It’s been about 7 years now since I installed a B&S Etek motor on my outboard.
Until yesterday, I had never taken the brush assembly off to check brush wear.
Looking at the 8 brushes, the following was noted:
· Brush length was reduced about 50%, about ½” left of the original approx. 1”
· Brush length varied among the 8 brushes—or so it appeared. The reality is that the routing of the brush wire to 2 or 3 of these brushes makes them spring out about 1/16” less than the others. This will result in these brushes (and circuits) being the first to stop allowing current to flow.
· Brush dust was everywhere in the brush housing. Not caked in, but more than I’d expected. Greater forced air flow thru the motor would be advisable. I use a 48v Papst 6” muffin fan running on 36v, located above the brush housing and pulling the brush dust up thru the motor, the brush housing, the fan and then out. The strategy is right, but it probably would be good to increase the flow rate to get more of this brush dust out.
Now, I’d estimate that this boat has averaged 30 outings per year, with a run time of 2 hours per outing and spinning at an average of 1600RPM. So in 7 years, the motor has operated about 420hours and turned something like 11-million revolutions.
Assuming the same usage rate going forward, this brush assembly will last at least 5 more years, giving about 12-years on a set.
I have 2 spare brush assemblies…the question is, will the boat, the motor and I live long enough to use all 3 of these brush sets?
Does anyone have a source for replacement brushes themselves for the ETEK motor?
If I had a good source for brushes, I’d offer my spare brush housings for sale.
-Myles
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