[HAM] Alignment of Start Motor. Warning about exposed AC mains

[George Matthis]

Steve:

Bending the end plate ever so slightly is the solution I finally used after 
mounting and shifting the start motor numerous times.  I don't know if 
previous owners bumped it around enough to bend it or not but it works like 
a charm now.

Funny thing about that motor being hot.  I've had my hands all over it while 
the organ was plugged in and haven't gotten bitten once.  Maybe just dumb 
luck!

George

> START MOTOR
> US Hammonds:  There is assuredly 1/2 of the 110v feed present at the
> start motor if the organ is plugged into a live wall outlet.  The
> switch supplies the other 1/2 when engaged.  Exactly the same applies
> to the AO28 preamp, and run motor.  It can be proven in 3 minutes
> with an AC voltmeter.  Just remove the cover plate on the generator,
> find out for yourself.
>
> European Hammonds:  I don't have a clue.
>
> Alignment of start motor:  The start motor is mounted on the last
> plate of the generator "bin dividers".  Examination of the dividers
> shows they're simply stamped steel parts and CAN FLEX.  I don't have
> the incentive to go put a micrometer on one right now, but they're thin.
>
> Removing/re-installing the generator can easily - with one decent
> bump - bend this end plate, and have an effect on the alignment of
> the motor gear to the generator start gear.  In my old days, I've
> repaired this problem about 2 dozen times.  It's quite easy to
> fix.  It also taught me a powerful lesson.
>
> Determine the axis that the start motor is skewed.  Ie; does it
> "almost" engage, but not quite, because the shaft is slightly towards
> the front or rear of the generator?  Once this is determined, remove
> the start motor.  Spend 3 minutes thinking about which way the plate
> needs to go to regain proper alignment.  Use a pair of pliers and
> gently bend the generator plate as required.  Reinstall the start
> motor.  If you did a correct job of bending (and it only requires a
> very little bit of bending, usually only a few thousandths of an
> inch), the start motor should engage properly.
>
> The problem is usually caused initially by allowing the start motor
> to bang against the interior of the Hammond.  This can be during
> generator removal, failure to lock down the generator, or a hand
> applying force to the start motor.
>
> The lesson I learned was to have TWO people remove and reinstall the
> generator, keeping the start motor far, far away from anything
> against which it could hit.
>
> Steve
>