Over the MMD years there has been a large number of articles about
motors in player pianos. Once upon a time in some publication I cannot
find there was an article on servicing electric motors in reproducing
grands. The article mentioned thrust bearings in the motor. I read
the article and never thought that I would now need it. Anyone with
a reproducing grand player needs to take note. These great old motors
do not last forever. They are on a path of self-destruction.

It you examine your motor while laying on your back under the grand
piano you might find that the motor shaft has some play. If you can
push up on the shaft then it needs servicing. The shaft will be pulled
up when the motor is energized and drops when the power is turned off.
This means the shaft is acting like a small hammer each time it comes
down.

I need some motor experts to help me out. Was there a special thrust
bearing in these motors at one time? I have one that has pounded the
starter into pieces and no longer is serviceable. I now need to find
another Ampico motor to replace this one. Anyone remember the article
about servicing electric motors in reproducing grands?

On a side note, I noticed my motor mounts were sagging a lot so I have
a new set coming from Player-Care. You might check those also.

Don Teach
Shreveport, Louisiana

 [ Wayne Johnson wrote in 2015.03 MMD about a solid-state centrifugal
 [ switch replacement:
 [ https://www.mmdigest.com/Archives/Digests/201503/2015.03.05.04.html 
 [ -- Robbie