Garages and Carports - Installing a garage door opener
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Godzilla
10-05-09, 11:06 AM
The chain popped off my garage door opener and I had a pro over to attempt to put it back on. After putting the chain back on he ran the motor and it popped off again. The motor is about 12 - 15 years old and it looks like I need a new one. the pro also said they diiscontinued making parts for this type of motor(its a stanley). I do mostly all home improvements myself but I know replacing a motor will be a pain in the ass. However hiring a pro is expensive.
The pro was telling me I may need to replace the springs(which were replaced about 6 years ago) if I get a new motor. He says I will need a 3/4 horsepower motor since I have an oversized wooden door at 360 lbs. He says if you get a half horse it will burn out the motor in 5 years although the motor I have is I believe a 1/3 and that lasted 12-15 years.
So my question is how many things could I screw up on if I attempt to install this? The balancing, electrical etc...Is this very difficult? I am getting mixed opinions as far as what size motor I need 1/2 or 3/4 horse? Any difference in brands?Anything else I need to consider?
Appreciate the comments.
The pro was telling me I may need to replace the springs(which were replaced about 6 years ago) if I get a new motor. He says I will need a 3/4 horsepower motor since I have an oversized wooden door at 360 lbs. He says if you get a half horse it will burn out the motor in 5 years although the motor I have is I believe a 1/3 and that lasted 12-15 years.
So my question is how many things could I screw up on if I attempt to install this? The balancing, electrical etc...Is this very difficult? I am getting mixed opinions as far as what size motor I need 1/2 or 3/4 horse? Any difference in brands?Anything else I need to consider?
Appreciate the comments.
Gunguy45
10-05-09, 11:29 AM
Already answered your first post...no need to double post..
Godzilla
10-05-09, 02:07 PM
Gunguy
Ok I found the exterior garage section and didnt realize you had answered. So a 1/2 horse is fine if the springs are fine. When I open it manually it runs smoothly up and down. However the pro was saying if you open up the door halfway an let go it should not go down since the springs should hold it. But my door will go down if i let go. Do I need to adjust the springs because of this or is it not necessary? And how do you adjust them?
Also do you reccommend any particular opener? I dont want to buy garbage.
Ok I found the exterior garage section and didnt realize you had answered. So a 1/2 horse is fine if the springs are fine. When I open it manually it runs smoothly up and down. However the pro was saying if you open up the door halfway an let go it should not go down since the springs should hold it. But my door will go down if i let go. Do I need to adjust the springs because of this or is it not necessary? And how do you adjust them?
Also do you reccommend any particular opener? I dont want to buy garbage.
Gunguy45
10-05-09, 02:32 PM
It should pretty much stay in the opening if you let go. If it goes down very slowly..that would prob be ok, if it slams..thats bad.
If these are the springs on the sides over the track (extension) you may be able to slightly adjust them with the mounting bolts...otherwise you will need to slightly shorten the cables. Can't believe the Tech didn't do that or at least try. Every install is slightly different..so I can't really tell you how. Basically you open the door to relieve spring pressure and shorten the cables.
I like Genie screwdrive openers myself.
If these are the springs on the sides over the track (extension) you may be able to slightly adjust them with the mounting bolts...otherwise you will need to slightly shorten the cables. Can't believe the Tech didn't do that or at least try. Every install is slightly different..so I can't really tell you how. Basically you open the door to relieve spring pressure and shorten the cables.
I like Genie screwdrive openers myself.