Bow thruster brushes

[Russell]

I would like to check the carbon brushes in my 23kgf bow thruster shown in the picture but do not see a band or grid to remove. I suspect they are behind those black panels but they have no screws or obvious way to open them. Does anyone know how to expose the brushes in this motor? Thanks.

[SpaceCoaster]

Russell,

I sent an email to a shop here in Merritt Island, FL that sells and installs a lot of vetus equipment. The business is called Florida Bowthrusters. I've been in their shop here a few times and they've always been full of advice and willing to help out. If/when I hear from them I'll get back to you. Otherwise you can contact them yourself if you want to move things along quicker (http://www.floridabowthrusters.com/).

Jorge

[Russell]

Thanks Jorge: I will try to contact them. I have not had much luck with the people at Vetus. They told me to remove the grid or band at the top of the motor so I sent them this picture and then the link to this site and they do not answer. You would think something that the manual says to check on a yearly basis would not be so difficult.

[RobS]

I checked my manual that covers your unit and found the brush length data but nothing on accessing them. Did you try Vetus at 410-712-0740, ask for David Barrett, he's good if you can get him. I had no trouble reaching him a few times over the winter/spring.

[RobS]

Did you try Vetus at 410-712-0740, ask for David Barrett, he's good if you can get him. I had no trouble reaching him a few times over the winter/spring.

And his email is dbarrett@vetus.com

[Russell]

Thanks Rob and Jorge for the help. This has been a bit frustrating. I started with a call to Bennett and when I received no return call I emailed Vetus. I received a reply to remove the grid or band and be sure to measure the brushes because Vetus changed motors on the BOW23 in 1997. I sent them the picture and got no response as to their removal. I contacted Florida Bow Thrusters and the president forwarded my request to Vetus who sent me the catalog number for the brushes but still no instructions for their removal. So after it cools off here I think I will just start loosening bolts and see if I can get it apart. I may learn something useful while doing it.

[RobS]

I emailed Dave Barrett today and left him a voicemail. Here's his reply. Looks like the brushes are attached to those black covers and you can pry them with a flat tipped screwdriver or the like. He provided the part number too. Here is his reply and my email:

Rob-
These are unique brushes - the part number is BP243 for a set of 4 and
each brush is preloaded into a black nylon wedge.
If you were installing them, you would insert the right edge first as it
has a "hook" on it, and then snap in the left side, so......removal
would be the left side first - you should be able to carefully pry up
the left edge with a screwdriver or similar.
The ultimate suggestion if you are in need of new brushes is to order
your new set and inspect the design before removing the current set.
Hope this helps.
Have a good weekend.
Regards,
David Barrett
Vetus America

-----Original Message-----
From: Robert A. Schepis [mailto:rob@schepisadjusting.com]
Sent: Friday, September 05, 2008 2:01 PM
To: David Barrett
Subject: 23kgf

Hello David,

I just left you a voicemail. Trying to figure out how to access the
brushes
on this 23kgf. The 50kgf I had worked on had the mesh screens with
spring
clips but this is different.

I appreciate your help.

[Russell]

Rob: That's great. I guess he recognized your name. I thought the panels might pry out but the bolts through the front two discouraged that approach. I can probably open the back two and get an idea of the wear. I doubt if the previous owner ever changed them. Thanks for your help.
The eye of Hanna is over us as I type this but it has been much better than I was expecting.

[Russell]

Rob: I pried out the back two panels yesterday and the brushes are in good shape. In addition it appears that when they wear down they will not damage the armature which is what I was worried about. The brushes in generators we had in our cars years ago had a metal base that would scar the armature when it came in contact and then you had a bigger expense.

[RobS]

Sounds like you're in good shape - mission accomplished, glad it worked out.