The motor on my 215 just started stalling in the middle of today’s run. I had switched off the motor during a pause in printing, and when I switched it back on again, it hummed but did not move. I was able to get it moving again by physically moving the belt from the motor pulley to the chain drive. Then the motor ran as normal. When it’s switched off, it takes a few seconds to stop turning, and the final turns end with a click/clack/snap sound. The snap also occurs when I get the motor fully moving again, like there is a clutch allowing movement that has to click into place. When switched off and then back on again, it sometimes appears as if the motor is trying to turn backward, but again, if I physically move the belt the right way, it will catch and then start turning on its own. It’s a Century Single Phase 1750 rpm motor that is kept regularly oiled, at least with the two visible oil cups. I have read that single phase motors can sometimes have a capacitor go out, which causes them to try to run backwards at startup. If this is my problem is it fixable? Thanks for any help.
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Post Title: Problem with 215/4 Motor
Author: Katie Harper
Filed As: Motors, No. 4 & 215
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4 comments have been posted on “Problem with 215/4 Motor”.
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Thanks, Eric
I already labeled the wires so I know which wire goes to which lead. This 215 machine is almost identical to the #4 except for the wood feedboard and cabinet under the bed (most of the pages in my “manual” are for the #4). I had planned to remove the bottom nuts from the mounting plate, so the motor could be put back in the same place. Thanks so much for confirming that. Appreciate the advice!
Label the wires so you can re-connect them where they are now (with press unplugged or breaker off, of course). I don’t know how the motor is mounted or wired in, so I can’t suggest any other precautions. If it were a number 4 motor mount, I’d say leave the upper nuts in place, just remove the lower bolts so the motor can be returned to original position.
I found a local motor repair shop where they can replace the capacitor, which is indeed in a housing on top of the motor. However, the capacitor is soldered in place, so I have to remove the motor to take it to the repair shop. Removing and replacing the motor seems pretty straightforward. Are there pitfalls to watch out for?
Capacitor probably is the problem. It may be in a housing sticking out of the motor frame. The capacitor normally holds a charge, and should NOT be touched until it has been discharged. A professional motor repair place will be able to fix it. McKee & Strub here in San Francisco is recommended, if you are in this area.