kiffie2413

Hi all,
Just got my 2nd featherweight, and hubby and I are going thru cleaning things, changing out the rubber feet, oil pan pad, etc.
Hubby opened up the motor to check the brushes and clean the armature. He's gotten pretty good at cleaning, fixing, and even finding machines for me.

On these brushes, one of them looks ok, the other looks not so great..to me anyways.
What do those of you who are way more knowledgeable than I am think? The one on the bottom is the one that looks "bad" to me. I have no problems ordering a new set, I mainly am just trying to learn all I can about these machines.

Sorry for the double pics post, every pic I post lately posts double. From what I've seen, I'm not the only one it's happening to.
Thanks all,
Kif

Rodney

That bottom one looks badly eroded to me. I don't even know how that could happen. I'd replace it.
My understanding is the dual picture thing is a bug and they're working on it.
Rodney

crocee

It might run a bit longer with that brush but to be honest, mites are on a chickens rear and I'd order new ones.

Mrs. SewNSew

If it were me, I would order new ones but I would think you could use that for the time being.

kiffie2413

Thanks all. I did order new ones.
I also wondered about that bottom one, I've not seen any worn like that either.

Crocee, your reply cracked me up..and reminded me of some of my Nanny's (grandma) sayings.

Regards,
Kif

J Miller

Replace them. Keep the top one for an extra, but that bottom one is toast. If it wasn't a defective brush then something might be causing it's deterioration. I'd thoroughly clean the brush tube, the commutator and the brush spring and cap before replacing it. Might be a good idea to order a couple new brush caps too. Joe

kiffie2413

Thanks J. I ordered 2 brushes, and I also worried something's wrong making it wear that way. It came out of the bottom, by the way...does that give any hints??

J Miller

kiffie,

I don't think that's wear. It looks more like a chemical or electrical deterioration to me. Perhaps too much grease or oil ( some people oil them ) in the motor contaminated it. I've never seen one that looks like that.

Joe

kiffie2413

That's what I was afraid of. When I pulled it out, before I even began to clean it, I thought it really "felt" rough and well, "lumpy".
I know NEVER to put oil in the motor...and I have the specific grease that is used, when any is used.
After I wiped the brush down, it looks and feels corroded and pitted. The machine ran fine at demo, but of course it wasn't a marathon sewing session.
Sure hope the motor isn't compromised....
My hubby is getting pretty good with my machines, between the 2 of us, people here, and repair manuals/ reputable sites, we're learning.
I found this:

http://sewingmachine221sale.bizland....ore/motor.html

But some of it is beyond what I've done. On the other hand, how does one learn??.. by doing...and yes, some trial and error.. Just a bit harder when it's something not easily replaced.
Thanks again everyone for your help.
K

J Miller

I doubt seriously if the motor is compromised. If it were you would have noticed it during the test run. However I'll bet that after a good cleaning that motor will just come to live and you'll notice the difference.

Joe