10' Opener for 8' Door?

[vetleap]

Hi all - just registered as this seems like a great place to get an answer to my question. I have a chance to buy a used 1/3hp Lift Master opener, chain, and rail that is for a 10' door for $25. The door that I would like to use it for is 8' high. Would this opener possibly be adjustable enough for this application or not possible? I apologize if the answer is obvious.

Thank you

 

[rayra]

They have a stop switch on the track and the modern ones also walk you thru the programming setup on the back of the motor to set open and close limits so the motor doesn’t keep trying

get the model number and look up the manual pdf and everything should be in there.


/ I feel so stimulated!

 

[CraigStu]

Worst case you could put a couple of bolts nuts in the track so the top wheel hits it where you need it to stop. Than back off the upward 'force' adjustment a bit so it doesn't try so hard to get past your stop point.

 

[Lorydr]

I would disconnect the trolley from the door. Then manually open the door to your desired height. Make a mark where the door part of the trolley is at, on the rail. still leave it disconnected, and operate the opener. Adjust it's stopping point to be right at the mark you made. Test it a time or 2, then reconnect the door trolley, and you should be good. The same procedure can work for adjusting the closed stopping point.

 

[vetleap]

Very interesting, I didn't know the adjustments could be in feet, I figured it was probably inches. Everyone of the responses has a valid point and something to try. I'll have to get the model number and get the manual. I've worked on several openers over the years but everything was always made for that whole unit. This is a little different. Thank you so much for the replies. Great suggestions!

 

[In The Doghouse]

The short answer is that you can probably get it to work because the travel distance is adjustable. You might be able to remove the extension that accommodates the taller door.
Where are you located?

 

[Captain Spaulding]

Not impossible that your opener is made for an 8’ door and has a 2ft extension (or some other height) on it.

 

[PoorUB]

You might be able to remove a 2 foot section of track and adjust the opener for an 8 foot door. Unless this is some old archaic opener, all the settings are in the motor unit.

 

[vetleap]

I'm asked the guy to get me a model # so I can get an idea how old the unit is. Hopefully I get that tomorrow. I appreciate the responses..

And for DogHouse, I'm located in ND

 

[vetleap]

The model is a chamberlain 3245 and everything is included except sensors and a door bracket. Do we agree that this should be adjustable in the upward position to stop 2' short of the end of tracks? Just seems like a lot but I certainly haven't tried anything like this before. I don't see downward being an issue. Thanks guys I appreciate it. For $25 it seems if there's a good chance to make this work it's a no brainer.

 

[jstroede]

The head unit is the same for different heights. Chamberlain is different than liftmaster rail. Liftmaster rail is one piece, while chamberlain will have multiple pieces and extensions. Either one can be made to work easily.

 

[Stuart in MN]

Will it still operate without the sensors?

 

[vetleap]

I will probably buy some sensors. I think they're less than $20

 

[vetleap]

I got my opener and tested in in the shop and it looks like it's gonna work great. I had no idea the openers were adjustable by multiple feet. But I've never tackled an opener not matched to the door size. It came with a 10' 1 piece rail which I thought was odd but it'll work. Thanks to everyone who contributed. I would never have bought the opener without all the advice!!