What are the symptoms of water ingress in a tricycle motor?
2 Answers
The reactions of water ingress in a tricycle motor can be observed from visible faults, increased noise, and hidden faults. Below is additional information: Visible faults: The motor fails to work, and there may be bearing damage, increased noise, or even severe cases of burned-out coils. Hidden faults: Parts of the motor may rust extensively, leading to magnetic pole short circuits, decreased insulation performance of the coils, etc. The motor's current will continuously increase, and secondary faults will keep accumulating, ultimately requiring motor replacement. Checking the bearings: Remove the motor, dry it either by heating or sun exposure, and remove any rust. Use the finest sandpaper to polish the rotor and stator to prevent friction, and inspect the bearings.
I think the symptoms of water ingress in a three-wheeled vehicle's motor are quite obvious. First, you'll hear abnormal noises from the motor during operation, such as buzzing or rattling sounds, especially when starting or accelerating, which can be particularly loud. Riding feels underpowered, struggling even on small slopes, and the vehicle tends to shake or jerk. Severe water ingress can cause the motor to overheat significantly, becoming too hot to touch, and sometimes even emitting smoke or a burning smell. I once encountered this issue after riding in the rain—the motor stalled immediately upon starting, and the dashboard went haywire. The key issue is that water can corrode internal components, and prolonged exposure leading to rust can completely ruin the motor. Prevention is crucial: avoid riding in the rain if possible, don’t spray water directly at the motor when washing the vehicle, and if you notice anything unusual, disconnect the power and let it dry for a few days. Check if the sealing ring is intact, and if not, get it repaired promptly.
