Maytag motor: oil bearings or leave it alone?

[dnastrau]

The motor in my '61 A700 does not look like it can be oiled. It works great and looks like new. It looks original to the machine too. Should I leave it alone or should it be disassebled and have the bearings/bushings oiled with turbine oil? I know some motors use an oil impregnated-type bronze bushing (called "oilite") but I don't know if these are like that. The motor has "Maytag" ink stamped on the side but was made by GE.

Thanks for any advice - and for putting up with all of my questions!

Andrew S.

 

[qsd-dan]

Do you have the round style motor? If so, yes. I disassemble, clean, file down the start switch contacts, lube the centrifugal clutch, and oil the spongy pads for the motors bushings with turbine oil. Always makes for a happy quiet motor.

 

[dnastrau]

Thanks Dan

Yes, it is a round case motor. I was hoping to "get away" with leaving it alone but I guess I had better service it now to ensure a longer life. I bought some turbine oil that I used on the pump so it can go to good use here too.

 

[goatfarmer]

I always say "if it ain't broke, don't fix it". A little PM can't hurt, as long as you can get it back together OK.

 

[dnastrau]

That was my original thought too, but it may be dry of oil b

When I take it off to change the carriage rollers I'll survey how difficult it looks to take apart. If it looks like a problem I may leave it alone. At least new motors are easy to get for this model.

The transmission is another item that I could get into, but since it isn't leaking and is nice and quiet I'll let that sleeping dog lay.

 

[qsd-dan]

Oh, before you take the motor apart, turn the motor shaft back and forth a few times to get a good feel how it reacts. This will help guide you to align the motor by slightly loosening/tightening the motor case rods and nuts once it's time for re-assembly. If the alignment is off, the motor shaft will be hard to turn or will be frozen in place. I also use a black marker on the casing and top/bottom halves so I can put the motor back together exactly like it left the factory.

 

[dnastrau]

Thanks Dan

...I appreciate the tip!

 

[combo52]

OILING WASHER & DRYER MOTORS

Great advice Dan I do think its worth trying add oil to older motors that are being put back into regular use. On the newer aluminum frame glued together Emerson motors [ in use since 1971 ] I will even drill holes in both ends into the felt wick area and add oil. I have saved many motors this way.

 

[qsd-dan]

I will even drill holes in both ends into the felt wick area and add oil.

Ahhhh, so that's the trick to sneak a little oil in the sealed motors. Is there a specific area to drill or just anywhere at the end caps? Thanks for that bit of advice.

 

[jetcone]

I found it makes a huge difference in

motor life. I broke down two of my Duomatic motors and you can hear the difference in the 3rd one I rushed into service.

Good reminder, must get that motor out and service it!

jet