Vintage Windmill and Wind Generator Forum

I have an 8’ Aermotor mill connected to a 4’ well pipe. It is not an actual well, but circulates a water trough making it appear to be pumping from a real well. It has the brass cylinder and has worked great for almost a year. Now it has quit pumping in the last day or so. I decided to pull the cyli...

How hard is it to remove the pitman arms? Can I do it on the tower?

It seems to be on the bottom and top of the stroke. It could be the yoke with pump rod catching on the top and bottom of stoke. What do I look for on pitman arms to see if they need replacing? Babbit is worn? What is the part number for babbit?

Another video (quality is poor). Sorry



I fixed the brake later to stop the groaning sound. Can’t figure out the clunking.

Video of clunking noise

I have a 702 mill that runs good with the exception of a clunking noise. I climbed the tower today, removed hood, and tried to see what was making the clunking noise. It appears to have a “catch” in the gears as the Big gear open boss passes the pitman arm. The gear is not hitting the arm but seems ...

I checked out the brake band today and found it to be making the squealing sound. I moved the band a bit and tightened the nut a bit. The squealing stopped. I think I will replace the whole band as the small spring looks rusty. The small rod that goes through the bracket is worn halfway through.

What are you referring to as Longer Button Arms? Where can I get them? I have the mill up and do not want to remove the entire motor/fan to fix the furling lever.

Jerry You will get lots of varying advice on this. If it is a pumper and you are in freezing climates, then it should not turn at all or the pump pole needs disconnected in winter. If it is furled and still turns slow, this is a recipe for freezing. If it is non pumper, I like the brake to work to ...

I have a 702 mill that makes a low pitch squeal when it turns slow. I have furled it and with brake applied, it squeals like a pig under a gate! Climbed the tower today to try to adjust brake. Turned nut on brake band both in and out to try to get it locked down tighter. Couldn’t get it to hold the ...