Electric motor help needed

[rustybill]

Not sure if this is the right sub-forum to ask in or not...

I am trying to help my brother repair an electric motor on his pellet stove. It's just a simple AC motor (Fasco) with variable speed control. The motor started squealing, so we pulled it apart to check it out. The motor uses a lubricant called permawick which also seems to play some role in the shaft alignment. I repacked the motor with fresh permwick and the squealing is gone. Here's where the problem starts...if the motor is set to run on any speed but high, the rotor seems to touch the stator and the motor seizes.

Anyone had an experience like this, or know what I messed up?

 

[kbs2244]

Bushing is bad or missing.

 

[Graymills - Craig]

I agree with KBS, but you could also have a bad shaft seal. That would explain the leaking.

 

[Gary S]

I agree. Bushings are worn out. On a cheaply made motor like this, replacement of the motor makes the best sense. Take it to a local motor repair shop and get a new one.

 

[rustybill]

I agree. Bushings are worn out. On a cheaply made motor like this, replacement of the motor makes the best sense. Take it to a local motor repair shop and get a new one.

I guess it depends on your definition of cheap... This particular motor is $200. If it was $50 I wouldn't have wasted my time messing around.

 

[Gary S]

Any motor with bushings instead of bearings is "cheaply made". They might not sell you a replacement cheap, but they should because it isn't worth much.
This is why you go to a motor shop and look for one. OEM pricing is very often a ripoff, and they do it because people will pay it. Look elsewhere.
You can try a local motor shop or a supplier like Grainger. It is definitely time to shop around.

 

[rustybill]

Any motor with bushings instead of bearings is "cheaply made".

Agreed. I guess I'll start shopping around. The cheap ******* in me would prefer to fix the motor though.