I have a Macclean 3p985 water softener that is about 7 years old. The timer motor has stopped working so the unit won't recycle. My plumber has been unable to locate the part and can only suggest replacing the head ($600).

Does anyone have any idea as to where we could get the motor or timer unit?

It's either that or I'll just replace the entire thing.

Thanks in advance!

Are there any discernable numbers on the timer motor?

Yes thanks.

m006 1a2135 24vac 60hz 3w. It was made by MTS.

I am in the US. I did try the company that made the motor and they couldn't help. They said it was specific to the manufacturer.

Synchonous motors RARELY burn out and that's what I think it is. If the motor hunts or wiggles just a bit unloaded, then it likely isn't the motor.

Look for an AC rated capacitor on the motor leads. If it exists, replace it. CeilingFanParts.com Home (http://www.ceilingfanparts.com) might be a good source.

Thanks, I'll give it a try tomorrow. The motor gets very warm but I don't see the rotor spinning.

I'll let you know what I find.

I'd go this route too: MacCLEAN - Contact Us (http://www.macclean.com/contact/)

You can get very good water softener for $600,00. So, before you proceed with purchasing a part for this much money, I would suggest that you look around for new unit, like Sears Kenmore Genius III, or GE models at Home Depot.

Thanks guys.

I checked out the motor. It turns out that one of the plastic gears is stripped in the gearbox and it is binding. I could get it running until it hit that spot and it would freeze.

It is very difficult to manually operate the valve. I suspect that's what destroyed the gear.

Macclean support did respond. They want about $385 for the head, so the plumbers price was pretty reasonable. But as the rest of the system is almost 8 years old I'm thinking I'll replace the system. I know some of the newer ones use less salt and water.

Your on a roll. Agree with everything.

You can get the part on-line at watervalue.com, this is a common problem for this type of unit , and yes those motors can and will burn themselves out. I have replaced a ton of them due to this. (35 years working on softeners).
Good Luck
Mark

Thanks. I'll check it out.

P.S. If you are having trouble turning the knob to manually regenerate this unit , look for the piston rebuild kit and don't forget the refill piston. (sometimes referred to as the brine valve)
Mark

It is difficult to move, kind of stiff. You've been through this before.

Thanks again.

You're welcome and good luck... :-)