Garage door opener replacement compatibility?

[kbeefy]

The opener on my shop just died.
Preliminary troubleshooting indicates the control board is dead. A replacement board is $144.

It currently has a 'liftmaster profesional' 1/2hp opener, which I feel is a bit small. It worked fine until it didn't, and the tag says 2007.
The door is about 10x12, but it's just the uninsulated aluminuim panels, it's not terribly heavy.

My question is, will a new, basic chain drive opener work as a replacement with the existing chain and rail?
Or would I need to replace the chain as well?

 

[gizardlizard]

When you buy the new opener, it will come with new rails and chain. Why wouldn’t you want to change it all? They go together super quick

 

[kbeefy]

Never done it, and it's 12' up.

 

[N_Jay]

If you stick to the same brand (or same manufacturer) you might get lucky.
Or not.

 

[BillK]

How often is the door opened ? If you feel confident that it is the control board then I would personally just replace the board. Unless it is opened many times a day I doubt that the mechanism itself is anywhere near worn out.

 

[nadogail]

I doubt that you can get a replacement opener for less than the cost of the circuit board.

 

[dfiler2]

I've replaced just the head a few times, I made sure I bought the same model. I don't think most brands do much changing on the home owner models. You do usually have to drop the unit down on a ladder because most units have a bolt from the rail to the back side of the head. It is a quick easy fix and if the chain or rail wears out you have a spare

 

[Zeke]

Many times you can find a board on the bay that has been refurbished and will come with a warranty. Some of these guys get lucky and find a cracked solder joint, touch it up and sell it exchange.

 

[N_Jay]

I doubt that you can get a replacement opener for less than the cost of the circuit board.

Easy if you shop clearance.

 

[kbs2244]

I vote for a refreb board

it is an easy 3 or 4 screw and 3 wire replacement
you can do it while on a ladder

if you do get a new opener it most likely will fit in the existing mounting holes

 

[Rig]

Comb Craigslist and Facebook Market for a used Chamberlain/LiftMaster/Craftsman opener - all the same mfg and completely compatible. You can often find them free or super cheap, and usually still fully assembled. A lot of people get rid of them to get a fancy new MyQ wifi version. Be sure to bench test it when you get home.

If your opener is 12' up, is it in an outbuilding with a tall door? In any case, you can swap out the whole motor with the used one you find, and without completely pulling it down. Just disconnect the wires and drop the motor down to a chair or work table. Loosen chain/belt, rail with two bolts, *BAM* you're all set.

SIDE NOTE: Your opener isn't too small. If your door is operating properly and the spring tension is correctly adjusted, an adult male should be able to lift it with one arm. 3/4 HP are occasionally a reasonable option for certain instances of older wooden doors, added insulation, etc., but that's a bandaid. The outdated 2-car door on my wife's townhome is wooden sold-core and weights two-million pounds, which I found out when a cable broke. Correct springs and proper tension and she can open it alone if needed. It has an older Chamberlain 1/2 HP.

Lastly - unless you're experienced or trained, don't adjust the spring tension yourself. Those things are powerful and dangerous.

 

[Zeke]

I'll bet since the thread is from July that the problem is solved.

 

[Rig]

I'll bet since the thread is from July that the problem is solved.

Probably, but I didn't read any great responses in the thread, and decided to add my 2¢

 

[nadogail]

I have a Garage Door Service Company that I trust. They sell repair parts have always been responsive to my requests for parts and technical assistance.

 

[toolmiser]

I bought a new Chamberlin (operates a 16' x 8' insulated door) and moved my previous one to a less used door. The new one has a one piece track and uses a DC motor, and has slow start and stop. Even though it is chain drive you can barely hear it, and it doesn't bang around like the previous one did. I think if will have a long life, and extend the life a the door springs since it moves so smooth. I let the company install it.

 

[spectrum-garagedoors]

Comb Craigslist and Facebook Market for a used Chamberlain/LiftMaster/Craftsman opener - all the same mfg and completely compatible. You can often find them free or super cheap, and usually still fully assembled. A lot of people get rid of them to get a fancy new MyQ wifi version. Be sure to bench test it when you get home.

If your opener is 12' up, is it in an outbuilding with a tall door? In any case, you can swap out the whole motor with the used one you find, and without completely pulling it down. Just disconnect the wires and drop the motor down to a chair or work table. Loosen chain/belt, rail with two bolts, *BAM* you're all set.

SIDE NOTE: Your opener isn't too small. If your door is operating properly and the spring tension is correctly adjusted, an adult male should be able to lift it with one arm. 3/4 HP are occasionally a reasonable option for certain instances of older wooden doors, added insulation, etc., but that's a bandaid. The outdated 2-car door on my wife's townhome is wooden sold-core and weights two-million pounds, which I found out when a cable broke. Correct springs and proper tension and she can open it alone if needed. It has an older Chamberlain 1/2 HP.

Lastly - unless you're experienced or trained, don't adjust the spring tension yourself. Those things are powerful and dangerous.

You've explained it amazingly! Adjusting the spring tension without having proper expertise can be dangerous. Seeking professional help is advisable for garage door repair or replacement.

 

[Rig]

You've explained it amazingly! Adjusting the spring tension without having proper expertise can be dangerous. Seeking professional help is advisable for garage door repair or replacement.

I found a couple local guys on Craigslist that work on garage doors for a living, but as independents. They're trained, certified, offer warranties and are VERY reasonable. I recommend seeking out this type of option before checking the yellow pages.