DC Electrical problem?

[SteveR]

I have a older KUFO 1HP DC, but low usage on it. It is not working all of the sudden. Ran great....no smoke ever, and just tried to turn it on and nothing at all. I am clueless as to electrical motors workings.

I checked the circuit breaker, it is fine (have a light plugged in on same ext. cord to be sure). FYI: When it worked, it is one of those type of motors that when turned on there is a click sound and when turned off the click sound again (also, it would sometimes hum for a second before it would click on, but has not happened too often recently). I am guessing this sound is something to do with the capacitor? When I turn the switch on..nothing, no hum..nothing. The capacitor looks okay I think. I tested the switch with a meter on the ohm setting (not sure if this is correct)...I think this is called continuity testing?.anyway when off...no reading..when switched on the needle moves to the other side. So I am assuming the switch is okay? How do I determine if the capacitor is bad? Or what do I check now? I have attached some pics as they may be of some help maybe.

Thanks for any help
Steve

[JR]

You tested the switch properly and have the terminoligy correct. So far, so good.

There's no easy test for a capacitor. They'll look good, then look bad, all in the same reading. It's likely to be a faulty capacitor, though. I'd test the motor to make sure that's not the problem, then replace the cap.

To test the motor you do the continuity test you did for the switch. This time, though find remove the output leads from the switch, then measure for continuity accross those two leads. If there is any continuity, the motor windings are intact and there is not problem with it. If there is no continuity the winding has broken and you need a new motor.

Good luck,
JR

[SteveR]

To test the motor you do the continuity test you did for the switch. This time, though find remove the output leads from the switch, then measure for continuity accross those two leads. If there is any continuity, the motor windings are intact and there is not problem with it. If there is no continuity the winding has broken and you need a new motor.

Thankyou JR for the detailed "how to" response!
I performed the last test and the motor must be okay (wheww). Just need to find a new capacitor now, and hope someone local has them in stock.

Steve