Bad bearings or something else

[mas985]

No it isn't normal but it is for a seal that was leaking for a while and probably what cause the bearing failure. If you can clean it off without damaging the motor shaft (must be smooth for the seal to work), then you could replace the bearings.

But it might be a good time to replace the motor with a two speed if you are so inclined.

[vchavez]

The Pump is a 1HP Emerson with a SF of 1.65. It replaced at Pacfab challenger motor which was a 1HP Centurion 1.65SF motor. If I wanted to just swap out the motor:

Do I need to maintain the 1.65SF x 1 HP for a max HP of 1.65?

Would a 1HP x 1.25SF be sufficient?

I have a 3-5-3 pool, which is about 13K Gallons.

[mas985]

The new motor must have a THP (Label HP * SF) >= to the old motor or you risk overloading the motor.

You can downsize a motor but you would need to also downsize the impeller at the same time.

Again, you would be wise to go with a two speed motor.