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Re: ao smith motor repair
Posted: Wed Jan 20, 2016 10:12 am
by JPG
Realize that video is of a GE motor with EXTERNAL start relay. Most others have INTERNAL mechanically actuated start switches.
Re: ao smith motor repair
Posted: Wed Jan 20, 2016 10:28 am
by disc42
Thanks I,ll check it out.
Re: ao smith motor repair
Posted: Thu Jan 21, 2016 10:28 am
by disc42
Just a footnote to my previous post.I have the motor apart and have found the external wires that connect to the winding must be replaced. I think this is the problem.The connections are very corroded which caused heat build up causing the insulation to harden and come off.Just not getting enough volts to make the motor run properly.I am replacing the wires with 12 gauge stranded.Will post the results when I finish.
Re: ao smith motor repair
Posted: Thu Jan 21, 2016 11:11 am
by JPG
As for the rubber insulation crumbling, age is the likely cause.
Replacing with 12 ga is over kill for such a short length.
Most important thing there is flexibility(many smaller strands).
Typical electrical stranded wire is too stiff.
Now about the switch???
Re: ao smith motor repair
Posted: Thu Jan 21, 2016 12:32 pm
by disc42
I,m using 12 gauge because that,s what joshh recommends in his rebuild post.As for the switch I have sanded the points and it is fine.
Re: ao smith motor repair
Posted: Thu Jan 21, 2016 10:05 pm
by JPG
disc42 wrote:I,m using 12 gauge because that,s what joshh recommends in his rebuild post.As for the switch I have sanded the points and it is fine.
"overkill"

Re: ao smith motor repair
Posted: Sat Jan 23, 2016 8:49 am
by disc42
A couple of wiring questions.What are the original wiring colors for a 1962 brownie and when connecting the capacitor does it make any difference which terminal is used for the two wires that connect it to the motor.
Re: ao smith motor repair
Posted: Sat Jan 23, 2016 1:15 pm
by JPG
disc42 wrote:A couple of wiring questions.What are the original wiring colors for a 1962 brownie and when connecting the capacitor does it make any difference which terminal is used for the two wires that connect it to the motor.
The capacitor is not 'polarized' so it makes no difference.
Regardless of what the original colors were, I would use white and black.
Re: ao smith motor repair
Posted: Sat Jan 23, 2016 2:25 pm
by disc42
Thanks jpg.Decided to go with 14 gauge wire.Oh by the way do you have wiring diagram of what wire goes where.I have my own but need a backup just to make sure.
Re: ao smith motor repair
Posted: Sat Jan 23, 2016 2:48 pm
by JPG
disc42 wrote:Thanks jpg.Decided to go with 14 gauge wire.Oh by the way do you have wiring diagram of what wire goes where.I have my own but need a backup just to make sure.
Any I come up with assumes one knows where the windings are and which one is which.
Post yours that I assume relates to physical location and I can relate to it.
I think there should be only 4 wires total with two of those exiting the motor.