[ Larry Norman wrote in 070306 MMDigest:

> So, my proposal is: do it the scientific way and actually measure
> the temperature of the motor under varying conditions from no-load
> to normal operation and a stress-overload test.  For each test,
> take readings every fifteen minutes of the following points and
> put them on a graph or chart ...

Exactly how does one apply a thermometer, admittedly a fine piece of
laboratory equipment, to the bearings of a motor, or the windings,
or the housing?  Most thermometers are meant to operate in a fluid
(e.g., air or water) and are rather tough to connect to machine parts.
That's why when we build a large motor we layer thermistors into the
windings and glue them with heat-conductive cement to bearing supports.

For lack of any better system, the finger/brain method is probably
about as good as one would need.  I might suggest one more human
sensory technique might be helpful, and that would be to smell the
motor.  If it smells like it's burning up, it likely is.

One other suggestion: it might be effective to hook up a computer fan
(there are 120v models available from All Electronics Corp, a fine
surplus operation) to blow on the motor and cool it down somewhat.
These fans are remarkably quiet, and if the motor is vented you might
be able to reduce its temperature considerably.

> from the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia
> (I saw a robin yesterday, the daffodils are starting to come out,
> and it is warming up. I think spring is coming and the parkway and
> Virginia will be beautiful very soon!)

It's March.  Remember March?  Keep the tire chains handy.

Mark Kinsler - bearer of bad news, as is customary.