Sabre52
Cave Dweller 
Me and my gal, Rosie
Member since August 2005
Posts: 20,497
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Post by Sabre52 on Jan 29, 2010 14:11:57 GMT -5
Howdy folks,
Man what is it with the motors on these new Lortones? Went out this morning and my newest 33B has conked out. With real light loads too. Took off the barrels and the motor drive pulley just barely turns when the motor is running. This is the third Lortone I've had conk out in the last couple of months. I'm used to readjusting belts etc but in the past the motors have run for a real long time. Now it seems a year or so and they first won't turn a full load and then finally won't even turn an empty barrel. I have a spare motor or two around I can install but I'd really like to know why these keep slowing down and conking out......Mel
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Post by sandsman1 on Jan 29, 2010 15:48:02 GMT -5
like the rest of the US. they prob have to buy from china to compete --- wtg fearless leaders
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carloscinco
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since July 2008
Posts: 1,639
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Post by carloscinco on Jan 29, 2010 15:50:40 GMT -5
I have a 14 month old Lortone 33B. Same symptoms became evident on mine about 10 days ago. I disassemble the motor and clean the shafts. Re-lubricate with 3in1 as per normal procedure and synthetic gun oil once. No luck. The motor appears to overheat and slow down or stop. I took out my magnifiers today and the shaft has some etching where the bushings support it. I added perforations to the top and bottom plate after reading where someone keeps his running by leaving off the top cover. I think a change in metallurgy, country of orgin for the parts, or heat treating may have changed.
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carloscinco
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since July 2008
Posts: 1,639
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Post by carloscinco on Jan 30, 2010 21:41:27 GMT -5
Well, the motor is still running and it's been over 24 hours. Same RPM as the 8 year old Lortone. Maybe adding more holes to improve the air circulation helped. Shouldn't have to do that.
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gemhunter
starting to spend too much on rocks
"Rock On"
Member since November 2009
Posts: 243
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Post by gemhunter on Feb 1, 2010 11:31:03 GMT -5
I was getting hot to add a lortone and have a second tumbler . But after reading this I might stick to tumbles tumblers.  Say that fast. |
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pebblepup
has rocks in the head
Succor Creek Thunder Egg
Member since July 2008
Posts: 515
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Post by pebblepup on Feb 1, 2010 13:10:07 GMT -5
I hate to think that Lortone may be going the way of Chicago Electric tumblers. The next time I have one that needs complete replacing or motor replacement it might be time to build a tumbler from scratch. Doing one from scratch would allow the builder to pick quality parts.
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drjo
fully equipped rock polisher
Honduran Opal & DIY Nut
Member since May 2008
Posts: 1,581
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Post by drjo on Feb 3, 2010 9:11:35 GMT -5
I was getting hot to add a lortone and have a second tumbler . But after reading this I might stick to tumbles tumblers. Say that fast. Spell that one time fast " Thumbler's" Tumblers ;D Sorry couldn't resist. Name withheld to protect the indecent. |
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