Re: (ET) crap - started mowing, and lost forward speeds

[Paul Abendroth <pabendroth dma org>]

Konstanty, Walter (GE Indust, ConsInd) wrote:


 - You should see and hear the Reverse relay move up and down and
click...if not, determine which one (you'll hear or feel the buzz)
and sand the contacts and make sure it moves ok when tried again.
It typically welds shut so the motor doesn't get field which draws
tons of amps and makes the clicking noise on the relays.




Sometimes the relay "fingers" get tired, too. With the master switch
off, push the plastic link (from the electromagnet to the fingers) 
down (forward?) while watching the contacts. the upper fingers 
should move down slightly as those contacts open, then the bottom 
fingers should move slightly as the middle fingers press them. Also 
there should be a gap between the middle and bottom fingers before 
you start, and between the top and middle fingers when pressed down.

The contacts are soft silver, or at least silver plated, so don't be
too vigorous sanding.

Good to check all the open frame relays once a year - or just go
ahead and replace them with sealed relays.