hanzo 9 Posted May 23, 2019 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
TurnipJF 9113 Posted May 23, 2019 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? 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Juggular 4914 Posted May 23, 2019 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. 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DK308 219 Posted May 23, 2019 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. 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hanzo 9 Posted May 24, 2019 I guess small sparks, maybe nothing to worry about? Untitled.m4v Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hanzo 9 Posted May 24, 2019 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. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Juggular 4914 Posted May 24, 2019 13 hours ago, hanzo said: I guess small sparks, maybe nothing to worry about? Yep, that much is nothing to worry about. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites