Dental motors can get hot for a variety of reasons. It is not always the motor itself that is to blame and sometimes the problem can be fixed with little effort. In any case, you should stop working with overheated motors to avoid further defects. The increased heat build-up is a sign that there is a defect.
| Possible reasons for heating:
- Defective bearings -
Very often the engine bearings are defective, which means that the friction is too high and the bearings heat up. This heat, which can even be very hot, can be felt on the housing.
- Deposits & Corrosion -
Also, if bearings are difficult to rotate, e.g. due to deposits or corrosion, the armature is difficult to rotate and the current consumption is too high, which causes heating.
Corroded MC3 engine
- Graphite dust -
In motors with carbon brushes, graphite dust can rub off. This fine dust is mixed with the engine grease to form a mass that settles in front of the ventilation openings, meaning that the cooling air can no longer cool the motor sufficiently.
Graphite / grease mixture sticks armature and bearing
- Defective instrument -
A defective, difficult-to-turn angle piece or handpiece can also slow down the motor, and the greater resistance leads to increased power consumption and thus heat.
- New anchor or new bearings -
Motors that have been newly stored or have received a new armature can become warm in the first 2 - 3 hours of operation. This is not unusual. However, if the motor does not produce the usual power, it is a good idea to check the angle piece.
| What can you do if the engine overheats?
Basically, you should always pay attention to the heating and look for the cause in order to avoid further defects.
A new motor is not always necessary. Armatures can be regenerated and cleaned up to a certain level of wear and tear, and can also be re-stored. The carbon brushes are also easy to replace.
In our dentrotec shop you will find all suitable spare parts such as ball bearings, carbon brushes or bearing motor armatures for various motor types.
If you are unsure or cannot find the right part, please contact us. Of course, you also have the option of having the engine repaired in our affiliated specialist workshop.
No matter what you choose, it is important that when the engine bearings, the collector or the brushes are changed, the engine is thoroughly cleaned.
Cleaned MC3 engine