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VPI Classic motor question

I have a Classic with the 600 RPM motor. The table is 2.5 yrs old. The motor started making a swooshing sound on each rotation about a year ago which continued after lubricating it. The sound could only be heard with the ear to the pulley and the speed stability seemed fine with the SDS. I lubricated the motor again about two weeks ago, including removing the pulley and cleaning the shaft, and the swoosh continued. Today I started hearing a more frequent noise that sounds like a very low friction sound. Still very low, but what the hell?

Is there is anything I can do about it at this point? I don't think putting more oil into the motor after I just lubricated it will fix it. If the speed appears to be ok, should I just ignore it? The first time I heard the noise VPI did not offer any advice beyond lubricating the motor. Is replacing the motor the only way to take care of the problem perhaps?

Any advice and feedback would be appreciated.
actusreus
actusreus OP
733 posts
 
Davt,
The sound seems to be coming from the motor, and I re-powdered the belt when I lubricated the motor a few weeks ago. I replaced the belt a few months ago so it should be fine. However, I do admit it is difficult to test it as the pulley does not seem to spin without the belt on, only vibrates. But I will give it a try again.

Brf,
You might be onto something here. Yes, I removed the little brass collar as well, and did notice that the shaft can be moved up or down a few mm, and the collar holds it in position. I believe I pulled it all the way up and tried to fix it in that position by tightening the collar. From your experience, which position renders most silent results?
brf
1,715 posts
 
You need to experiment with the brass collar position. If you pulled the motor shaft all the way up and then fastened the brass collar, that is more than likely the source of your noise. Let the shaft fall the way down, and then pull it up ever so slightly and fastening the collar. Turn the motor on w/o the pulley and listen for noise. If the noise is still present, repeat the process with the motor shaft just a bit higher than previous.
dopogue
1,773 posts
 
I'd recommend contacting Mike at VPI.
andyprice44
133 posts
 
I had a similar problem. I talked to mike at VPI and he instructed be to pull the shaft upward and slide the brass collar down as far as it could go. While holding the shaft up and the collar is down, tighten the set screw. This should eliminate any vertical play in the shaft. Don't over lube the motor. Only 1 or 2 small drops of 40wt oil is needed. Let us know how it turns out.
actusreus OP
733 posts
 
Thanks guys. I don't think it's the collar position. I removed the pulley and the brass collar, and the plastic washer. (Btw, the washer should be on the bottom, under the brass collar right?) So only the shaft is spinning. The noise is still there. I suppose it's small particles of dust plus excess oil that possibly are responsible. I think I probably put too much oil at this point into the motor.

I'm trying to reach Mike, but I keep missing him.
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