Two Toro leaf blowers, ran flawlessly for 30+ years. Within 2 weeks, both died. Turns out that the motors have brushes.

B.R.U.S.H.ES.

120 Vac, single speed . . . Is this 2022 or 1922? Anyway - anyone know where I should start to look for replacement brushes? I went through a few online appliance parts sites that have worked for me in the past, but no luck this time.

Thanks.

ak

 

Measure your old brushes and go to one of these to find ones that will fit. Brushes are kind of universal within their sizes.

https://www.superiorelectric.us/categories/replacement-carbon-brushes

https://www.graphitestore.com/Carbon-Brushes/Brushes

https://www.mcmaster.com/motor-brushes/

 

Duh! It's been so long since I used an industrial distributor that I forgot about them. Superior has one that is the closest to what I need. But -

More details. I have two identical units, but one has 1% of the runtime of the other. Yet with both motors open, the length of the brushes is almost identical. This leads me away from the brushes,

With a clip lead connecting the two brush wires, both units have perfect continuity. This rules out the on/off and safety interlock switches. I think the only thing left is the commutating pads on the armature. I'm sure that anything I have is too abrasive give them a proper shine, so my new question is -

What is the best way to restore commutating pads? My guess is a super fine abrasive followed by some kind of lubricant, but again I'm out of my depth here.

Thanks.

ak

 

Q-tip and IPA to clean off the carbon dust.... I was always told not to use abrasive but a pencil eraser to polish the copper.

 

We used a COM stone to bed in brushes and clean the com, Grainger has them I believe, not cheap, there should be other sources.
Also McMaster-Carr.
You use the stone as the motor is running.