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Emerson Fan Tip-Of-The-Day


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Posted

After I completed connecting the head wire leads to the switch I powered and tested the switch/motor operation with the switch out of the base. All went well after the test, and I bolted the switch in and put the switch cover on and set the fan stump upright. I then plugged the power cord back in and tried the switch and.......nothing. Totally dead on all 3 speeds. I then proceeded to lay the fan back down and remove the switch to see what got messed. After I took the switch out, I could see nothing wrong. I once again plugged the power cord back into the socket and operated the switch. All 3 speeds were there once again. I then unplugged it and put the switch back into the base, put the switch cover back on and set it upright and plugged it back in.  I pushed the switch lever over to start it and once again nothing on all 3 speeds. All I could think was what to hell is going on? This makes no damn sense. I went through the switch thoroughly prior. I removed, cleaned, buffed, and straightened the switch lever. I had everything Johnny on the spot. What is wrong? 

I then put my eyes level with the switch lever opening with switch in base. Bingo! I found the problem. Despite the switch lever being straight as an arrow, the switch body required spacers above to bring it down a tad. Why? The switch lever insulator was being pressed down by the upper lever slot casting by roughly 1/16" or less when installed, just enough to create a disconnect between the lever and the switch contacts, despite smooth switch lever motion.

IMG_4691.JPG

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Posted

I had that happen to me once. Drove me up the wall trying to figure out what the heck was going on!

Posted

Same thing also happened to me, it took awhile to figure out what the heck was going on🤔

Posted

I have years of diverse experience working on different fans from different manufacturers. I will never talk arrogant, cocky, or smart about it. You never learn or see it all. The learning process never ends. And then there are those I go to who have brass work and machining skills I don't have I appreciate. When you buy a quality restored fan, It will be as good on the inside as the outside. There is no justice in pricing the fan based on the number of hours and speed bumps you run into during the restoration process.

 

Posted
6 minutes ago, Russ Huber said:

 There is no justice in pricing the fan based on the number of hours and speed bumps you run into during the restoration process.

 

Correct, otherwise, nobody could afford anything.

Posted
46 minutes ago, Russ Huber said:

After I completed connecting the head wire leads to the switch I powered and tested the switch/motor operation with the switch out of the base. All went well after the test, and I bolted the switch in and put the switch cover on and set the fan stump upright. I then plugged the power cord back in and tried the switch and.......nothing. Totally dead on all 3 speeds. I then proceeded to lay the fan back down and remove the switch to see what got messed. After I took the switch out, I could see nothing wrong. I once again plugged the power cord back into the socket and operated the switch. All 3 speeds were there once again. I then unplugged it and put the switch back into the base, put the switch cover back on and set it upright and plugged it back in.  I pushed the switch lever over to start it and once again nothing on all 3 speeds. All I could think was what to hell is going on? This makes no damn sense. I went through the switch thoroughly prior. I removed, cleaned, buffed, and straightened the switch lever. I had everything Johnny on the spot. What is wrong? 

I then put my eyes level with the switch lever opening with switch in base. Bingo! I found the problem. Despite the switch lever being straight as an arrow, the switch body required spacers above to bring it down a tad. Why? The switch lever insulator was being pressed down by the upper lever slot casting by roughly 1/16" or less when installed, just enough to create a disconnect between the lever and the switch contacts, despite smooth switch lever motion.

IMG_4691.JPG

AsI read this, my initial thought was a loose lever, and–GRAVITY!!!! But then I read on. Equally frustrating, gravity and compression are.

Posted (edited)
32 minutes ago, Paul Michael said:

As I read this, my initial thought was a loose lever.

In a number of cases with Emerson switches you can acquire them with sloppy switch lever. This one was riveted on. I drilled out the rivet and replaced it with the correct diameter/length brass screw, washer, and brass nut. After tweaking the finished switch lever back in shape for correct contact tension, you snug the brass screw and nut until the switch lever travels not to snug, not to sloppy. Once you find the happy spot. Out comes the Weller soldering station and a bead of solder is neatly placed to lock the nut to the screw.

Edited by Russ Huber
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Posted
38 minutes ago, Mark Olson said:

Correct, otherwise, nobody could afford anything.

Years ago on ebay I actually witnessed some labor justice. Today's world is to messed from too many angles. To many people are struggling. Those people with deep pockets back then just simply loved the fan. After all, they are vintage/antique machines. My obligation was to do my best to give them 100% all the way around. You cut corners and it will more than likely come around and bite you in the a$$. 🙂

Posted

Same problem on a 77646 yesterday. Two washers between the switch & base mounting = problem solved.

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