer if it's trying to find it's home position on the cam and gear. You should be seeing a 'Recharge' icon on the screen.
2. Once the motor stops, press the Recharge button again and then let go. Continue to do this until the flashing 'Recharge' on the screen disappears. You're all done and you've just successfully completed the replacement. Nice work!
Please let us know if this article was helpful by voting below.