Do electric motors need periodic cleaning internally?

[SEHunter]

I have a new motor and was just thinking about how the new flat surfaced brushes wear in to form to the curveature of the armature then wondered how much brush dust accumulates in there. Is it possible or even necessary to remove the covers and blow the motor out ever?

[gornoman]

It's possible, and it won't hurt it one bit. Might even help with heat dissipation. But, it's not a regular maintenance procedure as far as I know.

[Fishing Dude]

We blow our motors out at work when doing PM's checking brushes. The brushes in GC motors are more like a starter so not as easy. Whish they would put access covers in them like most motors.

[Stevegrmich]

Haven't removed a motor from a cart yet, but they seem pretty enclosed from outside junk . . . dust from brushes may accumulate in the armature grooves, but no one here has said it caused a motor to fail . . yet anyways . . .

[shadowman]

i don,t know that i would worry about yanking the motor to clean it......when i do pull one i always do clean them but never yank one for just that purpose.......................brake cleen is great for cleaning them when you do......i use it all the time not only cuts thur the heavy dust but dries real well and fast....................................

[Stevec3201]

Originally Posted by shadowman

i don,t know that i would worry about yanking the motor to clean it......when i do pull one i always do clean them but never yank one for just that purpose.......................brake cleen is great for cleaning them when you do......i use it all the time not only cuts thur the heavy dust but dries real well and fast....................................

Do you spray all the internal parts of the motor? I like brake clean too, works great on firearms as well.

[shadowman]

yes everything and it dosn,t hurt anything.............................

[SEHunter]

Are those rubber/plastic covers glued in? Im concerned about breaking any weather/water tight seal by removing them. Aside from that, there is nothing keeping me from trying it.

[sonicj]

not glued, but the plastic (bakelite?) insulators get brittle.

now is a good time to check the commutator & brushes. if the commutator is worn like in the photo, take to your local motor shop to have it turned down. light wear can be sanded out with 400grit sand paper. replace brushes if worn. check springs for discoloration (heating).

isopropyl alcohol in a spray bottle works nicely as a motor cleaner.

check rear bearing for smooth operation, no lateral or axial play.
-sj