Repairing small electric
motors at home can be a satisfying hobby and can place valuable dollars in your pocket. Repairing a small electric motor is not complicated with these steps and a bit of patience.
Instructions
1. Remove or unplug all electric power from the electric motor that needs repair. Loosen and remove the electric motor from the device in which it is installed. You may have to use the socket and end wrench set.
2. Open the electrical connection box and disconnect the electrical wires with your pliers. Make notes as to any wire numbers or colors that are joined together. Use the volt-ohmmeter and test the electrical motor windings. Connect one lead of the meter to one electrical connection and the other from the meter to the second motor connection. This ohmmeter reading should be in the range of 10 to 120 ohms. If the meter reads infinite ohms or “OL,” the windings are broken inside the motor. You will have to rewind the motor.
3. Revolve the motor shaft and feel if the movement feels smooth. If there is a rough or grating feeling to the rotational motion, the bearings may be bad. Remove the two end balls from the motor and lay the armature to the side. With the small hammer and ½-inch brass rod, knock out the two end ball bearings. Size the bearings and replace in the same order as removal.
4. Test the motor start contact. Inside the wiring end of the small motor there may be a starter winding contact switch. This switch controls an extra winding for the motor's starting. At times the reed element that controls the switch can become lodged or stuck. It may need cleaning or replacing. Use the screwdriver to test the action of this switch. It is generally held in place with a screw and is easy to replace.
Tags: electric motor, electrical connection, Repairing small, Repairing small electric
