[ Joseph Osborne wrote in 120420 MMDigest:

> I wired the plug straight into the pump and plugged it in.  Stone
> dead, no sounds.  I spun the motor and plugged it back in.  Nothing.

I have had the problem of intermittent motors several times.  In every
case it was because of bad brushes.  There was usually some fine "grit"
on one of the brushes and it would stop on that bad place every time.
I would hit the motor and it would start again.

Another thing is that the brushes may simply need replacing -- they
wear out.  I buy my brushes from Grainger for $6.00.

And one more thing to check is that the spring may not be keeping the
brush in contact with the motor.  Sometimes the brushes are so worn
down that the spring gets weak.

Diane DeTar
La Mesa, California