@GGG posted:Yes different mth vendors, the smoke fan has had appearance changes over the years. Some have a paint dot or mark on side of can, or the copy right symbol in the plastic end piece. One batch had the armature winding too close to the output end and longer screws could ground out the motor, etc...
The motor turns CW as Pete showed. I always check with a 9V battery for rotation, then wire accordingly. Put a drop of oil on output bearing, install impeller and I give it a run in forward and reverse with the battery. Cleans any corrosion off, if any on the brushes.
Frankly, I am not sure the smoke output is off much if wired in reverse. G
I greatly appreciate the notes and comments from those who have been doing repairs way longer than I have been in the hobby. There is definitely history, vendors, and events, as well as specific knowledge that just is not well documented from what I have tried to study. I went from 0 to what I know now in 4 years, but it doesn't compare to your experience and the shear numbers of engines, scenarios, parts vendors and so forth you have seen and learned first hand.
I too use a typically used 9V battery that is lower voltage for testing just as you described, and more importantly, I test after assembly with the battery too for the same reasons.
Just like my day job- trust, but verify.
All extremely valid advice when doing repairs or even just servicing your own fleet.
