Got my shave ice machine motor back from the repair guy. Started to put it on the machine. Turned the shaft and it was rough and clunky.Since it was Christmas Eve, I decided to see if I could fix it myself. Opened the motor up, found that one of the permanent magnets had come unglued. After a quick Google, I sanded the interface and glued it down with J-B Weld, clamped it overnight. But yes, in all this, I managed to lose track of which end had the brushes on it and which end was the shaft. There don't seem to be any markings to tell me. I'm also not a hundred percent sure that I got the magnet oriented right, although I am maybe 75% sure. Yes, it was a bad day. So, at this point I'm hoping one of you retired engineer types can help me out. Again. Does it matter which end the brushes are at? Will I ruin everything if I have the magnet switched around wrong?Sigh. Merry Christmas.

Does it matter which end the brushes are at?Yes if you can put it back together either way One way it will spin backwarks and if permanent is in backwards no spin. To check use another magnet and it should attract on one and repel on the other.

If it were me I would return it the the "repair guy" and ask him to fix it properly.

alaska dennis wrote:Does it matter which end the brushes are at?Yes if you can put it back together either way One way it will spin backwarks and if permanent is in backwards no spin. To check use another magnet and it should attract on one and repel on the other.Thank you, Dennis :-). I did check the magnet, But whichever way I switched it around, it still attracted to both its neighbors.

well looks like we know what your getting for new years.

Thank you, Dennis :-). I did check the magnet, But whichever way I switched it around, it still attracted to both its neighbors.How many magnets on case? For polarity maybe a compass more sensitive.

How do I put this electric motor back together?!

drsteve
Explorer
Dec 26, 2019
Flute Man wrote:
I wonder if the magnet came loose due to rough handling by the shipping company or someone else.

Next time you might want to take a picture before taking something apart.
As a professional maintenance guy I’ve made those kind of mistakes in the past myself.

X2 on taking pics.
Flute_Man
Explorer
Dec 26, 2019
I wonder if the magnet came loose due to rough handling by the shipping company or someone else.

Next time you might want to take a picture before taking something apart.
As a professional maintenance guy I’ve made those kind of mistakes in the past myself.
larry_cad
Explorer II
Dec 26, 2019
Naio wrote:
A problem for tomorrow, but one that is back in the realm of my knowledge. Unlike the inside of the motor, which I know nothing about!

Well, you do now!!! :)
Naio
Explorer II
Dec 26, 2019
All I can figure is that it was a matter of alignment, that they were teeny teeny bits of slop in how the pieces fit together, and after putting it together about eight times I hit on the perfect combination.

It's in the machine now, and still turn smoothly! I have now, of course, a different problem. something electrical is going on. Maybe a crossed wire or something. The potentiometer that is supposed to control the motor speed is not doing so. It is full blast or nothing. A problem for tomorrow, but one that is back in the realm of my knowledge. Unlike the inside of the motor, which I know nothing about!
pianotuna
Nomad III
Dec 26, 2019
Perhaps Santa fixed it for you?

Even experienced techs make mistakes, or have things "fix" themselves. That was the case for me in the spring of 2018--my water heater would not work on the 120 volt setting. I got a new heater rod--and after it was replaced the water heater still would not work on electric.

Then after disconnecting and reconnecting bingo--it started to work!
midnightsadie
Explorer II
Dec 25, 2019
well don,t let us hanging we want to know if you fixed it.
Naio
Explorer II
Dec 25, 2019
Thanks you guys!

I took it apart and put it back together multiple times, trying to figure out what was going on. Then a friend suggested that I use a Sharpie to mark up the magnets and the middle part and see what was rubbing. So I took it apart again, put the markings on, closed it up, and miraculously it is not rubbing any more! Either Sharpie makes a good lubricant or I just got lucky. I think it's a Christmas miracle. I'm not going to take it apart again and find out :-).

And Merry Christmas to all, and wish me luck when I reinstall it in the machine :-)
wa8yxm
Explorer III
Dec 25, 2019
Ok on one end of the windings is a big "barrel" like thing with slats running the same way as the shaft. It is called as best as I can spell it the commutator

This is what the brushes... brush.
time2roll
Nomad
Dec 25, 2019
I would just run it and see how bad the noise actually is.
riven1950
Explorer
Dec 25, 2019
I have no idea how to fix it but if I were in that situation I would either have the repair guy do it right or buy a new motor or a new unit. I would be paranoid about a short and fire. Not worth the risk. JMO