18 lb. Elmo Unimac motor

[KJD]

I have a Elmo motor that is in a 18 lb Unimac that will not run the high speed spin any longer.
Has anyone ever had this type of motor rewound or is it better just to buy new ( looks like the price of new is about $ 425 plus shipping )

[Ken]

Did you check the over temp switch?I had those fail in my Wascomat and Primus,it will stop motor from spining.
I always have Elmo motor rebuilt,it depent on who rebuit them.
If you want to keep the washer for a long time,warry about the safty,just buy a new one.

[pete f]

I have a Elmo motor that is in a 18 lb Unimac that will not run the high speed spin any longer.
Has anyone ever had this type of motor rewound or is it better just to buy new ( looks like the price of new is about $ 425 plus shipping )

be sure to change the syntak when replacing the motor, it could be the thing that blew the motor in the first place. I don't know how to do this, I hire it out, but I am sure MKS can guide you, if you want to part with $30 to join prem service. My last elmo motor job cost me $1100. Just about the value of the washer.

[Anonymous]

When I bought my mat the seller left me with a surprise burnt-out elmo on a 25 lb speedqueen. I had it rebuilt by a small joint outside of chicago, for around $400. The new ones I were looking at were something like 7 or 8 hundred.

And yeah, I replaced the sinpac thingy too.

Pete, you have to get over the fear of the electrical stuff - just a few connections, no sweat!!

- John

[KJD]

I don't think anything made it blow besides 17 years of running.
It works fine in the wash speed but when it gets to the spin speed it takes awhile to get up to speed then the speed varies so I just think the windings are worn out.
I think I will just get a new motor cause even though it is 17 years old it is still in good condition and the tub and bearings are tight.

[Joseph Baran]

If the motor is slow to reach speed..and it is in fact eventually reaching high speed...swap out the sinpac and check all your connections on your caps, relays, and buss bars first. All of these parts are much cheaper than a new motor.

[KJD]

I've changed the caps and relay, still runs the same, most of the time it will not reach full speed and when it does it starts slowing down right away and you can smell a slight burnt electrical smell from the motor. I still think the motor is just worn out.

If someone could, please explain what a sinpac is and what it does and where it is. Three years I have worked on most all parts of these machines and never heard of a sinpac nor can I find it in any of the manuals.

Thanks, Kevin

[Joseph Baran]

The sinpac is the thing strapped to the rear of the control box that looks like a capacitor with 4 wires going to it.

[KJD]

All I saw in the back was a 130mfd cap and 2-100mfd caps which I changed.
I will have to take a closer look when I go to the mat later.

[Anonymous]

On mine, which is a 25-pounder, the sinpac is in the same top tray as the motor relays and what not. Some of the wires connect to the caps so it should be easy to find.

[Joseph Baran]

Sorry, I meant the tray when I said control box...most are inside the tray, though some lazy repair techs strap them anywhere instead of reattaching the bracket.

Joe

[Rondo]

Look on the front of your ELMO Motor, Is there two wires hooked to a switch? If there is you don't have a Sinpac (Electronic Switch) You have a centrifugal switch that maybe bad. Clean the contacts and watch it going into spin, watch for arching. If the switch is bad I think you can replace it, but the best thing to do is wire a Sinpac to the machine circuit and eliminate the switch.

[ferd]

where can you get one amd how does it wire up?

[Rondo]

Any of the parts distributors should sell the Sinpacs, Since Parts King Is a sponsor, call 1-800-462-4814
Tell them you saw their link & Phone# on Coinwash.com.
and ask for the Sinpac upgrade kit for your washer brand and model. Make sure you tell them you have a centrifugal switch and you want to upgrade to a electronic switch.

[KJD]

Just an update, I installed the new motor I got from Norcal Industries and it works like a charm.
Also there is no Sinpac in this single phase 110V motor, just 3 capacitors.