Electric Motors

[al_cam]

Unless the shower is very old or used lots and lots and lots, it is most likely that the motor has burned out causing the brushes to wear out.

If the commutator shows signs of burning I would forget the brushes and buy a new shower.

I speak from experience - you would not believe how many people insist on buying brushes for their lawnmowers, drills etc even when you tell them it is most likely burnt out. You usually see them back later looking for a new motor.

Worth trying to find suitable brushes at a local power tool repair place - at the very least they will have something that can be filed down.

[scotspine]

hey al_cam, ever work at compaq?

[RSoles]

Need to do a root cause analysis.
Obsolete pump. Pretty old eh?
Maybe the original brushes have been worn down to the
metal bit behind them at some stage.
That really wrecks the commutators. which will then chew your new handiwork...........chuck out....
RS (showing just how much drinking time I've wasted inside a washing machine)

[Troll]

Need to do a root cause analysis.
Obsolete pump. Pretty old eh?
Maybe the original brushes have been worn down to the
metal bit behind them at some stage.
That really wrecks the commutators. which will then chew your new handiwork...........chuck out....
RS (showing just how much drinking time I've wasted inside a washing machine)

Wot I do is disasemble motor, stick the central thingie in a pillar drill, use abrasive paper on the bit the brushes touch (commuter?) while rotating in the drill ,then clean up the slots in the bit the brushes touch with a needle file.
Fit new brushes

Worked on washing machine (2 years & going strong)

[Troll]

If the commutator shows signs of burning I would forget the brushes and buy a new shower.

Surely all commutator 's will show signs of burning from arcing?

[Churchill]

Especially if they touch the 3rd rail....

Hmmmmm, crispy!

[al_cam]

hey al_cam, ever work at compaq?

I couldn't possibly answer that question.

...I have PM'd you.

Note to self - don't post anything useful. Stick to drivel.

[al_cam]

Surely all commutator 's will show signs of burning from arcing?

Not really. A burnt out motor looks very burnt whereas a normal one looks pretty clean apart from a line around it where the brushes run.
That said, if the brushes are well worn out then arcing is greater so it could look a bit more burnt. I would look at the insulation between the segments - if this is shot then it will probably be burnt out.

I guess this is something of a black art and not worth the OP spending a few months in a repair shop to learn.

[al_cam]

I couldn't possibly answer that question.

...I have PM'd you.

Note to self - don't post anything useful. Stick to drivel.

sussed your true identity!

You have a very nice guitar (a Taylor IIRC) and live in the adjoining town to me.

Am I right?

Its a small world - drop me a line, would be good to catch up.

[scooterscot]

I couldn't possibly answer that question.

...I have PM'd you.

Note to self - don't post anything useful. Stick to drivel.

What compaq near the airport, inchinnan like? That's where I....