Since I am going through the Clausing lathe anyway, I decided to give some attention to the motor. The motor is a 40+ year old Reuland motor. The only problem with it that I observed is that it squeaks/squeals at 60 Hz. This is not the sound of the VFD frequency, either. It is irregular squeak/squeal.
I suspected the bearings.
This motor has regular 6306 bearings inside and I will get the replacements tomorrow. The ones in the motor were double shielded bearings and that is also the replacement that I will be getting.
My first question is regarding the grease. The motor has no grease fitting. The bearings were generously covered in grease. I would like to know if I need to do the same with the new bearings, or it is optional. Also, can I use white lithium grease.
My second question is about the dirt in the motor. The motor is quite dirty inside, windings being covered with black dried oil/grease/muck. I would like to remove that stuff, but safely, so I am concerned that chemicals like oven cleaner or carb cleaner could somehow deleteriously affect insulation. Has anyone successfully cleaned old motors like that, thanks.
i