Not sure if I need a new motor - can someone please advise?

[Shari]

Hi,

A couple of months ago my Hoover DYN 9144DG  machine stopped working so I used this site to diagnose and replace worn carbon brushes (thanks!).  These brushes lasted only a couple of months, I assumed because they were 'compatible' parts rather than genuine ones, so I bought and fitted the genuine ones.  Since then the machine has failed to spin after washing and clothes are coming out soaking.  I've followed the diagnostic advice on this website and found a lot of sparking coming from the brushes (clear reflection onto a not too light floor) so I have pulled it all apart and found them to be in contact but worn in such a way to make me suspect the commutator (if that's the right word) is actually what is dodgy.   The commutator (?) is quite uneven as I run it around manually.  When doing this with a carbon brush in contact there are clear areas where it's causing the brushes to stick or jump.  I've tried to take a photo that shows the difference it's too big to post here so I've posted them on Pinterest! http://pin.it/rJmBQ2V

My question is, is it normal for this part to be uneven or will this require a full motor replacement?  It is a CESET MCC 61/64-148/CY12.  Or did I just get more dud brushes?

Any help greatly appreciated - this is not the time of year to have sodden clothes!!

Thanks

Shari

[Whitegoodshelp (Andy)]

The commutator should be very smooth. Check out my article here about sparking problems after fitting new carbon brushes which I've just slightly amended to be more informative about raised comm bars.

[Shari]

Hi Andy,

Thank you for your quick reply.  From the link and information you have provided, I'm definitely convinced now it's the commutator (a bit pleased with myself for getting the word right also...).  It is smooth in places then thickens up further in (the point where it is raised); has top to bottom evenness in some places then has a smoother middle section with what looks like areas untouched by the brushes at the top and bottom in other places.  Think I need to bite the bullet and buy a new motor until I can afford to upgrade to a much better machine!

Thank you for your help, wish me luck!

Kind Regards

Shari

[Shari]

So the new motor arrived this morning.  Took 5 minutes to fit and voila!!!  Currently running my 4th wash for today and it is like a brand new machine.  Ran the first wash with the back exposed and there was zero sparking that I could see - massive difference to the fireworks display from the other day!  It is so quiet, I now remember it being like that when it was fresh out the box but clearly got used to the grating and noise over time!  Spinning like a dream at 1400rpm and I genuinely don't think any more water could be extracted from clothes without having a combi-dryer!

So pleased with, and appreciative of the information on your website Andy.  Not only has it been really useful in saving me a lot of money, but I have managed to upskill myself a bit (and got to use my new drill set).

Thanks for the help!

Shari

ETA: oh, I meant to ask, is there anything I can do to maintain the surface of the commutator on this motor?  Or is it just wear and tear that can't be helped?

Edited October 6, 2016 by Shari

[Whitegoodshelp (Andy)]

Thanks Shari, and thanks for the update. It's always good to see a happy result. No the motor should just run unattended. The carbon brushes slowly wear over the years but only really damage the commutator when they are quite worn and not making good contact where they will create excessive sparking. The only thing you can do is to replace the brushes when about 70 - 80% worn. How long that will take though is anyone's guess because it depends on how the washing machine is used. Check them after a year to see how much they've worn down for an idea.

[Shari]

Great Andy, thanks for the advice, I will be sure to do that.

One final question, if I may?  Is it worth keeping the old motor for spares and repairs or just take it to the tip?

Regards

Shari

[Whitegoodshelp (Andy)]

Many motors are designed to be unrepairable these days and can even be welded together with no way of taking them apart. It sounds like the main bits of yours are no good though any way. You could take off the small tacho coil and magnet at the end though just in case.

[Shari]

Hi Andy,

Just noticed you had replied.  Thanks for the advice, and for all the other help.  Consider this a successful case closed!

Regards

Shari