Motor Maintenance

Motors, properly selected and installed, are capable of operating for many years with a reasonably small amount of maintenance.

Before servicing a motor and motor-operated equipment, disconnect the power supply from motors and accessories. 

Use safe working practices during servicing of the equipment.

Clean motor surfaces and ventilation openings periodically, preferably with a vacuum cleaner. 

Heavy accumulations of dust and lint will result in overheating and premature motor failure.

Lubrication Procedure

Motors 10 HP and smaller are usually lubricated at the factory to operate for long periods under normal service conditions without re-lubrication.

Excessive or too frequent lubrication may actually damage the motor.

Follow instructions furnished with the motor, usually on the nameplate or terminal box cover or on a separate instruction. 

If instructions are not available, re-lubricate according to the chart on the next page. 

Use high-quality ball bearing grease. Grease consistency should be suitable for or the motor’s insulation class. 

For Class B, F or H, use a medium consistency polyurea grease such as EXXON POLYREX® EM.

If the motor is equipped with lubrication fitting, clean the fitting tip, and apply grease gun. 

Use one to two full strokes on NEMA 215 frame and smaller motors. 

Use two to three strokes on NEMA 254 through NEMA 365 frame. 

Use three to four strokes on NEMA 404 frames and larger.

For motors that have grease drain plugs, remove the plugs and operate the motor for 20 minutes before replacing the plugs.

For motors equipped with slotted head grease screws, remove the screw and insert a two-inch to three-inch long grease string into each hole on motors in NEMA 215 frame and smaller.

Insert a three-inch to five-inch length on larger motors. For motors having grease drain plugs, remove the plug and operate the motor for 20 minutes before replacing the plugs.