Grote Rotator Help

[Impala9C1]

I found this a while back in the junk yard, It takes power but the motor does not even give it a full turn. Not familiar with these, it is my first and oldest light. Any help is appreciated.

 

[Skulldigger]

These are pretty basic (and cheap made). You might open up the gear box on the side opposite the motor and see what's in there. May be old dried grease binding it down. cleaning and lube might be all it needs.

 

[Impala9C1]

These are pretty basic (and cheap made). You might open up the gear box on the side opposite the motor and see what's in there. May be old dried grease binding it down. cleaning and lube might be all it needs.

I dont see any area to get into. It all looks sealed. is that normal?

 

[Skulldigger]

Where does the motor mount? Looks different than mine

 

[Impala9C1]

Where does the motor mount? Looks different than mine

there are 2 flathead screws holding a black plastic cap as you can see in these pics but there is no way to reach the screws and if i could, the cap has no clearance to come off. It looks like I need to remove the light section but I dont see any screws just rivets. Not sure how to proceed.

 

[dmathieu]

Looks like what Whelen used to call a sealed motor/geartrain assembly

 

[Stampeed Valkyrie]

Start by removing the bulb assembly. The Nut on top of the lamp assembly should come off. Be aware that the bulbs are under tension, and you'll want to account for it wanting to launch them. Then remove both platters, this should give you access and clearance to the underneath.

 

[Impala9C1]

Start by removing the bulb assembly. The Nut on top of the lamp assembly should come off. Be aware that the bulbs are under tension, and you'll want to account for it wanting to launch them. Then remove both platters, this should give you access and clearance to the underneath.

Got it removed finally with a bit of force and a lot of WD40. What do you recommend next. I do not see any gears. The piece shown does not seem to want to move. All bulbs survived.

 

[dmathieu]

That bottom plate is the sealed geartrain/transmission. You'd have to drill out the rivets to access. At least some of the gears in there are probably plastic, and very small. Good luck on the repair, if you choose to enter. You never know, you might luck out.

 

[Stampeed Valkyrie]

So the holes on top of the flat rectangular gearbox have screws or are they riveted?
The pictures are not clear, I assume screws, and then you can use a pry tool to open up the gearbox. Be careful and take pictures to document so you know what goes where.

 

[Impala9C1]

I thought there was rivets but I dont see any access. it looks sealed at the base. nothing to drill out that i see now that it is all apart.

That bottom plate is the sealed geartrain/transmission. You'd have to drill out the rivets to access. At least some of the gears in there are probably plastic, and very small. Good luck on the repair, if you choose to enter. You never know, you might luck out.

So the holes on top of the flat rectangular gearbox have screws or are they riveted?
The pictures are not clear, I assume screws, and then you can use a pry tool to open up the gearbox. Be careful and take pictures to document so you know what goes where.

 

[Stampeed Valkyrie]

Are those pop style rivets on the bottom? I almost wonder if that is press fitted together. You could try a flat head screw driver and a mallet to see if you can work anything loose along that seam.

 

[Skulldigger]

It may just need some lubrication around the shaft. With the bulb cage removed power it up and see how strong the rotation is and if it is skipping like a gear missing teeth. It is is strong it may just need a good cleaning and lubrication so it doesn't drag as it spins.