Searching around my abode for some light lubricant for a small DC motor I
happened to spot a small unused aerosol can of Mobil 1. The motor itself
isn't binding but the long metal shaft is. There's three speeds. At the
lowest speed setting the shaft doesn't want to turn. The end of the shaft
simply inserts into a mating plastic hole which is integral to the plastic
housing.
Mobil 1 or what would you suggest?

"mark_digital©" <976-XXX@comcastnot.com> wrote in message
news:rJadnUcIxO1edVnYnZ2dnUVZ_uSgnZ2d@comcast.com. ..
> Searching around my abode for some light lubricant for a small DC motor I
> happened to spot a small unused aerosol can of Mobil 1. The motor itself
> isn't binding but the long metal shaft is. There's three speeds. At the
> lowest speed setting the shaft doesn't want to turn. The end of the shaft
> simply inserts into a mating plastic hole which is integral to the plastic
> housing.
> Mobil 1 or what would you suggest?
>

If the shaft is binding in the plastic collar, a dab of automatic
transmission fluid or silicone spray would be friendlier to the plastic than
motor oil or petroleum-based oil. You can also try removing the shaft from
the plastic and using a fine steel wool or 1000 grit sandpaper on the metal
shaft and cleaning the shaft thoroughly before re-installing it in the hole.

If the motor binds even when it is not in the plastic hole, check the
condition of the motor brushes and springs or try WD-40 on the motor itself,
avoiding getting it on the plastic.
--

Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)

"Ray O" <rokigawaATtristarassociatesDOTcom> wrote in message
news:7a57d$45c4f0bf$47c2b532$7812@msgid.meganewsse rvers.com...
>
> "mark_digital©" <976-XXX@comcastnot.com> wrote in message
> news:rJadnUcIxO1edVnYnZ2dnUVZ_uSgnZ2d@comcast.com. ..
>> Searching around my abode for some light lubricant for a small DC motor I
>> happened to spot a small unused aerosol can of Mobil 1. The motor itself
>> isn't binding but the long metal shaft is. There's three speeds. At the
>> lowest speed setting the shaft doesn't want to turn. The end of the shaft
>> simply inserts into a mating plastic hole which is integral to the
>> plastic housing.
>> Mobil 1 or what would you suggest?
>>
>
> If the shaft is binding in the plastic collar, a dab of automatic
> transmission fluid or silicone spray would be friendlier to the plastic
> than motor oil or petroleum-based oil. You can also try removing the
> shaft from the plastic and using a fine steel wool or 1000 grit sandpaper
> on the metal shaft and cleaning the shaft thoroughly before re-installing
> it in the hole.
>
> If the motor binds even when it is not in the plastic hole, check the
> condition of the motor brushes and springs or try WD-40 on the motor
> itself, avoiding getting it on the plastic.
> --
>
> Ray O
> (correct punctuation to reply)
>

Will do. Thanks. The shaft is a elongated squirrel cage type blower which
will normally turn effortlessly with a simple brush of my finger. Low speed
consumes about 25 watts AC all told between motor and circuitry. I wanted to
avoid taking the whole unit apart but if a drop of transmission fluid will
do the trick I don't mind.

"mark_digital©" <976-XXX@comcastnot.com> wrote in message
newsYWdnRTOsNOymFjYnZ2dnUVZ_tOmnZ2d@comcast.com. ..
>
> "Ray O" <rokigawaATtristarassociatesDOTcom> wrote in message
> news:7a57d$45c4f0bf$47c2b532$7812@msgid.meganewsse rvers.com...
>>
>> "mark_digital©" <976-XXX@comcastnot.com> wrote in message
>> news:rJadnUcIxO1edVnYnZ2dnUVZ_uSgnZ2d@comcast.com. ..
>>> Searching around my abode for some light lubricant for a small DC motor
>>> I happened to spot a small unused aerosol can of Mobil 1. The motor
>>> itself isn't binding but the long metal shaft is. There's three speeds.
>>> At the lowest speed setting the shaft doesn't want to turn. The end of
>>> the shaft simply inserts into a mating plastic hole which is integral to
>>> the plastic housing.
>>> Mobil 1 or what would you suggest?
>>>
>>
>> If the shaft is binding in the plastic collar, a dab of automatic
>> transmission fluid or silicone spray would be friendlier to the plastic
>> than motor oil or petroleum-based oil. You can also try removing the
>> shaft from the plastic and using a fine steel wool or 1000 grit sandpaper
>> on the metal shaft and cleaning the shaft thoroughly before re-installing
>> it in the hole.
>>
>> If the motor binds even when it is not in the plastic hole, check the
>> condition of the motor brushes and springs or try WD-40 on the motor
>> itself, avoiding getting it on the plastic.
>> --
>>
>> Ray O
>> (correct punctuation to reply)
>>
>
> Will do. Thanks. The shaft is a elongated squirrel cage type blower which
> will normally turn effortlessly with a simple brush of my finger. Low
> speed consumes about 25 watts AC all told between motor and circuitry. I
> wanted to avoid taking the whole unit apart but if a drop of transmission
> fluid will do the trick I don't mind.

ATF is friendly to plastic and rubber. Use an old-fashioned oil can or a
syringe or eye dropper to apply the ATF.

Good luck!
--

Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)