What is the proper way to lubricate electric motors used to drive commercial fans?

Question

The motors used to drive the ventilators in my business appear to be running hot. It has been almost 2 years, I would like to provide adequate maintenance by lubricating it properly. They are Dayton 1 1/2 and 3hp motors.

Answer 1

Modern ball bearing motors have lifetime lubricated bearings. They can not be lubricated. Motors used to have a "temp. Rise" rating on the nameplate to determine if they were running too hot. This is gone now, has been replaced with an "Ambient" rating. On your motor it is 104 deg. F. This is the hottest ambient air temp. the motor should be used in. It is not unusual for motors to run close to 200 deg. F. at full load.

If you are concerned have an electrician check the supply voltage and motor amps with a true RMS meter. The numbers should be within the manufacturers recommendations. Grainger has a Tech. Support line for this. Contact your local branch for the number.

Answer 2

No , I'd advise against it! Oils commonly found around the house, are lousy lubricants for a small electric motor, hence this is why 3in1 Oil was made. It is about a 10wt oil, has no detergents, doesn't get sticky like olive oil, or cooking oil, of any variety. ATF Type F, or Dextron 1,2, or 3 is a hydraulic oil, with some lubricating properties. You can also use Marvel Mystery Oil!

Answer 3

DonS answer is correct except don't just use anything handy



get the weight he said but buy a quart of synthetic.(Mobil 1)

oil it twice the first week. The synthetic won't gum up like the petrolium based anything handy type. BTW "3 in 1 oil" is the absolute worst,for motors.

Answer 4

Its the bearings that get lubricated, if they have grease nipples a couple pumps of grease, if they have an oil pot, small little spring loaded caps approx 1/4" in diameter lift them up and add a few drops of standard motor oil into the hole under them, 10w30 or whatever you have handy.

Answer 5

Years ago I built commercial fans and at that time the electric motors had lubrication fittings that could be used to apply grease.

If there are no fittings, they may be sealed and not need to be lubed.

Answer 6

its possible that the motors have sealed bearings. you might want to change them so that they have grease fittings and depending on the how often and how long the motors are use, you might have to give them a couple pumps of grease every week or once a month

Answer 7

one more thought i have is if the motors are running hot try turning them off and blow compressed air through them to try to remove built up dirt inside.

Answer 8

there should be grease Zerk's on both ends of them and you use a grease gun to inject grease into the bearings.



gun looks like this http://www.toolking.com/images/Products/BigM582DB.jpg

zerk looks like this

http://www.flickr.com/photos/mrettig/155022765/