Land Rover Repair: compressor overheating, not pumping, compressor, rebuild

Question
Dennis,
Good to see a familiar name today. I have just rebuilt my EAS compressor in my 98 P38. Replaced the piston, seal, sleeve with a kit from Rover Renovations. After completing I was dissappointed to discover that the brushes were non-existent and the motor failed soon thereafter. Today I replaced the carbon brushes with a "generic" from the local hardware store. The compressor was reinstalled and produced no pressure for the system but became extremely hot, not red, still touchable but very hot. I'm at a loss. I don't want to open up the motor again if avoidable. Any help?
Thanks for your time,
Jim B
jrbahm@msn.com

Answer
Hi Jim,

Sorry for the slow reply,  it sounds like there is a problem with the motor, or the brushes were not right for that motor.  Because of the considerable wear on your original brushes the dust may be shorting out the motor.  The brushes may be causing issues but I do not know enough about electric motors to be sure of what.

A local motor rebuild shop (the type that does alternators and starters) may be able to help, else your new kit installed in a cheap ebay compressor may do it.  Look for one advertised as "runs but doesn't pump".

Let me know if you need anything else.