Replace capacitor on (Tecma) Sanisplit1

[ekon]

Have an old Sanisplit (made in Italy by Tecma) but it hasn't had that much use. Of late it has been prone to just "humming" instead of working as it should...switching it off and on at the double pole ceiling mains switch has usually got it to work ...but not any more. Pressing the black test button on the side results in the same humming. I think the capacitor could be at fault.

I unscrewed the big wheel-nut and took the motor unit on the right hand side away from the side attached to the toilet...there is no problem turning the motor "spindle" manually...it's not jammed.

Once you undo the 4 white-casing screws and remove the case the capacitor is externally mounted and visible.. however, I cannot get into the motor housing where the capacitor (and mains feed) terminal block is located.
I undid the 4 large screws which look to hold the 2 parts of the grey motor casing together expecting to just lift off the top part of the grey casing to expose the capacitor terminal block inside..but it does not want to part??

I prised the seam gently and could open it 3-4mm and see a big O-ring round the seam. At that point I decide to go no further
Is there something else you have to do to remove the top part of the motor casing and get at the capacitor terminal block inside?
Photos show the grey motor unit attached to the black pump part.
Thanks for reading ..any suggestions gratefully received.

 

[polesapart]

Cut the black flex and make a field splice with a couple of Wagos?

 

[ekon]

Thanks..I did wonder..but is that safe? (not being funny)

 

[polesapart]

Fair question, how long for your motor run/start capacitor to self-discharge after unpowering.

I don't know.

Perhaps a question for the electricians forum.