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medic-dan · Aug 26, 2009, 06:45 PM

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!

KISS · Aug 26, 2009, 07:02 PM

Are there any discernable numbers on the timer motor?

medic-dan · Aug 26, 2009, 07:43 PM

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.

KISS · Aug 26, 2009, 08:07 PM

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 might be a good source.

medic-dan · Aug 26, 2009, 08:10 PM

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.

KISS · Aug 26, 2009, 08:23 PM

I'd go this route too: MacCLEAN - Contact Us

Milo Dolezal · Aug 27, 2009, 08:48 AM

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.

medic-dan · Aug 27, 2009, 12:04 PM

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.

KISS · Aug 27, 2009, 12:25 PM

Your on a roll. Agree with everything.

markknapp61 · Sep 17, 2009, 03:13 PM

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

medic-dan · Sep 17, 2009, 04:50 PM

Thanks. I'll check it out.

markknapp61 · Sep 18, 2009, 02:29 AM

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

medic-dan · Sep 18, 2009, 07:47 AM

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

Thanks again.

markknapp61 · Sep 19, 2009, 01:48 AM

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