Re: Frigikar air conditioning in my Packard

Posted by HH56 On 2014/5/26 15:22:07

I agree on the motor quality but unfortunately another sign of the times. If someone is handy with tools then taking apart the original is an option or if not handy, sending to a professional who can rebuild and paying their price is the other option. In this case I believe the quote was $300 which is a fair amount of change but maybe worth it if the motor is seen and on a decent original looking car. Replacing an exposed 12v is much easier because so many NOS or repros are still around. On the exposed 6v motors, it is a little more of a project. NOS 6v for most cars are getting all but extinct. If the motor is hidden inside an enclosure as was this case then a universal approach may be more cost effective. Even that has problems though because the modern universal types seem to be only available in a one size fits all configuration.

The one problem I have found on taking some of the motors apart is with the brushes on many of the small motors. The holder plate is riveted to the end case and with the field coils and armature having to go back in at the same time, without special tools it can be a real project to work against the springs and retract the brushes in the holders so the armature shaft can slide into the bearing.. I have seen more than one motor left in pieces because it didn't want to go back together.

I don't know if it is still recommended but at one time there were suggestions to drill a tiny hole centered in the end cap directly over the bearing. Using one of the needle type oil applicators you could then add a couple of drops of oil to rewet the bearing and felts. You did have to use caution though -- not drilling too aggressively and being careful to not drown the motor with oil.