[Steve Chapman]

Hi, all,

I know this subject has been covered a million times, but my question is what actually happens when a vac motor dies ?

I have had several go on a Craftex Grace machine, when you take them out theres doesnt appear to be physically anything wrong with them, almost look brand new, the brushes are fine, loads of life and not burnt out.

So what exactly is it that goes, does it short out ?, over heat ?  You can normally physically turn them with your hand with no restrictions so its not that something has jammed !

I know it wont make any difference but just would like to know what is happening ?

Steve

[Neil Worsnop]

I'm not specifically an expert on vac motors but spent a lot of time working in electronics and electrics.

The wire in the motor is wound tightly to create the movement by magnetics.  The many windings are insulated from each other with a thin lacquer so the electricity has to travel the full length of the wire.  If the lacquer is damaged then a short circuit can occur and the motor will fail.  Heat, moisture, corrosion and physical damage could all cause this failure.

In industry motors can be fitted with new windings when they are overhauled though for the type of motors we are using this isn't cost effective.

Just my thoughts

[Steve Chapman]

Thanks Neil, that sounds like a reasonable explanation, they should last a bit longer than a few months at £200 each though !

[Neil Worsnop]

You're right, they should last longer than a few months.  I last changed mine after three years as one was starting to sound a bit rough.

Someone of your experience and time served will know about running dry air through after each job etc etc so I won't bother going into that.

[Steve Chapman]

Funny thing was the motor went when running the air through it 

we have several different machines & in the main the motors last for a good while, it's just the grace that seems to get through them quickly, & they're  the most expensive !
Some cheap motors I picked up for the scorpion have lasted ages !

[Simon@arenaclean]

It maybe that heat is an issue. I'd put a small fan in the body and add a vent or two in the side and base so the fan can draw the hot air out.  Heat is a primary cause of failure and most of the big machines have fans and are well ventilated. If the exhaust is under the machine i'd consider trying to vent out the back or sides too.

[Steve Chapman]

Thanks Simon, some good advice 

[derikraven]

I have a ninja and vac motor 2 has become quite noisy. Don't suppose there is anything I can do about this other than replace it is there?

[dan paton]

I scrapped a craftex grace for the same reason . The original motor just kept on going but the replacements on the other side just kept burning out. I had the wiring  and switches checked by a sparky but still no luck. I just gave up  with it eventually

[Steve Chapman]

Mmmmmmm does seem the replacements are a bit rubbish !!!!