Testing 12 and 24 volt DC motors as PM

[hockeyoligist2]

We had a 24 volt day tank pump fail on a generator during a power outage. Caused some problems. I got a work order yesterday to check all motors on our generators, pumps, starters, ETC.

Other than checking brushes and oiling what would be the best way to predict/prevent a failure?

 

[broadgage]

Run the motor on load for its normal duty cycle and check for excesive temperature rise and abnormal noise or vibration.
Measure the on load running current and ensure that it does not exceed the rating.
Make certain that the motor is the correct one for the job, I have seen cheap intermitant or short time rated motors installed when a continous duty unit should have been selected.

For critical applications, IMHO the motor should be duplicated to gaurd against failure, although this is a design issue, not maintenance.
It might be possible to install a spare/duplicate.