Electric Motor Help

[jams]

Hi all,

My treadmill has been acting up and it seems like it might be the motor. I see some arcing around the brushes of the motor. I think this is heating up the motor and causing it to stop.

I checked the brushes and they are quite rounded off(conforming to the rotating shaft -stator maybe)

I know electric motors are rather indestructible- would it help if I flattened the brushes by grinding them flat? I suspect they are so round that they are causing interference -hence the arcing.

Any Ideas? I hate to throw $200 for a new motor into my aging treadmill.

[Rick Parker]

The brushes probably become concave after wear while rubbing on the commutator of the armature. Maybe there is a buildup of dust or maybe ther commutator needs to be cleaned for better contact with the brushes. I don't think flat is the answer. If you have to replace the motor, look around because it is/was probably used on other items much less specialized other than a treadmill.

[jams]

I think you are right Rick. even if I made the brushes flat they would just wear in again.

I ordered some belt lube and have to check the tension on the belt. Maybe the motor is working too hard.

I will also look into cleaning it up a bit.

Thanks!