How Do I Hook Up This Old Craftsman Motor

Quick Cal

Quick Cal

Registered
Registered
Joined
Jan 15, 2016
Messages
58
This is a old Craftsman 1/2 hp split phase motor. I'm electrically challenged.

Am I missing some wires.

Which one is hot.

Does it have to be grounded to make it run.

Can I change rotation if need be.

There's no data tag.

Thanks

20160211_215532[1].jpg 20160211_210553[1].jpg
 
Quick Cal said:
This is a old Craftsman 1/2 hp split phase motor. I'm electrically challenged.

Am I missing some wires.

Which one is hot.

Does it have to be grounded to make it run.

Can I change rotation if need be.

There's no data tag.

Thanks
Click to expand...
You aren't missing any wires. Connect the hot to the blue and the neutral to the yellow, but it doesn't actually make any difference which way you do it. It will run ungrounded but not safely. You cannot easily reverse it: you'd have to take it apart.

BTW that motor is not what I'd call old.
 
Well that is how I have it hooked up. And it's throwing a big spark for just a second when the starter switch, or what ever it's called inside the motor kicks in.

But if I kill the power, and power it back up again it will not spark unless the motor comes to a full stop. The it will spark again. Think it just needs cleaned, or do I have a problem.

BTW. That motor is from 1963. I thought it would be considered old,,,lol.

20160211_225939[1].jpg
 
You are correct, the centrifugal switch is sparking. Maybe a little contact cleaner. That's pretty normal in the older motors.
 
could be some rust on the centrifugal switch pivot pins, looks like the switch is taking longer to open than it should. take off the end cap, check the switch is operating freely and clean the contacts, and it will be fine.
 
Is this one of those motor that I would need a puller to get the end cap off?
 
no sir,
remove the motor from the cradle mount, make a couple alignment marks on the motor barrel/end cap interface for easy reassembly.
then, you'll take the nuts off of the studs that run longitudinally .
take a hammer and a small cold chisel and knock the endcap loose.
just be mindful that centrifugal switches can sometimes be delicate,
just don't go caveman and you'll be ok:)
with the endcap removed, you'll see the switch in all it's glory
inspection can then take place!
good luck, i'm happy to help out if you need further assistance.
 
Last edited:
Ulma Doctor said:
no sir,
remove the motor from the cradle mount, make a couple alignment marks on the motor barrel/end cap interface for easy reassembly.
then, you'll take the nuts off of the studs that run longitudinally .
take a hammer and a small cold chisel and knock the endcap loose.
just be mindful that centrifugal switches can sometimes be delicate,
just do't go caveman and you'll be ok:)
with the endcap removed, you'll see the switch in all it's glory
inspection can then take place!
good luck, i'm happy to help out if you need further assistance.
Click to expand...

Well if you're happy to help, that makes 2 of us happy,,,lol.

I'll give it a shot. Thanks.
 
I look like single voltage and was wire for a one direction made for fans
This not hard for me but odd are you need take motor to change the direction
Note the spark is the switch for the directional windings
Do you need to change the direction as one time or do need to change the direction some of the time.

Dave
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top