I have 3 loose wires which I believe go to the white contact block, where the voltage is selected.

I have a blue, a purple and a white. The blue comes from some type of round contact or switch, the other two seem to be winding leads.

The terminal choices are L1, L2, and A.

Does anyone know which goes where. hopefully having worked on a similar motor to mine?

 

56J is just the frame style. What's the voltage and HP on the motor label? Have you contacted the company?
A little Google'ing:http://www.poolcenter.com/pumps.htm Page 3 might help.

Ken

 

std ao smith motor on Hayward Super Pump II 1.5hp

 

http://www.hayward-pool.com/pdf/manuals/Manual258.pdf
Interesting...no wire connection info in the manual. Perhaps they don't want you wiring it it you're not a qualified electrician. I was going to ask again..."have you contacted the company?"...but: http://www.haywardnet.com/contactus/ No email addresses or phone numbers! Even though the title on their "contact" page is "We're Here for You"

Since pool electrical wiring is a "life safety" issue, I would advise getting an electrician.

Ken