C2 Headlight Motor Diagnosis, Test, and Repair Process

[Richard M.]

Re: C2 Headlight Motor Diagnosis, Test, and Repair Process

Jerry,

Open the thermal breaker contacts and clean them with points file. Try it again. If no, Check for power at that breaker.

Wait... I think the lower brush copper ground braid is broken free from the case. Is it?

Rich

[Gerald C.]

Re: C2 Headlight Motor Diagnosis, Test, and Repair Process

yes, it's grounded. I'll try scraping the paint off in that spot to the bare metal. But they worked with the previous paint on.

[Richard M.]

Re: C2 Headlight Motor Diagnosis, Test, and Repair Process

Jery did you see my post #31?

[Gerald C.]

Re: C2 Headlight Motor Diagnosis, Test, and Repair Process

Rich,

I cleaned the points earlier. I don't believe that copper ground braid is broken, but I'll double check it later.
Thanks

[Gerald C.]

Re: C2 Headlight Motor Diagnosis, Test, and Repair Process

Both braided straps are intact.

[Richard M.]

Re: C2 Headlight Motor Diagnosis, Test, and Repair Process

Ok, It was hard to see but just wanted to be sure.

So, this is what I'd do. Connect power, ground to the motor. Use voltmeter to check both sides of breaker, then at positive brush braid.

Results will take to next step. But the motor shaft has to be centered to spin. Put it back in the open housing to test function.

Rich

[Gerald C.]

Re: C2 Headlight Motor Diagnosis, Test, and Repair Process

Rich,

Sorry, I don't know how to do that examination nor do I have a voltmeter.

[Richard M.]

Re: C2 Headlight Motor Diagnosis, Test, and Repair Process

Jerry, How about a test light?

But.... Are you trying to test it as pictured in post #28?

If so, yes all you'll get is a click when the field coil energizes the magnetic field. The click is the armature getting sucked into the magnet.

Mount the motor in the emply case and try power again.

Rich

[Richard M.]

Re: C2 Headlight Motor Diagnosis, Test, and Repair Process

Jerry I edited post# 38 so please check.

[Richard M.]

Re: C2 Headlight Motor Diagnosis, Test, and Repair Process

Jerry any update?

[Gerald C.]

Re: C2 Headlight Motor Diagnosis, Test, and Repair Process

Rich,
I haven't tried anything for the last few days as I'm getting the car ready to go to the restoration shop. I should be able to get to it today. What would be the procedure with the test light being used?

Thanks for your help.

[Richard M.]

Re: C2 Headlight Motor Diagnosis, Test, and Repair Process

Ground the clip lead end and put probe tip on the thermal breaker, before and after the contacts.

But you didn't answer my question. Is the motor mounted on the empty housing to test it?

Rich

[Gerald C.]

Re: C2 Headlight Motor Diagnosis, Test, and Repair Process

Rich,

The unit is back together and I cleaned the ground area of all paint. I put power to the unit and the motor spins, albeit not as loose as the other motor. So, I'll disassemble it later and regrease it. Thanks !

Jerry

[Richard M.]

Re: C2 Headlight Motor Diagnosis, Test, and Repair Process

Ok good. Leif mentioned grounds in post 30, as I did too later.

You may have to adjust the tension screw on both. I outline that in the earlier posts.

Keep in mind that no two motors will have identical motion unless several factors align the planets...

- Armature winding variations
- Field coil winding variations
- End play adjustments
- Gearbox misalignment
- Motor attachment screw torque
- Motor bushing(non-drive end) lack of lubrication
- Dirty Armature shafts
- Armature commutator wear and brush condition
- Main gear depth variations
- Gearbox internal wear
- Gear and motor shaft wear
- Conical washer height spec and configuration
- Housing cover screw torque
- Lack of lubrication or dried grease
- Moon phases

...and likely a dozen or so more.

Rich

[Mel S.]

Re: C2 Headlight Motor Diagnosis, Test, and Repair Process

Very interesting and informative. Now I can get all my motors out and start to trouble shoot them again. Good winter project since I live in the Adirondacks.
Mel