A curious noise when running and machine slowed/stalled. My wife persuaded it to spin and empty.

I inspected the motor and extracted (from the non commutator end) a small piece of plastic clear film mangled and carbon coated (it looked like some type of packaging film). This was perhaps the cause of the noise, but looks as if it had been in the motor for some while.

One armature coil retainer strip is missing, but coil seems to be still secure. It looks like a different plastic (ie opaque) to that removed.

Subsequently the machine ran well with no load in the drum, but my wife suspects lack of power. Inspection, when operating with a half load, shows that there is some hesitation/difficulty/stalling on starting.

Visual inspection of belt and motor has not revealed any obvious defects. The brushes seem OK. The belt seems ok, and is not obviously slipping, but could, I suppose, be stretched.

I am unwilling to replace the motor unless I can find some fault.

Motor and drum both turn freely by hand.

Could there perhaps be a low voltage supply under some situations? If so, how do I check?

I have no repair manual.

Your advice welcomed.

Regards,

Brian A.

Brian A., August 2005

the first thing you do if possible is plug your motor into another
machine if you could get access to one, secondly your speed controller, its a small circuit board thats usually found at the bottom of the machine . also check to see if your carbon brushes are not pitted this could be a sign that the field or
coil may have shorted turns another sign is the motor is
extremly warm and the brushes flash very brightly
john

john manderson, August 2005