Cleaning rotors and brushed

[Bill Baker]

I have an old Riverossi electric motor in which I need to clean the rotor. I'm undecided whether to use alcohol or LaBelle #107 oil.  Before I mess up anything I thought I would ask someone on this board for advice.  Will the Labelle oil coat the brushes and rotor preventing them from making contact, or should I use alcohol?

[Bill Baker]

Thanks, Hunt.  I'm on my way to my LHS.

[jsmvmd]

Dear Hunt,

How do you determine if these old motors are permanently magnetized and should not be disassembled?  I remember a discussion here a few years ago on that topic.

Best Wishes,

Jack

[Tim]

Jack

If it is an open frame motor it most certainly has an alnico magnet.

Removing the armature will open the circuit and reduce the flux level.

You can place a piece of steel or iron across the poles before you remove
the armature.  That will retain the field while the armature is removed.

The magnets in this type of motor are charged after assembly.

Can motors as currently used in model trains use ceramic magnets
which are charged before being inserted in the housing.

Removing the armature from one of these will do no harm.

Tim Anders
Souderton, PA

[Jim Banner]

Tim, what would happen to an open frame motor if you replaced the alnico magnet with a Neodymium one?  Would you get more torque for the same current?

Jim

[Tim]

Jim

Yes you would get more torque and a slower top speed.

It should also draw less current  for a given load.

Tim Anders
Souderton, PA

[jsmvmd]

Dear Tim,

Muchos Garcias for the info!  Much appreciated!

Dear Jim,

Found this in Wikipedia:

"Neodymium glass is becoming widely used in incandescent light bulbs, to provide a more "natural" light.

Neodymium glass has been patented for use in automobile rear-view mirrors, to reduce the glare at night."

Pretty neat, eh?

Nice talking to you fellers. I learn a bunch of stuff!

Best Wishes,

Jack