I have a bunch of Leeson 5HP single phase motors and they seem to only last a few years before needing repairs. I have a local repair shop that I have been using for years but it’s getting pretty expensive ($400+). Seems like the parts would cost around $100-150, so I was wondering if anyone here repairs their own motors? If so, I could use some help figuring out the exact parts to buy. Stationary start switch, centrifugal switch, and bearings. This is for a Leeson 131537. Thanks!
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Anyone repair their own motors? (Start switches, bearings, etc)
- Thread starter Mchas
- Start date
Agree the bearings shouldn’t normally need to be changed, any idea what the exact part numbers for the start switches and start capacitors would be for a Leeson 131537? I spent a ton of time trying to find a parts diagram for it but couldn’t. I’d like to order the parts ahead of time so when I have the next motor fail I am ready to repair it quickly. Thanks for the help!
Thought about that, but I’d feel a bit bad since they’d lose business by telling me how to do the repairs myself. Could be an option though if I can’t figure it out otherwise.
If they're anything like the motor shops I deal with, they're so busy they don't mind still making money on the parts and not having to actually do the repairs. I'm sure they'd rather have some of your business rather than none. Especially if they know you're still going to bring them motors needing major repairs that you're not going to do.
Are you sure you have the right parts for your motor? Is there a burr or something on the shaft?
I’m pretty sure they are the right parts, they look identical to the old parts I took off of the old motor. Didn’t think to take pictures, but it looks like this. That black ring on the back is what broke on me twice. There was a small amount of rust on the shaft but I sanded it down pretty good. I assume this part is supposed to fit very snugly on the shaft just like the bearing?
Local shop charges ~$400+ for the repair. The switches cost around $100, the bearings around $40 (if needed). If I can figure out how to repair these myself I’ll save a few hundred each time which adds up. Not only that but the repair shop takes a few weeks to do the repairs (since they have to order the parts each time).
Fatboy769
Living the American Dream
When the local shop repairs the motors, do they replace the switch and bearings or just the switch? How long does it take to repair the motor and do they offer any type of warranty with the repair? Just curious what all is involved with their repair.
Sometimes they replace just the switch(es), sometimes they also replace the bearings, I guess just based on their judgement. If by “how long does it take” you mean actual labor time, I’m not sure, but I know they usually have it done a few weeks after I drop it off. After trying to repair one myself I think I could do it in an hour or two once I figure out how. Good question about warranty. Their repairs last long enough that I’ve never had to take one back soon after so I’m not sure what their official policy is. It’s just a local shop so I assume they’d work with me if I had an obvious issue.
Well I have 10 of these motors in use and each one seems to last about 2-3 years so it ends up being about one every few months needing repaired. In my experience the single phase motors just don’t last all that long. I have another location with three phase motors and those things go for 10-20+ years easily. If anyone knows of a single phase motor that will last a long time I’m all ears.
Kar B Kleen
Member
Easy fix. Buy a Baldor.
I have single phase motors on some air compressors and pro con pumps at least 20 of them and they have lasted 10 years plus. If there not all 10-20 years old then theres no reason for one to go bad every year or two. Check what wire gauge is feeding them. If that s good then buy a different brand. I never had a lesson motor but I can tell you they should last more than a year or two.
Dan kamsickas
GinSan Technician
How much is your time worth? You started this thread over six weeks ago and from what I see you still haven't gotten a working motor. Are you really saving anything trying to DIY? I respect the ambition but I see it all the time where someone is trying to save some money but don't factor in their time(and sometimes their mental well being) into the equation and when they start properly valuing their time they realize they're not saving anything. I'm not suggesting hiring someone else for every job, just pick your battles.
You are correct that single phase motors will not last nearly as long as 3 phase. How much would it cost to have 3 phase run into the site? Over the long haul it may very well be more cost efficient than hassling with motors all the time.