AboutCharles C. Jones Expertise Let Me help you with your problems with single phase and three phase electric motors. I can tell you how to troubleshoot your motor problems. From simple testing of capacitors, how to test your windings, replacing bearings, and general maintance. Before we go any further, remember these words of advice: Disconnect the power before you do anything! Please limit your questions to electric motors and there immediate components. I review each question, and if I can answer or help, then I will. If you receive a rejection, it means it is out of my expertise, and just do not have the answer. I'll be waiting for your question, and see if I can help you. Thanks for using AllExperts!
Experience I have 30 years experience in the repair of electric motors and related equipment. I am a master machinist in the field of motor repair. I have been employed with my company for 27 years. When you ask your question, give me all the information you can about your problem. I have a lots more to add, but for the everyday do-it yourself kinda person, it might get to technical. So ask away, if I can't give you a good answer, I'll find someone who can
Expert: Charles C. Jones Date: 6/20/2008 Subject: MOTOR STARTING
Question I HAVE A BALDOR INDUSTRIAL SINGLE PHASE MOTOR RATED A 3HP, 3450 RPM, 60HZ, 28/14 AMPS. THE MOTOR IS ON AN AIR COMPRESSOR AND RUNS FINE UNTIL I PUT THE BELT ON THEN IT TURNS A FEW TIMES AND STOPS AND KICKS THE BREAKER. WHEN I FIRST INSTALLED THE MOTOR IT RAN ONE CYCLE UNTIL THE PRESSURE SWITCH CUT IT OFF. I DIDN'T MESS WITH IT UNTIL THE NEXT DAY AND IT STARTED THIS. PUT A NEW START CAPACITOR ON IT STILL NO GO. THIS IS A NEW FACTORY REBUILT MOTOR. WHAT NOW COACH?
Answer The first two questions I ask is, Does the compressor turn free? Is the line voltage the same as the motor is connected for?
"THE MOTOR IS ON AN AIR COMPRESSOR AND RUNS FINE UNTIL I PUT THE BELT ON THEN IT TURNS A FEW TIMES AND STOPS AND KICKS THE BREAKER." This makes me think you have a voltage problem. It seems from this that you have the motor connected for high voltage,(230} but line voltage is 115 volts. If voltage is correct, disconnect power, remove the two leads connected to the capacitor. (I am assuming it has only one capacitor) Place meter leads set to ohms on the two wires from the motor. You should read continuity between them. Slowly turn the shaft a few revolutions and make sure it continues to read. If there is no continuity or it comes and goes, then you will have to go further. Are you comfortable with disassembling of the motor? Let me know, and we will go from there.
