Why Oh Why or $#!*%^(!

So today I decided to delve into the other 201-2 that Betsy bought.  I noticed that the motor leads were new.  I was encouraged when I unhooked the motor from the terminal block.  The cute little ring connectors were neat and tidy.  When I got into the motor, though, I was very sad.

I should have re-soldered the stupid thing then.  But I didn't .  And now the connection is broken and it is not looking good for this motor. This connection  was wrapped with electrician's tape.  I didn't notice that.  But after I sprayed the inside of the motor with electronic cleaner, it dissolved the glue.  So I peeled that off and  put some shrink stuff on this connection and thought it was OK.  Hours later, when I was ready to try it out I found out that I had royally messed up. The motor was dead.   More choice words.  Mostly despair.  What is it about this hobby that keeps me engaged?  Any right minded person would have given up, walked the dogs, had some wine, taken a shower and read a good book.

Of course, you all know that I am going to try to re-solder it. 

I actually have another motor that seems to be in a bit better shape.  Now that is crazy because it was my worst case scenario motor.

But who knows.  Maybe I can salvage this one.  Or not.  But because it is Friday night we are going out to dinner.  Right after I shower all the petro-chemicals off of my body.

I DID IT !!!!!

Well folks, thanks to Rain at The Vintage Singer Sewing Machine Blog  http://vssmb.blogspot.com I rewired this 201 potted motor.  I would not have been able to do it without his VERY VERY EXCELLENT step by step instructions on his blog.  I was so excited that I did not photograph the process of re-assembling the motor.  I just put the sucker back together.  I did, however, take  photos of the soldering:

Before trimming the wires

Mechanical connection (aka braid) and alligator clip as heat sink

Soldered

Mechanical connection and heat sink white lead

Soldered

 I did put heat shrink on these connections and I found that the hair dryer frightened me.  I was afraid that I might get the whole motor too warm.  So I tried the butane lighter trick.  That was nerve wracking as well but I managed to get the stuff shrunk down and tight.

I also tied my underwriter knot and put the whole thing back together.  See how tidy it looks inside?

I am so proud of this project.  Here is the underwriter knot all highlighted:

Very Nice.  Next, I will put some shrink wrap on these leads to make them one and solder some connecting rings.  I can do that, easy peasy.  I would have done that tonight.......if I hadn't felt guilty about never cooking a meal for the best husband in the world.  So I made some parsnips and tofu for dinner......yum......Hey, the guy likes it, what can I say????

Now I am ready to clean out this 201 and get it stitching.....Wooooooo hoooooo.

The Vintage Singer Sewing Machine Blog: How to Re-wire a Potted Motor, Part 3: Learning to Solder

The Vintage Singer Sewing Machine Blog: How to Re-wire a Potted Motor, Part 3: Learning to Solder

You gotta see this

http://vssmb.blogspot.com/
This is a great tutorial on how to wire. Enough said.