Old Compressor

[Hooked]

I have an old (1960s vintage) Quincy compressor with a GE 1 1/2 hp motor -- single phase, 1725 rpm, 115/230 v currently wired for 230. Today the motor spit, fumed and smoked when it attempted to start.
I'm sure I can find a local shop to rebuild the motor but that may cost as much as a new motor and still be an old motor. Knowing things have improved in the past 50+ years, what size, and brand, motor should I consider for a replacement? Or, would you recommend rebuilding this one?

Appreciate your comments/advice.

Thanks,
Bob

 

[Mr onetwo]

We gottah have the model number and some PICS

 

[BigE]

New stuff is disposable. Old stuff is rebuildable. Rebuilt to factory specs, that motor will last another 50 years. This is coming from someone who is probably younger than the wardrobes of most of the members here. Rebuild it.

 

[zkling]

Post some detailed specs of the motor. I bet (hope) you just fried the start cap (~$8.00). It is very hard to completely destroy an old electric motor.

Can you give a more detailed story about how it died. When was the last time it was running properly?

 

[Hooked]

My apologies for the late response. Busy with other project since I posted this question.

To answer some of the questions.
Specs on the compressor & motor --
Compressor -- Quincy 310-21 372425L
Tank -- upright 80 gal. tank. Mfr. in 1961
Motor -- GE 1.5 hp 1725 rpm Model-5KC184AG201B

The motor was 'reworked' in 2000 but has been sitting in a garage unused until June this year when I got it. It has been running fine since then -- not heavy use but 3-4 times per week the motor/pump has run 15-20 minutes each time. The last time it ran successfully was on Monday. When it attempted to start yesterday it made a loud noise and started to smoke, at which point I turned off the breaker. Initially, I thought a bearing failed causing the loud noise/screeching sound but the motor turns fine by hand. There is no noise or friction to indicate any type of bearing failure when hand turning.

I suspected repairing this old gem is the right answer but not being knowledgeable on these things I wanted to get opinions/recommendations from the group here.

Any more questions let me know.

 

[RickP]

A motor with those specs will cost more than $200 new. A repair/rebuild sounds pretty good compared to that price, especially since those old GE motors are built like tanks.

 

[EOC_Jason]

I hope you can find a shop in town that will fix it. I called around Houston trying to get a small 3ph motor fixed and boy have prices gone up! Was cheaper just to buy a NOS off eBay...

Maybe check Northern Tool, just make sure of the RPM & Rotation... I've also seen someone in the Houston CraigsList with a TON of motors for sale.

 

[zkling]

My money is on the start cap. Especially if you say there is no turning resistance on the rotor. The contactor may have gotten stuck and applied full voltage to the cap. Did it smoke alot? Can you post a pic of the motor?

 

[Hooked]

Let's see if this works ---

 

[cubby55]

The motor rebuild shops around my area wont work on anything less than 5 hp. Partially because its not economically feasible, and because this is oil country and they have big motors to rebuild, and big motors mean big money. Hopefully, your start cap is bad and you can replace it and get on with business. Nice looking motor, good luck.

 

[Hooked]

Thanks for the suggestions. I'll be calling around on Monday for pricing on a rebuild. Looking online at Northern tool and Grainger for prices I sure it's the start capacitor. Will check that Monday morning.

 

[marinusdees]

This is a GE TRiClad. You cannot buy a motor of this quality at any price. Almost certainly the cap. Almost certainly does not need a complete rebuild. If you buy a new one, I may be interested in the old one if you are going to throw it away depending on shipping. In all fairness, keep it, fix only what is wrong with it. Don't replace the bearings unless they are noisy. Chances are, the shaft end bearing is a double row ball bearing. Meaning, spendy, but still worth it.

 

[Hooked]

Took it to a local shop. The verdict is a total rebuild is needed as it's 'shooting flames' from the wiring. $300+ but what I'm finding is a new motor to fit this frame will most likely cost that. Had not planned this in the budget........lol

Appreciate everyones feedback.