Feeder / Timer Problems

[careybirdwell]

I have an old Sweeney Feeder that I rebuilt many years ago. At the end of last year, I realized it wasn't spinning all the time, and it would work some of the time. The timer (Spintech) would show it working but motor not turning. I replaced the motor, and it started working again for about a week, then it started doing the same thing. I replaced the timer, and battery and now it is doing the same thing again. What else should I look for. I don't think it could be the solar panel.

This time it will not throw at schedule time, but I can walk over and hit test, works every time. Enter a new feeder time and it will work for a few days. Any suggestions?

[mikerosa]

Feeder / Timer Problems

Wow

Strange huh.

I’d disconnect the solar for now. I’d check your battery connections and touch them up with a Jewellers file or Emory cloth make sure you have a good connection.

Check your inline fuse to see it is tight and not an issue and even switch it out since you’ve switched everything else out. All wire ends cleaned up, battery charged up and healthy etc.


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[careybirdwell]

Wow

Strange huh.

I’d disconnect the solar for now. I’d check your battery connections and touch them up with a Jewellers file or Emory cloth make sure you have a good connection.

Check your inline fuse to see it is tight and not an issue and even switch it out since you’ve switched everything else out. All wire ends cleaned up, battery charged up and healthy etc.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Yes, I got a brand new battery and all connections are new

[walker1983]

I had the same thing happen recently to the feeder in front of the ranch house.

12V Motor turned slowly - so i replaced it w/ a new one.

1 month later, new motor goes out. So I put in a 3rd motor, and replaced the timer and battery. Only thing original was the solar panel. It spun fine, then the next day was back to turning very slowly, or just buzzing.

Had to be something w/ the solar panel - so I ended up just putting an entire new lower unit control box on the feeder, and being done w/ it.

[BiggieSmalls]

Oddly enough and in all seriousness, solar panels have been known to drain batteries at night.

[Mike D]

I would replace the solar panel. Make sure it has a blocking diode in it to prevent battery drain when not charging.


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[E.TX.BOWHUNTER]

I had a bad/loose connection to my motor causing such an issue. Re did the motor connector fixed the problem.

[Big pig]

My timers have a clock battery inside Of them, but yours sounds like a bigger problem

With my limited time at lease, I would replace and work on it/ test it at home
No patience with an unreliable feeder when I live 3 hours.

BP