Electric motor question....

[Dewey]

I have a Blower Motor that I use to help pull sawdust from my mill... For some reason out of the Blue it won't start on its own....  I have to hit the switch and give the blower a spin to get it to move... It takes a minute to get to speed but works fine once it gets going ??? Any Idea's ????

[deepsouth.us]

From what you've described it sounds like it could be the starting capacitor.

[Den-Den]

If this is a single phase motor, it is one of these:
* Starting capacitor
* Centrifugal starting switch (inside motor)

If this is a three phase motor, it is likely "single phasing" meaning that one of the connections is not getting power.

[jcbrotz]

If this is a single phase motor, it is one of these:
* Starting capacitor
* Centrifugal starting switch (inside motor)

If this is a three phase motor, it is likely "single phasing" meaning that one of the connections is not getting power.

What he said^^^

[Kbeitz]

You probity got sawdust between the starting points...

[Dewey]

Hmmmm...  All good points....  It had been unused for quite awhile and had sawdust piled around.....  I finally rigged up the hose overhead turned it on for a second and it worked... finished up with hose hook up and it didn't work.... so I guess I will pull of any covers I can and give it a good blow out and see what happens....
It is a single phase... If it is a capacitor is that something that is easily fixed... and if so where would I get parts ???? Maybe Grizzly ??

[sawmilllawyer]

You could get the capacitor(s) from an electrical supply warehouse, as long as it is the same rating. Had to replace one on my 3hp Rockwell shaper. Works great now. Cost was around $20.00. Andy

[deepsouth.us]

If it is the capacitor, it's an inexpensive fix. Pull it off and carry it to a local electric supply, or motor shop.

[Kbeitz]

If it is the capacitor, it's an inexpensive fix. Pull it off and carry it to a local electric supply, or motor shop.

Or E-bay.....

[ladylake]

 
Being unused for a while it's most likely the staring switch.  There are some points in it that you can sand with fine sandpaper to clean up any corrosion .   Steve