Back on the Bench

I always like to make a project when I finish a refurbish.  Today I took this 201 up to the sewing loft and made a tote bag for its foot controller and cord.  The machine sewed very nicely.  I was pleased as could be. I thought I heard that noise again.  The screeching noise but it was not as loud, not as growly.   Then, I set about making Wonder Wallet.  The aforementioned noise returned (see previous post).  I thought it was a gear.  Nope.  I tried to run the machine a full tilt, but it seemed to get better only to return.  Since the noise was random and not improving with time, I had to give up sewing for the day and return the machine to the bench.

My theory about the armature was wrong, clearly, since the motor continues to make the noise.  I suppose it could be that the grease wicks are not yet greasy enough to lube the shaft of the armature.  It really sounds like a bad bearing or a too tight belt.  Since I cannot find a bearing  or a belt anywhere on this motor, I have to start over.  I pulled the motor AGAIN and found that the worm does seem a bit tight in one spot on rotation.

Until the next time, I will keep you updated. 

Three Armatures

When you ask for advice, you should take what is offered.  A member of the WeFixit Yahoo group advised that I should  clean the armatures with electric motor cleaner.  As it turns out, I had some.  I used it on all three of the armatures that I have handy.

The commutators had already been cleaned.  I started with the dirtiest armature, the one from the hopeless motor.  The stuff coming out of the motor as I sprayed that very volatile substance was really black.  I sprayed until it came out clear. (I did this all OUTSIDE )

Next I sprayed the armature that came from the donor 15-91 .  It was not as bad.

Then I pulled the motor from the 1936 201 and sprayed it.  It was pretty clean.  The brown glaze did not change at all.  I am thinking it is supposed to be there.  If not, well, I am not going to spend time scrubbing it off.  I did try to rub it off with the clean rag I used to gently clean the rest of the armature and commutator, but nothing changed.

So that is the story of the three armatures. 

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