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Extractor Fan Lubrication.

Would you lubricate a fan motor this way?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Asf3C_LflFs


Z.
  • WD40 is NOT a suitable lubricant for this application. WD40 is a very thin short term lubricant that will evaporate in hours. WD40 is more of a water displacement and cleaning liquid.  A thin mineral oil or synthetic motor oil would be better.


    Z.
  • This person has dismantled the motor to lubricate the bearings. The bearings are just a phosphor bronze sleeve with no balls or rollers. The light oil is good. A light mineral or synthetic machine oil is best. Some bearings have oil retaining felt pads to retain oil and slowly release it to the bearing, so quire a lot of oil will be absorbed by the felt pads when re-oiling them. This regular lubrication will be dependent on motor use and temperature of operation, but annually is good as the mineral oil can evaporate or dry out over time. If lubricated regularly a motor can last for many years.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hNzsJk_bQKY


    The use of pliers on nuts is NOT recommended as it can damage them. The use of the correct sized spanner or socket is better. Do not overtighten the nuts.


    Z.


  • Zoomup:

    This person has dismantled the motor to lubricate the bearings. The bearings are just a phosphor bronze sleeve with no balls or rollers. The light oil is good. A light mineral or synthetic machine oil is best. Some bearings have oil retaining felt pads to retain oil and slowly release it to the bearing, so quire a lot of oil will be absorbed by the felt pads when re-oiling them. This regular lubrication will be dependent on motor use and temperature of operation, but annually is good as the mineral oil can evaporate or dry out over time. If lubricated regularly a motor can last for many years.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hNzsJk_bQKY


    The use of pliers on nuts is NOT recommended as it can damage them. The use of the correct sized spanner or socket is better. Do not overtighten the nuts.


    Z.

     




    Sad to say but another idiots guide from the master. I used to not be an injineer, now I is one. 


    Jaymack

  • A squirt of WD40 every few years has kept the fan going on my boiler for over twenty five years, including an emergency application from a borrowed can at eleven o'clock one evening after it stopped working.


    Andy B.
  • Tribology Network

    https://communities.theiet.org/communities/home/69

  • Sparkingchip:

    A squirt of WD40 every few years has kept the fan going on my boiler for over twenty five years, including an emergency application from a borrowed can at eleven o'clock one evening after it stopped working.


    Andy B.




    Possibly the WD40 just thinned any existing dried out oil or grease and made it serviceable again.


    My can of WD40 states that it: Stops squeaks, Drives out moisture, Cleans and protects, Loosens rusted parts and frees sticky mechanisms. It is definitely a very thin penetrating liquid. The label does not mention lubrication at all.




    Z.


  • Jaymack:




    Zoomup:

    This person has dismantled the motor to lubricate the bearings. The bearings are just a phosphor bronze sleeve with no balls or rollers. The light oil is good. A light mineral or synthetic machine oil is best. Some bearings have oil retaining felt pads to retain oil and slowly release it to the bearing, so quire a lot of oil will be absorbed by the felt pads when re-oiling them. This regular lubrication will be dependent on motor use and temperature of operation, but annually is good as the mineral oil can evaporate or dry out over time. If lubricated regularly a motor can last for many years.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hNzsJk_bQKY


    The use of pliers on nuts is NOT recommended as it can damage them. The use of the correct sized spanner or socket is better. Do not overtighten the nuts.


    Z.

     




    Sad to say but another idiots guide from the master. I used to not be an injineer, now I is one. 


    Jaymack


     




    Jaymack,

                    my comments are aimed at students and those who may not be "hands on" in their work. The subject shows how maintenance can extend the life of electrical motors in this modern throw away world. Some readers may be unfamiliar with correct procedures, so to assist them the correct ways can be indicated. My posts are meant to be educational, helpful and fun. Using pliers on nuts can round off the corners which is not good. 


    Z.

  • Former Community Member
    0 Former Community Member
    "Tribology" from the greek word Tribo, the science of rubbing, well that puts anyone's mind in overdrive.


    Rob

  • R.Davies BSc(UMIST) AMIMechE CIEH:

    "Tribology" from the greek word Tribo, the science of rubbing, well that puts anyone's mind in overdrive.


    Rob




    Reminds me of the old joke: Person 1:"Do you smoke after (a certain intimate dual person physical activity)?"


    Person 2. "I don't know, I've never looked."


    Z.


     


  • Zoomup:




    Sparkingchip:

    A squirt of WD40 every few years has kept the fan going on my boiler for over twenty five years, including an emergency application from a borrowed can at eleven o'clock one evening after it stopped working.


    Andy B.




    Possibly the WD40 just thinned any existing dried out oil or grease and made it serviceable again.


    My can of WD40 states that it: Stops squeaks, Drives out moisture, Cleans and protects, Loosens rusted parts and frees sticky mechanisms. It is definitely a very thin penetrating liquid. The label does not mention lubrication at all.




    Z.


     




     

    A needle point on nylon, a bearing, but not as you know it.