Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): 110 convert from 220, vacuum pump, rotation direction

Question
Hi Allen,

I was wondering if a electrical motor that runs on 220 can be converted to 110. I'm looking at one on ebay, and was wondering what the effect would be on a vacuum pump it runs. Also, wat is involved in getting 220 into the house?

I wanted to start to rebuild my mower 5hp engine. How do you get the big nut off that is on the blade bracket, and keeping the motor from separating from the base?

Thanks

Answer
Hi Marty
On the electrical motor- ask the seller if the motor is wired to run from 220 AND 110.  Some motors come with two sets of windings to allow them to be ran from either voltage with just a change to the jumpers in the back of the motor.

As far as 220 in the house- its already there.  That is what the power company supplies you with.  Your dryer, stove and large air conditioners all run off 220.  You'll recognise these breakers in your breakerbox because the little flip handles are connected.

I do not advise that you fool around in your breaker box.  If you want to mess with this motor, buy a 220 plug from lowes that matches a 220 outlet you already have in your house.  Wire the ground to the green post, the black and white go to the other two posts, bear in mind the motor may run backwards if you hook it up wrong- no risks, just rotation direction, and you can swap these two to fix it.

As far as your blade bracket nut is concerned, take a  piece of lumber like a 2 x 4 , run it through the discharge hole and jam the blade, now a large wrench will break loose the nut and you can remove the blade and bracket.

Good Luck!