burning smell in pump room

[terracore]

There is a burning metal smell in my pump room.  Like when the brakes on a truck get too hot.  The pump seems to be running fine but I'm wondering if this is a sign the pump is about to give out?  I'm not 100% sure it's the source of the smell but it's the only thing I can think of.  

Is there any sort of pump maintenance I'm supposed to be doing?  

It's at least 12 years old.

Edited to add, if I have to replace the pump, should I pre-emptively replace the pressure tank too? I believe they are the same age. It's working fine, but if I'm going to hire somebody to replace one should I just replace both?

[Rob Tucker]

Are there brushes on the motor that can be checked/replaced?

[terracore]

No idea.  Beyond my pay scale. 

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Normally, my go-to for all things catchment related is to get free advice from Island Catchment, however they are closed until April 11.

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Found the culprit. The pressure switch is melting. With island catchment closed, any recommendation where to buy one?

[oink]

You could try turning off the power and then filing the points flat and smooth. An emery board will work in a pinch although it's not ideal. Also check to see if the wires inside the switch are screwed down tight. Just general suggestions as I'm not sure what you mean by melting. Home Depot carries the switches. Make sure you get one set for the correct pressures.

[HereOnThePrimalEdge]

I think I bought a pressure switch at either Home Depot or HPM, can't remeber which.  Check whether you need a 30-50 or 40-60 cut-in, cut-out.  They were about $25-$30 last time I bought.  It requires a two or 3 wire electrical connection, and a plumbing connection on the bottom that senses the water pressure.

Make sure you test that the power is COMPLETELY off. I have a pump switch, and another switch near my HELCO meter. My pump control does not turn off all of the electical power. Which was an unexpected surprise, and not in a good way.

[Obie]

Ace and the Orchidland true value have those switches too. Can save you some gas. You can check Home Depot prices online to compare.

The motor drawing too much power could be causing that problem too but It sounds like the contacts are worn out.

[HereOnThePrimalEdge]

The last time my switch went out it was crazy fire ants burning up between the contacts.  If that’s the case blow out with canned air, and try as oink suggested, filing and cleaning metal contacts if still relatively flat, not too corroded.

[My 2 cents]

If there is an option try to get one that has a low pressure cut-out to protect your pump in case your water supply is interrupted by catchment level too low or leak in the supply line.

[terracore]

Thanks for all the replies.

After I fixed the emergency I had to run some errands. I'll have to replace the switch eventually but the emergency is over for now, plus it reminded me of some deferred maintenance I need to do on the system.

A couple of da kines had vibrated somewhat loose from the whatchamacallits and every time the pump started the connections were sparking hot enough for the cheap plastic housing to stink. I tightened everything down and it's acting more civilized for the time being. I should have checked this at the beginning but it really smelled like burning metal and not plastic.

[MarkP]

Ace Hardware sells them.