Genie Motor replacement

Jewelry Discussion
21

Peter

i’ve followed this thread and not seen the one last tidbit of info
that just might get you going.

small capacitor start motors of this style have a centrifugal switch
that is integral to the startup of the motor.

here’s how it works: a set of electrical contacts allow electricity
to pass through the cap circuit, boosting power during startup. When
the motor makes a predetermined speed, a centrifugal mechanism
operates the contacts, opening them so that the cap circuit drops
out. The motor continues to run without the capacitor.

That being said, the contacts DO wear, Do stick, and Do go bad
sometimes. That may explain the “sparking” you experienced… or not.

If the contacts stuck… it could eventually burn out the cap and
possibly, overheat the winding. ( distinctive really bad smell) As
long at the winding isn’t shorted or burnt, then you have a really
good chance of getting it running again.

In general, disassemble the motor to get access to the said
contacts. Pulling the end bells off of the motor to gain access will
probably be the hardest part for you. Typically the switch contacts
are mounted inside the motor housing, on a circular device around one
end of the motor shaft.

Lightly sand the surface of the contacts with say,180, 220, then 440
grit paper. don’t leave the surface rough.

Re assemble… test!

A quick way for those of you who are electrical “diy’ers” to check
your suspect capacitor is this:

  1. Power off…Remove suspect cap,

  2. attach a line cord to the capacitor, for the proper voltage.
    (typically 110 in the USA … though you can have 220v applied to
    larger motors)

  3. plug cord into outlet - preferably one on a GFI circuit.

  4. measure current with an ampmeter

  5. power down, etc.

Multiply 2650 times the amp reading. Divide that number by the
applied voltage ( usually 110) the resulting number is your cap’s
working value in microfarads.

typical small motor starting caps are in a range from 20 to 120
microfarads… all depends on motor design and starting load.

there is some give and take… you can bump the size up a bit for a
hard starting motor… hvac service guys do it all the time… they
use what is called a “hard start kit” which just adds capacitance to
the start circuit.

22 
Did he say why he doesn't recommend rewinding?

Rewinding fractional horsepower motors is one of those thing’s
that’s rarely cost effective. The rewinding costs nearly as much as
the replacement motor, and the failure rate on the rewinds (even in
the hands of a rewinder who knows their stuff) is fairly high.

You come out better finding a motor shop that will give you a “core
charge” back for the dead motor.

(Metal work is my hobby, I’ve been an electrician for nearly 30
years…)

Ron Charlotte – Gainesville, FL

23

Atn -
Franklin Miranda - an authorized Diamond Pacific Distributor.

Please email Me off line for an individual quote. I have a Genie and
am interested in refurbishing it. Built before 1976 and it just
needed a new capacitor. It was running hot like Mr. Peter Rowe’s
machine. I may want to make a custom modification to it as well.
Please email me off line As I have time, I may add more to the
discussion, but I am behind in my reading of the digest.

Thanx.
ROBB.

24 
Rewinding fractional horsepower motors is one of those thing's
that's rarely cost effective. The rewinding costs nearly as much
as the replacement motor, and the failure rate on the rewinds (even
in the hands of a rewinder who knows their stuff) is fairly high.

Thanks, Ron.

That’s what I expected but hadn’t really had confirmed. Have really
enjoyed this thread and info!!

Pam
In Mesa where it is FINALLY raining!