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Cleaning out a Linn motor

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Posted on July 20, 2024 at 03:09:39
JonM
Audiophile

Posts: 308
Joined: December 29, 2000
 My 40+ year old Linn Sondek motor may need a good cleaning. (If I run a toothpick around the top of the motor shaft, the tip of the toothpick comes out with black crud on it.)

This is one of the older ones, with the spring loaded ball bearing in the little cup at the bottom of the motor. The motor runs, and if I get that ball bearing set right, it's pretty quiet. I'd like to keep it running, so I'm thinking a good cleaning will extend its life.

Is there a safe way to thoroughly clean/degrease the motor, before relubricating it? I was thinking of something like soaking it in naptha to get all the old oil and grease out, but I don't know if that will damage the windings. Any suggestions?

 

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"and if I get that ball bearing set right,", posted on July 20, 2024 at 04:04:25
Story
Audiophile

Posts: 11158
Location: NJ
Joined: December 11, 2000
 what does that mean?? - are you messing around with something you might not be capable of doing yourself?

It would be best to post pics of something like this



 

RE: "and if I get that ball bearing set right,", posted on July 20, 2024 at 08:22:24
JonM
Audiophile

Posts: 308
Joined: December 29, 2000
 Not sure how familiar you are with the old Linn motors. Under the motor housing, at the bottom of the motor spindle, there is a small, plastic cup (roughly half an inch in diameter) that friction fits around a lip on the motor's case under the spindle. Inside the cup is a small spring that presses a small ball bearing up against the bottom of the actual motor spindle itself. This is loaded with grease so the spindle can rotate freely. The effect is to press the spindle upward and hold it toward the top of the motor case, keeping the belt pully in a fully lifted position.

"If I get the ball bearing set right" only means that sometimes you need to rotate the cup to get the bearing centered so that it's pressed up against the center of the rotating spindle and runs quietly. (Linn motors haven't been made this way in decades, I think for obvious reasons.)

So basically the motor can run quietly and doesn't need to be replaced. I am wondering, what is the best way to clean the gunk out of the motor spindle shaft prior to reoiling it (and regreasing that ball bearing at the bottom of the motor).

 

so post some pics then /nt, posted on July 20, 2024 at 08:38:09
Story
Audiophile

Posts: 11158
Location: NJ
Joined: December 11, 2000



 

RE: Cleaning out a Linn motor, posted on July 20, 2024 at 10:37:19
JonM
Audiophile

Posts: 308
Joined: December 29, 2000
 Maybe to answer my own question, here's what Microsoft's AI said. I was most concerned about the very thing mentioned in its first answer. It sounds like WD40 is the way to go. (I don't think I'd ever get soapy water completely rinsed/dried out of the motor.)
===

While **naptha** is a great solvent for oils and is used in many parts cleaners, soaking an electric motor in it to remove old oil might not be the best approach. Here's why:

1. **Motor Windings**: Electric motors have windings coated with insulation (such as shellac or polyurethane). Naptha could potentially dissolve this insulation, leading to electrical issues or motor failure.

2. **Thin Consistency**: Naptha is relatively thin and might not effectively remove thick, old oil deposits from motor components.

3. **Carbon Residue**: If the old oil was used motor oil, it may leave carbon residue embedded in the wood fibers. Naptha won't remove these black particles without sanding.

Instead, consider alternative methods:

- **Hot Soapy Water**: Clean the motor with hot soapy water, which is safe for the windings and can help remove surface oil.

- **Degreaser**: Use a degreaser (like WD-40 or auto degreaser) to gently clean the motor. These are less aggressive than naptha and won't harm the insulation.

Remember to exercise caution and avoid damaging the motor during the cleaning process. If you're uncertain, consult a professional or follow manufacturer guidelines.

Source: Conversation with Copilot, 7/20/2024
(1) Degreaser for brushed DC motor | All About Circuits. https://forum.allaboutcircuits.com/threads/degreaser-for-brushed-dc-motor.99586/.
(2) Removing motor oil from wood? | Woodworking Talk. https://www.woodworkingtalk.com/threads/removing-motor-oil-from-wood.16188/.
(3) Pure Naphtha as an Additive | Bob Is The Oil Guy. https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/threads/pure-naphtha-as-an-additive.111284/.
(4) Oil removal from wood - FineWoodworking. https://www.finewoodworking.com/forum/oil-removal-from-wood.
(5) undefined. https://www.facebook.com/beasleyturnings/.
(6) How to Oil an Electric Motor (DIY) - The Family Handyman. https://www.familyhandyman.com/project/how-to-oil-an-electric-motor/.
(7) Cleaning rust from motor laminations - Practical Machinist. https://www.practicalmachinist.com/forum/threads/cleaning-rust-from-motor-laminations.391736/.
(8) undefined. http://docs.google.com/gview?a=v&q=cache...pdf&hl=en&gl=us.

 

RE: Can I suggest that ..., posted on July 26, 2024 at 01:33:31
andyr
Manufacturer

Posts: 12605
Location: Melbourne
Joined: September 2, 2000
 most things - motors which rotate in particular - have a service life. I would say that 40 years is good service! :-))

So:
* if you like your vinyl listening to be as good quality as you can afford ... buy a new motor.
* but if you need to save money - then yes take a gamble on cleaning it up.

When I cleaned the oil out of my Linn bearing housing (in order to replace it with a new oil), it was suggested I should use lighter fluid - rather than WD40.

It seemed to work well. :-))

 

RE: Can I suggest that ..., posted on July 26, 2024 at 05:08:38
JonM
Audiophile

Posts: 308
Joined: December 29, 2000
 Thanks for that feedback. Lighter fluid is naphtha, and it'll dissolve some plastics. Between the insulation on the motor's windings and the little plastic bearing that is at the bottom of the motor's spindle, I don't know if it's safe, so I'm being cautious.

(By the way, when I cleaned my bearing well, I did it just with foam swabs, no solvent other than new clean oil. See link below. I have no connection beyond being a satisfied customer.)

 

RE: Lighter fluid is naphtha ..., posted on July 26, 2024 at 16:34:30
andyr
Manufacturer

Posts: 12605
Location: Melbourne
Joined: September 2, 2000
 Aah OK - I didn't know that.

Thanks. :-))

 

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