I don't have that brand tower but the solution is rather generic.
A cover for the motor can never hurt, but when you search for a replacement
motor, look for something that is rated for "wash-down service". This is
still not a "submersible" motor (!) but is rated for wet environments (think
farm machinery, food processing, etc., electric motors which are out in the
elements or or spray washed frequently).
Even a wash-down motor can have its problems....those little compartments
which contain the control relays, starter caps, etc., can leak, and should
be inspected periodically, gaskets replaced, also protected with a bead of
silicone caulk.
If your motor is exposed to a lot of blowing rain, ice melt, etc., take
steps to identify the source and protect the motor. Run the motor
frequently...lack of use is a definite no-no.
Change the oil in the gearbox once a year and inspect/lube pulleys,
bearings, etc..
A small amount of annual preventative maintenance will go a long way to
extending the life of your motor, but eventually they will all need
replacement.
Remember, the tower manufacturers don't build their own motors....they buy
them from electric motor suppliers, so if you look hard enough you will find
a suitable replacement and will not have to spend the big (marked up) bucks
by buying a replacement from the tower mfgr.
Hope this helps.
73
dan
k0dan
-----Original Message-----
From: Fred Hurd
Sent: December 12, 2011 06:12 PM
To: towertalk@contesting.com
Subject: [TowerTalk] Rain Water Getting Into TX-472 Motors
The motor unit installed on my TX-472 US Tower has been soaked internally by
rain water leaking into the motor housing resulting in motor rusting and
corrosion internally. Now the motor is drawing too much current to start up
and blowing the electrical source fuse. Contact with the motor manufacturer
reveals that these motors were not designed to be exposed constantly to
weather but used primarily with generators within weather protected housing.
I am curious if other TX Tower owners have experienced similar problems with
the motors being damaged by rain water. Has anyone found a replacement motor
that can survive heavy rain? Or is the only solution using a cover over the
motor?
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