Electric Motor Help. > Do It Yourself

Posted: 10/14/2011 11:16:48 AM EDT

I have an electric motor from an air conditioner. I dont know how to wire it up right. When I get it to work I have to manually turn the shaft to get is started. And it gets pretty hot. Help?

http://i1204.photobucket.com/albums/bb406/jgloveracob/1014011453-1.jpg

It has 5 wires coming out.

http://i1204.photobucket.com/albums/bb406/jgloveracob/1014011453a.jpg

I cant understand the wiring diagram

http://i1204.photobucket.com/albums/bb406/jgloveracob/1014011453b.jpg
Specs.

So can you help me?

Posted: 10/14/2011 12:45:18 PM EDT

[#1]

Assuming that it is a 120V motor, I would do line 1 to neutral, and hot to either 3, 4, or 5 depending on the speed desired. If that's how you have it and it still won't start up, I'd suspect the starter capacitor.

Add I doubt that is from an air conditioner... looks like a swamp cooler motor to me.

Posted: 10/14/2011 3:51:55 PM EDT

[#2]

Quoted:
Assuming that it is a 120V motor, I would do line 1 to neutral, and hot to either 3, 4, or 5 depending on the speed desired. If that's how you have it and it still won't start up, I'd suspect the starter capacitor.

Add I doubt that is from an air conditioner... looks like a swamp cooler motor to me.

Yep thats how i had it. When I flipped the switch it would buzz, then I turned the shaft and then it ran fine. Anything I can do to fix the capacitor?

Posted: 10/14/2011 4:41:16 PM EDT

[#3]

You would have to replace the capacitor. Those motors are made to run inside boxes with lots of air and water to keep them cool. Without that, you probably can't load them down as much before they overheat.

Posted: 10/14/2011 4:48:47 PM EDT

[#4]

The cap rating should be on the motor plate. Unless you load the motor, it's lifespan is going to be very very short. It was designed as a blower motor, without drag from the blower wheel and air resistance, it's amp draw will be over specs.

Posted: 10/14/2011 6:17:50 PM EDT

[#5]

You should only run that motor with the fan attached. It needs to have air moving over to remove heat that builds up inside.

Posted: 10/15/2011 5:48:12 AM EDT

[#6]

Thanks for the help, sounds like I need to fine a different motor. I'm building a brass tumbler/ball mill. What else can I salvage a motor from?

Posted: 10/15/2011 8:06:44 AM EDT

[#7]

If it starts and runs after you spin the shaft the start capacitor, throw out switch, or start winding are not working.

Single phase induction motors need the phase shift from the start capacitor on the start winding to start moving.

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