Garage Door Opener

[patfish]

As if I don't have enough problems, last night I opened the garage door to let the dog go the paper. When I went to close it, it wouldn't close. All it does is hum and it doesn't move. I checked the sensor alignment, rollers, chain, and pulleys and everything seems to be in order. Should I get up on a ladder and whack the motor like you do a starter on a car?

Any Ideas?

[jdmidwest]

If it just hums, it may be a stripped gear or stuck relay. Pop the cover and look to see if the motor is spinning or the drive gears are stripped. Some older ones have belts.

If it is a Sears, Liftmaster, Chamberlin, etc, all made by the same Co. you can pick up new gears and install yourself for around $50.

[Thom]

The little black starter capacitor that starts the motor can often be the culprit when the motor hums. It will be located under the cover and has 4 wires connected. Usually 2 red and 2 black to boost the motor upon starting. I have changed them before and the cost is around 15 dollars. If you can find someone who will let you swap capicator with them temporarily you can find out easily if that is the problem. Sometimes the rollers get dry and cause excessive drag on the motor. All hinges and rollers should be oiled at least twice a year. Usually that is the only problem.

The capacitors are rated in voltage and microfarads and can be purchased at a motor rewind shop at a nominal charge.

hope this helps.

Thom

[patfish]

Thanks guys.

JD, popped the cover, all gears seem fine and greased.

Thom, the capacitor you described... could this be it, and pardon my ignorance but what on earth is a motor rewind shop?

[jdmidwest]

Any electrical supply place may have them. Radio Shack may have them or search online. Is that the only opener in your house? What brand opener is it?

[patfish]

Yeah JD, its the only opener. Its a Craftsman/Sears. I searched online and the closest motor rewind shop I found is in Alton. I did find that you can sometimes get one from an HVAC guy, so I'm going to try that route after I check out Radio Shack. Thanks brother!

[flyfishmaster]

Patfish,

My Sears opener went out about 6 months ago, it too was humming , I then unplugging it, I removed the chain and manually tested the sensors by the moter and made hte sure the door was not stuck. The sensors tell the motor which way to turn. Anyway after reconneting the chain and plugging it back in. I hit the button the opener started to hum, then the smoke appeared then a "POW". I think at that the time the motor was out. Who knew. I hope you have better luck then I had. I replaced the opener by myself. I was surprised it only took about 30 mintes from start to finish.

Later,

FFM

[Thom]

Yes that is the capicator. You just have to match the voltage with 220 or higher and 50 to 100 microfarads will work.

If you cannot find one PM me and I will see if I have a spare in my parts bin and will ship it to you to try at no cost.

You might want to check the circuit boards and relay contacts by unpluging and pluging back in. sometimes they will vibrate loose or get corroded cauasing low voltage which robs the motor of needed torque to start.

[patfish]

Thanks Thom. I'm going to see if one of the guys here at work can test it for me and I think I have a couple of leads on where I can find a replacement. I'll check the boards and contacts tonight.