Electric motor experts?
 

Someone here must know something about electric motors so here we go.

I have an old fashioned V twin two cylinder jacuzzi air compressor, belt driven with a 2 hp Doerr 1 phase 110v or 220v 2 capacitor (start &run). The Motor is made for continuous running. It doesn't shut off while using the compressor.
I have it set up in the 220volt mode.

I was running the compressor the other day and I heard the motor quit... and then moments later a loud pop. The 'run' capacitor had blown up with oil going everywhere.
I put another capacitor on the motor and the motor sounds awful; it turns, but sounds like it is drawing way too much current like it is fighting itself internally. I can only turn it on for a moment at a time or it sounds like somthing bad will happen. Oh; I took the belt off so it is just the motor turning itself; I can also spin the motor by hand freely.
I took apart the motor and can see nothing wrong; no obvious overheating, no frayed wires; no burnt smell; in fact it looked like new. I cleaned two small electric contact points that are operated by some kind of centrifical govener. Put it back together and still no change; just that awful sound & strain of too much current draw.
How do I go about seeing what is wrong with this motor; or does it sound like it is trash now?:confused:

The start capacitor and/or the centrifugal switch may also be bad. A way to test is to turn the motor on and quickly spin the shaft in the direction of normal operation. Do this quickly after turning it on to prevent the windings from overheating. If it takes off and runs normally, then try replacing the start capacitor first. What that switch does is energize a seperate circuit for giving the motor the extra push needed to start under load. The rotational force disconnects the circuit once the motor reaches operating speed. If this is bad, it will just hum and maybe turn slowly trying to run. When the run cap blew, the strain of trying to start the motor could have taken out the start cap also. It is a good idea to always replace them both when one goes out. Good luck, hope this helps, John.

I hate to mention it, but I need to ask: did you check that the capacitor you put on is the same size/type/farad rating/voltage rating of the one you removed ? those things are tuned for voltage and frequency.

If you have no other options, I know they sell electric motors of various sizes and HP's at Harbor Freight and Tractor Supply (I always wanted to buy one just to spin things with =)


-John

Hey you guys; Thanks for the help.
I put a new capacitor on that sucker and now the motor is like new!:D

I just love small miracles.