Amb 75 motor won't start

[paradroid1793]

I have an Amberola 75 motor that will not run, and when it does, I have to push the governor and it very slowly reaches top speed. It's also unable to run with the mandrel on. I've oiled the motor- so I'm confused what else could be the issue. Anyone know? Thanks

[JerryVan]

Will the governor turn freely? Does it have a bit of end play?

[outune]

I think Jerry is on the right track--- Looks like the governor shaft is dirty, and likely other parts as well- My thoughts:

1)Remove the governor, take the weight assembly off the shaft and thoroughly clean/polish the governor shaft so that the collar can slide easily as the weights expand.
2) Clean/polish the mandrel shaft and apply a light oil- Make sure the mandrel gear isn't binding.. After sliding the mandrel back on, make sure the collar on the right end, that holds it on the shaft, isn't binding the end of the mandrel.
3) Drop of oil on all end bearings on the motor gears.
4) Look at half nut when it engages the feed screw-- adjust so it lightly engages and isn't exerting too much pressure on the feed screw.

Edison springs are quite strong. Sometimes the spring is an issue with motor performance--but more often than not the issue turns out to be dirt and old grease that is gumming up the works somewhere.
A complete disassembly and cleaning will likely solve your problem.

Hope this helps-
Brad Abell

[Andersun]

Make sure the motor is all the way wound down before you remove the governor. I made that mistake 40 plus years ago....

[Phonolair]

After you service your governor. If you still have problems check the half nut and threaded rod for correct contact pressure and adjustment.
Larry C

[paradroid1793]

Thanks for the info. The governor is stuck and trying to turn it causes the weights to swell in. The tracking components have been confirmed working prior.

[FellowCollector]

All excellent suggestions to help you with this. It sounds like the culprit is with the governor or it is at least a contributor to the issue. This is what I would do. After ALL of the tension has been released from the main springs, slide the mandrel gear assembly (the part with the 4 mandrel balance springs) away from any contact with the governor and motor gear. This mandrel shaft gear assembly should rotate and slide easily on the mandrel shaft. If it does not then this could be part of your problem. Now, with the governor completely free of any contact with the drive train, rotate the governor by hand. It should rotate VERY easily and smoothly within the confines of the end bearings. Remove the governor. Clean the governor including the shaft (and lube the shaft and ends) and re-install the governor into its original and correct position between the end bearings. Slide the mandrel shaft gear assembly back into its contact position on the mandrel shaft. Install the mandrel onto the mandrel shaft assuring the balance springs are carefully inserted into their recessed areas on the mandrel. Tighten the mandrel shaft collar to allow just enough lateral movement of the mandrel. Apply a tiny bit of tension on the main springs and see how things work.

Doug