New Guy Introduction

[motor_guy]

Taking the time to introduce myself to the public of Coin Wash. My name is Andre Kerian, and I am very new to this site. I like what I see and will be around for a while.
I work as a manager for a motor repair company, which caters to the Coin-Op Laundry community. Hope to hit up many of these topics with questions and answers.

[laundryboy]

Welcome. I'm sure there will be many posts you will be able to help with.

[Winston]

I have a number of Speed Queen dryers model 30EG. Four or five have had the motors removed because of "slow start". Once running there is no problem, but the start is slow and weak.(The drum, bearings, chains, and belts are not binding, and are freely movable). Questions: Does this mean that the start windings probably have an open? The capacitors have all been OK. How can the motors be tested with an ohm meter? or with a 110v test line? It's hard for me to believe that the motors get "old" and "weak" without an identifiable cause. Finally is there any way to economically fix these motors? Thanks in advance for your answers.

[motor_guy]

We get this all the time, and the answer is this: These motors have a series of points within the motor via stationary switch and rotary switch. These parts wear down with time and usage. Contact between these parts have diminished therefore high voltage from the capacitor is not drawn for getting the motor up to speed. Hope this helps!

[Winston]

Thanks for the prompt reply. Will cleaning the contact points help, or is replacement necessary? Is replacement cost effective compared to replacing the motor? (I would do the work myself).

[David]

Is replacement cost effective compared to replacing the motor? (I would do the work myself).It's generally not cost effective for fractional hp motors. If you can even find the centrifigal switch to replace it, you have to remove the impeller without damaging the motor shaft. (You'll probably ruin the impeller getting it off anyway. It routinely seizes on the shaft.) Then you'll have to dissassemble the motor to replace the switch. A lot of time and effort for a maybe fix.

[motor_guy]

What David is saying is correct, and often times this is the case. In-house repair allows us to use a large press and torch to safely remove the fan assembly. This procedure is taken to get to the front motor bearing and motor mount. However, if these items are ok, it is possible to remove just the rear end bell to replace the start switch.(If you can find one)(discontinued part).

[PeterH]

How about replacing the resiliant (?) rings in a dryer motor?

[motor_guy]

Changing the rings is easy since the parts are readilly available. However there are a few different variations to these motors, but again parts are available. Keep in touch and I can help locate these for you.

[William]

Do you work for Norcal?