Oiling a Small Motor

Electrical & Electronic Engineering gen discussion Electric Motors & Generators
#1

SOURCE
https://www.eng-tips.com/viewthread.cfm?qid=456031
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QUESTION
There is hole on this old electric motor Should I use oil or grease for it?

ElectricMotor
ElectricMotor1150×1783 137 KB

REPLIES

waross
Can you open the motor and determine what type of bearing?
What does it have on the drive end?

In the absence of other information I would guess one drop of oil.

It may be a graphite impregnated bronze bearing in which case a drop of oil will extend the life of the bearing.

The solution to bearing failure in these small motors is replacement of the entire motor.

(@WaRoss)

#2

I would disassemble the motor; that might not be an oil hole at all.

There exists the possibility that the hole is intended for insertion of a paper clip to keep the brushes off the commutator during assembly. It’s a common feature on alternators.

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