by Mike Holibar » Thu Oct 21, 2010 4:18 am
Dale,
does the motor have a rating plate showing voltage and amp ratings? The heat suggests it is running under load but this can be deceptive. AC ratings indicate the amount of current that is required to raise and maintain the temperature of the windings at 80 degC above ambient. So with and ambient of say 20degC the windings at rated current would be 100C, far too hot to touch but still ok. As the unit is producing above normal output this suggests that it is running faster, which would tend to rule out electrical faults like shorts. Is it possible it is a 12 volt unit connected to a 24 volt supply? Alternatively, If you can hold your hand on the hot motor, then the chances are it is working within its rating even if it feels hot to you.
Cheers,
Mike Holibar
S/V Fyne Spirit of Plymouth (Freedom 39PHS-1989)
Lyttelton
New Zealand