Jump to content
hanzo

Brushed motors and 'sparks'

Recommended Posts

When I look in the motor on the bench I can see yellow sparks when its running (forward and backwards).

Some people mention that if there are sparks either:

  • motor has not been ‘run in’
  • brushes have worn out (replace brushes)
  • motor is dirty - run it in water to clean (?)
  • motor has debris inside - unassemble/clean/reassemble 

What is the general consensus on sparks being emitted from a brushed motor while it’s running?

Personally, I don’t see any issue.  It’s only a backyard runner and motor has low runtime. 

I guess as long as the sparks are not flying out of the motor or any smoke, it should be alright.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

A degree of sparking is normal. If the sparks are small, there may not be any issue at all. Any chance of posting a video?

  • Like 1

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Yes, small sparks are fine. 

You could put in in water and run it for a minute. (preferably between 4V - 6V)  

Debris can get caught between commutator contacts.  If that's the case, cleaning can help.  

 

  • Like 1
  • Thanks 1

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
3 hours ago, Juggular said:

Yes, small sparks are fine. 

You could put in in water and run it for a minute. (preferably between 4V - 6V)  

Debris can get caught between commutator contacts.  If that's the case, cleaning can help.  

 

This is good advice. A good cleaning in water is a great thing. There are several ways to do it. Personally, I have found that I get a better result by running it for a longer period in water slowly, than fast for a short time. I have made a "cleaning-pack" which is essentially a 3 cell nimh pack with 5000mah and motor leads soldered on rather than a battery connector.

Then I run it in demineralized.water for 20 minutes. 

Then I run it dry, spray motor cleaner into the running motor. Then when that has "gone through" the motor, I wipe it clean and oil the bearings. The step of running the motor while spraying it with cleaner I find to be very good for getting the last gunk out that was loosened by the water.

  • Like 1
  • Thanks 1

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
8 hours ago, Juggular said:

Yes, small sparks are fine. 

You could put in in water and run it for a minute. (preferably between 4V - 6V)  

Debris can get caught between commutator contacts.  If that's the case, cleaning can help.  

 

4 hours ago, DK308 said:

This is good advice. A good cleaning in water is a great thing. There are several ways to do it. Personally, I have found that I get a better result by running it for a longer period in water slowly, than fast for a short time. I have made a "cleaning-pack" which is essentially a 3 cell nimh pack with 5000mah and motor leads soldered on rather than a battery connector.

Then I run it in demineralized.water for 20 minutes. 

Then I run it dry, spray motor cleaner into the running motor. Then when that has "gone through" the motor, I wipe it clean and oil the bearings. The step of running the motor while spraying it with cleaner I find to be very good for getting the last gunk out that was loosened by the water.

Thank guys.  Great advise and something I can follow going forward.

  • Like 1

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
13 hours ago, hanzo said:

I guess small sparks, maybe nothing to worry about?

Yep, that much is nothing to worry about.  

 

  • Thanks 1

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

×
×
  • Create New...