Motor capacitor value

I'd say within 10%. Don't think there's any particular reason for it to be more accurate than that.

Does it still run if you give it a spin, then plug it in? (It needs to coast down long enough for you to get your hand out of there, obviously.. do this carefully..)

Tim

-- Seven Transistor Labs, LLC Electrical Engineering Consultation and Contract Design Website:

use a flimsy stick not your hand. Plug in and poke it.

NT

Yes. Before I dismantled the motor I pushed the blade around with a long stick. It soon picked up and rotated at full speed. Now it works without "assistance", but there are some clonking noises coming from the motor when it starts.

They're not hugely critical, and there's no guarantee that as the manufacturer optimized the thing for price and profit that they may have inadvertently optimized it for longevity, efficiency, an good performance as well.

If it's a run cap it might be more critical -- and I could see how a lawnmower might want a run cap and not just a start cap.

I'm sure you are right that it's a run cap. I couldn't see anything externally or internally which would disconnect it after the motor started. FYI, the motor label shows: Ningbo Racing/Hujiang Electric 1116000

The capacitor is only a couple of cm from the motor and gets very hot after an hour of mowing. It is rated at 85 deg C. It needs to be!

This has the smell of insufficient AC current rating for the capacitor.

Using a starter capacitor for run cap?

Usually start caps have a high uF and lower voltage rating due to the fact they are switched out of circuit after speed has been achieved. From the voltage rating alone that is a run cap and as stated there is no switching gear in the motor.

Does the motor bearing need lubrication?

I found out, *after* I had junked an oscillating fan (but kept the motor pieces!) that all it had needed was some lube on the bearings.

Michael

It may not have been designed for being used that long -- if you have room, get some air circulation in there, or at least mount the cap away from the motor. That'll keep things cooler and make things live longer.

It wasn't the motor bearing which needed lubrication, but (apparently) the motor safety brake. See photo at

I've been considering that. The motor and capacitor are covered by an unventilated thick plastic shroud - the only air circulation is that forced by the motor fan. A small hole - maybe 5mm or so - in the shroud above the capacitor might help. But I've also got to consider this is a lawnmower and I've found a few bits of grass inside the shroud anyway. A hole might allow even more in, and wet grass and 230V connectors don't make good company!