[TowerTalk] Thrust Bearing Problem...maybe

[Larry R. Babb]

The capacitor is an excellant suggestion.  I had an older rotator that I
keep for Field Day, and took the bell off, greased it, cleaned it up,
etc, and it would not start.  (this is on the bench)..  Changed control
boxes and worked like new.  Problem is the starting capacitor, which is
located in the control box.  You need to know that these are AC motor
starting
capacitors.. not something that I had laying around the shack, and I
ordered mine from HyGain.
73  de larry
Barry Kutner wrote:

> On 24 Jul 98, Greg Clark <g.w.clark@cummins.com> wrote:
> >
> > I may be in a oinch here...not sure yet but I'm going to assume that
> I
> > am.
> >
> > I went to turn my 15/20 stack last night and noticed that the rotor
> was
> > not moving.  I had my daughter activate the brake and I could hear
> it
> > popping...so the wedge is working (T2X).  I then went up the tower
> and
> > had my helper attempt to turn the antennas, the rotor growled with
> no
> > antenna motion...I then grabbed the 20m boom and gave a big pull.
> The
> > antennas then took off.
> >
> > The problem seems to be some type of binding in the thrust bearing.
> As
> > the antennas rotated, I could feel a considerable catch....I'm
> assumming
> > in the bearing...that would momentarily bog the rotor down.  It
> would
> > then pop through the catch.
> >
> > Right now, the bottom antenna physically is sitting on the bearing
> > collar.  Maybe the race has been damage with all of the wind...I
> have no
> > idea.
> >
> > My next step will be to bump the bottom antenna off of the bearing
> and
> > loosen the bearing to see if it spins freely. If not.....what do I
> do?
> >
> > My option is to "build" some type of bearing in-place on the tower
> or
> > remove 2 large mono-banders plus a big mast.(which I would like to
> > avoid).
> >
> > Any suggestions??  I've heard of a wooden bearing....is that
> something I
> > could do??
> >
> > Any input would be appreciated.
> >
> > Greg
> > K9IG
> >
> Greg - Before you start replacing big stuff, check the motor starting
> capacitor in the control box (pins 4 and 8). If you have another
> control box in the shack, just take the 2 wires in the cable off pins
> 4/8 and connect across the cap. terminals in the other control box.
> Otherwise, replace the cap. and give it a try.
> GL/Barry
> --
> Barry Kutner, W2UP              Internet: w2up@mindspring.com
> Newtown, PA         FRC         alternate: barry@w2up.wells.com
>
> --
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