After looking over the Elec-Trak E15, I saw that one of the blade motors didn’t spin very freely.
I went about removing the motor from the deck to see about opening it up, finding out the problem, and rebuilding as needed. Unfortunately, I got stuck on NOT being able to remove the hub that the blade mounts to. I applied some PB Blaster and let it sit, spraying a little more on there every day for about a week.
Today, I got a bearing splitter from the hardware store and used the small steering-wheel puller I had with it. What do ya know? It actually worked! I was able to get the hub off! Once off, I pulled the armature. Always fun to do, seeing as it’s surrounded by magnets!
Looking at the drive end, the bottom bearing was rusted to heck! It barely spun at all, and the cover was rusted off. I was able to use the puller to get that one off as well. Some plumber’s emery cloth cleaned up the driveshaft and the commutator.
I’ll still have to find a replacement bearing, probably checking with a bearing shop to have them measure it and tell me what it is. It’s so rusty, I couldn’t simply read the numbers off it. Once I get a replacement bearing, I should be able to re-assemble the motor. I’ll still need to find some new brushes as well.
I gotta say, it’s pretty fun to be able to take something apart, figure it out, and make it right.
Til next time,
-Ben
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
I love it when a plan comes together. If you keep at it long enough, eventually you’ll have success.
Plus, you’ll know what to do if and when the other two blade motors go ka-pute.
That’s what I love about electric motors. Replace bearings and they’re good as new. Replace many more bearings in an ICE and it still has ring wear, worn out pumps and clogged ports.