Post by Bob on Oct 12, 2022 14:22:56 GMT -5
Before calling Lortone, I thought I would run this by other users here. I have two QT12 bases, about 9 years old still running 24/7. I have three motors, having bought a new one once. So if one is acting up, I just pull it off and put a spare one on. Then I give the one removed a good cleaning, compressed air blowout, lube the end bushings, etc. and it's ready to go for the next switch. More or less, I'd say a motor will run for a 3-4 of years before it starts acting up. In the meantime, I might have to replace a belt, or drive pulley, and the rollers. This maintenance procedure, if one could call it that, has kept me going now for almost a decade.
But this time is different. There is something wrong with the motor. The belts and pulleys are fine and the rollers fine, and I've confirmed this by switching out with another motor. The problem motor seems okay, it turns well, but when turning if I grip the shaft with a dry rag and squeeze really hard the RPMs drop off quickly as if it has lost a lot of it's power. And, it gets very hot. I've retried it several times, and I'll come home from work, panic when I see the barrel not rotating, look closely and nothing is turning, not even the motor shaft which scares me, so I have put it on the shelf being scared to try it anymore. It is very hot to the touch when this happens. These motors run hot, but it's hotter than usual when this happens.
What in the world is going on? Can a motor "wear out" even if the components seem to be fine? If the only moving parts of a motor are the shaft and bearings, then how can something else "wear out"?
But this time is different. There is something wrong with the motor. The belts and pulleys are fine and the rollers fine, and I've confirmed this by switching out with another motor. The problem motor seems okay, it turns well, but when turning if I grip the shaft with a dry rag and squeeze really hard the RPMs drop off quickly as if it has lost a lot of it's power. And, it gets very hot. I've retried it several times, and I'll come home from work, panic when I see the barrel not rotating, look closely and nothing is turning, not even the motor shaft which scares me, so I have put it on the shelf being scared to try it anymore. It is very hot to the touch when this happens. These motors run hot, but it's hotter than usual when this happens.
What in the world is going on? Can a motor "wear out" even if the components seem to be fine? If the only moving parts of a motor are the shaft and bearings, then how can something else "wear out"?