Replacement Motor for 1977 Norge Wards Burpilator

[robinbird]

Thanks for the info, very good observations and diagnosis. Good idea about checking the amp draw. I wouldn't have thought of doing that. It does look like bearing failure was most likely the cause. My only doubt comes from the fact that, during disassembly, I had to rotate the shaft and rotor and it did rub against the stator a little. But I doubt it would have left as much wear as it has. I would not have thought it had a bad bearing before I disassembled it. The shaft spun freely and there was very little play. That is definitely felt from the bearing on the wire (excellent observation).
.
The new motor was just delivered and I have a question. The terminals on the new motor are labeled the same as the old but in a different configuration. The 1-5 terminals are clear but it's the terminals that are labeled "P" that I'm unsure about. Does it matter which P wire goes on which P terminal?

 

[combo52]

Connecting Wiring To The New Motor

It does not matter which P wire goes on each P terminal, just put one on each.

 

 Any Bearing play or side to side looseness in a motor like this and its done, a little shaft end-play usually does not hurt but if you can feel any side to side wear you will be lucky if it works at all and it usually will not last long.

 

How did you take the old motor apart ? as these are welded together.

 

John L.

 

[robinbird]

Combo52, thanks for the help. Yeah, there sure isn't much clearance between the rotor and stator... any amount of play and they are likely to hit. As you know, the two halves are welded together with what looks like a spot weld but is most likely a plug weld (hole and weld). I drilled the welds out with a 1/2" bit. Had to pry up a little on each to make sure it was free. Thanks again for the help on the wiring. I'm planning on doing the install in about an hour. I'll post back here withthe results later.

 

[robinbird]

Success!
A big THANK YOU to EVERYONE for the help. Special mention goes to Repairguy... not only for talking me into buying the correct motor but leading me to it in the first place. I would not have found it without your help. Like you said... it looks like the motor was never used.

Robin

 

[chaskelljr2]

@ Robinbird:

So, that means your Norge/Montgomery Wards Signature washer is back up and is working again?

If so, congratulations.

—Charles—

 

[eronie]

Pix please!

 

[repairguy]

Congrats! Glad to hear you have this great vintage washer back in operation again. I agree that some good pics of the machine are in order.

 

[turbokinetic]

Glad you got it going! 

 

[rp2813]

Congratulations!

AW to the rescue yet again!  I've lost count of success stories like this!

 

Even though I'm not a Norge/Wards fan, I'm still on board with saving a viable machine that has performed well for decades.   Your washer can outperform anything on the market today, including the exalted Speed Queens.

 

[robinbird]

Yes, the machine is working fine. I took one brief video last night of it working. I'll do a better one next time I do a batch of clothes. 43 years of continuous use and it's still going. I almost decided to buy a new machine but I'm glad I didn't. Some of the new stuff seems poorly made.

Robin

 

[washerlover]

1/2 HP vs 3/4 HP?

Thanks, John L., for enlightening me on the motor size for Norge/Wards.  I didn’t think one could just swap out a higher with a lower HP motor and the machine will still work fine?  Did Norge manufacture 1/2 HP motors — I only thought they made 3/4 HP..?

 

[combo52]

1/2 Vs 3/4 HP Motors

Norge only used 1/2 HP motors on their large washers from about 1964 till sometime in the 70s when they started calling the same size washer 20 pound capacity.

 

When Norge came out with their big washer they called it a 15# machine, then soon the called it a 16# capacity, then it jumped to 18#s. 

 

Several washer makers in the US were in a capacity race and I guess that NORGE was going to win when they again relabeled their  washer again this time jumping from 18 to 20 pounds. The washer was so over stuffed with 20 pounds of clothing that motor would overheat and trip the overload with that much in it. So they they actually had to put a 3/4 HP motor in the machine to get a UL approval.

 

Hi Todd, but in answer to your question some 1/2 HP motors are interchangeable with the 3/4 HP motors, it depends on the age of the washer and motor as they changed their wiring a little over the span of these washers. And the 1/2 HP motor will work just fine and draw less power and you will have less likelihood of burned up timer and pressure switch contacts [ unless you want to try stuffing 20 pounds of clothing in your washer ] LOL

 

John L.

 

[rp2813]

Wow, I know from first hand experience that Norges are loud, but that beast is hella LOUD!

 

[robinbird]

It's not in that bad of condition considering it's been used for 43 years. Some of the woodgrain finish is flaking off and there's a little chip in the porcelain enamel top but other than that not too bad.

 

[DADoES]

 
I always found Wards mid- and top-of-line machines to be handsome units, and the TOLs had tons of buttons ... but I never could get a grip on how they figured so many cycles, LOL.