Motor hums but wont turn - THANKS! Problem Solved!

schnur07

One day I turned on the motor and it only hummed. I took the head stock off and removed the motor. The motor still hums disconnected from the pulley but it turns freely. It will also trip my surge protector if left on for a few seconds. This is a 1 1/8 hp motor.

I only have a volt-ohm meter and tried testing the capacitor. I hooked it up to ohms and it initially read low and gradually moved higher (on my analog one). So maybe the capacitor is ok from what I've read? That's as far as I know to go. Do I need to take it to a repair shop here in town? Is this an expensive repair?

thanks!

garys

To start the motor, the centrifugal start switch needs to be working to put the capacitor inline for starting. Make sure the switch is moving freely and the contacts on it are clean and not burned.

JPG

Crud has found a new home between the start switch contacts.

Rap the motor with a soft face hammer several times at different locations near the back end of the motor.

With any luck the crud will seek a new resting place.

1/2 second is more than long enough to see if it will run. Extended time with the power on and NOT running will quickly fry the run windings. Hopefully your circuit breaker has prevented that.

If starting on the bench secure it down. They like to jump around when starting untethered.

schnur07

JPG wroteCrud has found a new home between the start switch contacts.

Rap the motor with a soft face hammer several times at different locations near the back end of the motor..

So you're not referring to the toggle switch right? You're referring to some sort of contacts at the motor end? I blow around the motor with an air compressor. So if the start switch contacts aren't making contact does this mean the capacitor is not getting power?

thanks

garys

If the start switch doesn't make contact, the start capacitor isn't switched into the motor circuit. The motor needs the capacitance of the capacitor to start running.

schnur07

Thanks for the quick reply. Is there any way to get at where the start switch is and physically clean it or is internal to the motor housing?

JPG

schnur07 wroteThanks for the quick reply. Is there any way to get at where the start switch is and physically clean it or is internal to the motor housing?

Very much so!

Try the soft faced hammer.

FWIW blowing can cause the crud to get in there.

br549

The start contacts are internal to the motor. There are different versions of the 1-1/8 hp motor, but here is what my GE start switch looks like. Fairly easy to get to after removing the end cap on the motor Just take your time and take pictures along the way if any doubt as to how it should go back together.

Here is a link to a thread about the GE start switch, and helpful advice I received from others.

https://www.shopsmith.com/ss_forum/maintenance-and-repair-f10/ge-1-1-8-motor-hums-pops-fuse--t17624.html

JPG

IF it is an Emerson motor, the contacts will be hidden under a mini 'dust' shield cup.

schnur07

Mine is a GE motor. Don't know if there are different GE versions. V 115, RPM 3450, code H.

schnur07

Thank You! The hammer seemed to do the trick! Is there anything to do to prevent this from happening again?

Now I can start using my Shopsmith again! It's been sitting for a couple years now. I have my drill press back and I think I'll start using the bandsaw for my light bandsaw work and keep my other bandsaw dedicated for resawing. Would also like to try out the lathe - never tried one before - but I think I am missing an attachment.

Since I have the headstock off, I'll do some research to see if there's any preventative maintenance to perform on it.

Thanks Again!

JPG

Liberally lubricate the movable sheaves.

schnur07

Just finished lubricating. I guess I'll put it all back together and start using it again.

thanks again!