Part 12

If there are no instructions, remember a little oil goes a long way as far as motors are concerned. Motors of less than one horsepower require only 3 or 4 drops (not squirts) of oil every 3 or 4 months if the motor is used frequently. Too much oil can damage the motor. It spoils the insulation.

If there are no oil holes or grease cups on the motor, it is probably lubricated by means of grease sealed in the bearings at the factory, or it may use greaseless bearings, and does not need to be oiled or greased periodically. Indicate on your chart all motors which need periodic care and see that it is given according to schedule.

Wipe away any excess oil or grease. Be sure oil holes are capped or covered.

Step 4. Reconnect motor and run for a moment.

Step 5. Record on the chart the date you serviced the motor and what was done.

What Did You Learn?

How many motors are there in your home? _____ On the farm? _____

How many motors need regular oiling or grease? ______

How many are less than one-horsepower? ______

SAE Oil _____ is used to oil motors up to 1/2 horsepower. How much oil?_____

SAE Oil______ is used for larger motors.

Demonstrations You Can Give

1. Show how to clean a small motor.

2. Explain proper lubrication of motors.

3. Using the chart prepared in this work sheet, give a talk about the motors that work for you-the job each one does, which ones need oil or grease, which need no attention, and why, etc.

4. Use a homemade toy motor to explain "what makes motors run."

5. Show proper way to replace worn cord on a small motor.

For Further Information

Ask your county Extension agent or 4-H leader for more literature on motors. They can help you obtain a film or a speaker such as a power supplier, a local electric dealer, or electrical contractor to discuss motors.

Also visit your public library and see a science teacher for more information on motors.

ELECTRIC MOTORS SERVICE CHART Sample

Use a table like the following to list the motors around your farm and home.

---------------------------------------------------------------------- Motor | Location |H.P.|Volt |Amp |Service |Date Serviced and Use | | | | |Needed |what was done ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Food | Kitchen |1/6 |120 |4.4 |Clean & Oil; |9/1-Cleaned Mixer | | | | |cord needs |w/cloth. Repair | | | | |repair |Oiled w/#10 Oil; | | | | | |repaired cord ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Tool | Farm |1/4 |120 |5.8 |Clear, oiling; |10/6-Cleaned Grinder | Shop | | | |Have switch |w/vacuum Oiled #10 | | | | |Have switch |oil. 10/20-Had | | | | |repaired |switch repaired ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Pump |Pump |1/3 |120 |7.2 |Oiling, |9/26-Cleaned |house | | | |cleaning |w/tire pump; | | | | | |oiled w/10 oil ----------------------------------------------------------------------

LESSON NO. B-7

Credit Points 4

READING THE ELECTRIC METER

There is no question but what electricity is one of the lowest cost services in the home and on the farm. A few pennies worth of electricity will provide the power to run machines that take the place of a man or of several men working all day. However, we all like to know what things cost.

Sometime you may have to decide between different methods--man, horse, gasoline engine or electric motor power. Then you'll want to know how to figure the cost of electricity, as well as the cost of the original equipment. First of all, you should know how to read an electric meter.