quick FYI for me on testing electric DC motors?

[WaxyChicken]

Gotcha. So if the motor i look at seems the right size but doesn't state the voltage then just do it really quick a couple of times to see that it runs.

This brings up another question:

(for example) lets say i find a whopping 12 inch motor that weighs a good 140lbs. (like i said, just as an example) it doesn't say volts so (after the visual inspection) i just give it a couple of quick wacks of my car battery to make sure it turns smooth and sounds as though it is in good shape.

but... when it comes time to use it in an EV... if there are no identifying marks then would it be possible for me to figure out how much juice it uses without burning it out so that i can shop for the correct controller?

[bennelson]

Just a reminder with jumper cables or any other time you are connecting high amp DC circuits - you get a spark at the place where the circuit completes.

That's why with jumper cables, the black goes on last, on the car body, away from the battery.

Don't finish completing your circuit on anything you don't want a little arcing at.

[MetroMPG]

GenKreton: good explanation.

Waxy: I don't know how to estimate a motor's nominal voltage.

Ben: good point. Don't make the last connection on the battery itself.

[WaxyChicken]

how much harder would it be to use an AC current motor?
I got a message from a guy that rebuilds air conditioner motors - some he says are pretty big. I figure if it's a major AirCond unit's motor then it may have some good torque to run the compressor. Any ideas, guys? should i skip AC Current motors all together?

[MetroMPG]

I've never seen any low budget AC conversions.

The controllers are less common & more expensive; the voltages needed to run them are generally a lot higher, meaning more batteries and/or different chemistry than flooded lead acid.

[WaxyChicken]

I just thought I'd give an update.

I wasn't lucky this weekend. I did come across a very decent size motor but it was AC Current and decided against it based on Metro's recommendation.

I found a forklift salvage yard in town. If I'm not lucky again this weekend then i'll go down there to see what i can find.

[bennelson]

Forklifts...

Mwhhaa ha ha aha ha ha ha... (evil laughter)

Still working on getting one.

I am sorta planning on starting some sort of build blog sometime soon.