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The Pump Products help line staff recently received an inquiry about replacing the cartridge on a Taco circulator pump. In the interest of spreading information on our products as widely as possible, here’s what our Product Experts had to say.

 Q. I have a Taco 003-B4 circulator pump that is 12 years old and has now stopped working. I would like to know if the 003-001RP cartridge will fix the problem or if I need an entire new complete assembly. How can I make the determination if this is the right replacement part and if this cartridge is the right replacement or not? Seems like I might need to evaluate motor, bearing and capacitors to properly diagnose.  Tommy, TX

A. The pump has probably failed due to either a capacitor issue or a cartridge issue. First, test the capacitor with an Ohmmeter. If the capacitor’s working, the cartridge is likely the problem.

Because the Taco 003 Cartridge Circulator’s unique, field-serviceable cartridge contains all moving parts — motor, impeller, gasket —  replacing the cartridge effectively rebuilds the circulator.

There are dozens of different cartridge models that correspond with different pump models. While, in this case, the 003-001RP cartridge does, indeed, correspond with the Taco 003-B4 circulator, don’t assume every 003 circulator takes a 300 cartridge because that may not be the case.

Determining the correct replacement cartridge requires cross-referencing model numbers and selecting the replacement cartridge that corresponds to the full circulator product number. This can be done through the manufacturer’s website or simply by contacting Pump Products, where a trained Product Expert can do it for you.

Once you have selected the correct cartridge, replacing the assembly is a simple 7-step process:

1. Disconnect the electrical supply.

2. Reduce system pressure to 0 psi and allow the system to return to room temperature. Isolate the circulator by closing the service valves or draining the system.

3. Remove the body bolts and swing motor assembly away from the body.

4. Pull the cartridge out of the motor housing.

5. Install the replacement cartridge, making sure that the cover plate is between the cartridge flange and motor.

6. Reassemble the circulator using the new gasket and bolts.

7. Start up the circulator.

Replacing a circulator cartridge can extend the life your pump for years. At Pump Products we stock replacement cartridges for a variety of circulator pump brands. Call a products expert for cartridge selection assistance with your Taco “00” Series, Grundfos UPS Series and Bell & Gosset NBF Series Pumps. 1-800-429-0800.