Here’s a video on how I fixed an annoying problem with my Sears Craftsman model 113 radial arm saw. I was having intermittent problems with the saw blade not spinning and the motor just humming. After a couple projects, I couldn’t get the blade to spin at all and when I turned the saw on, it would trip the breaker. I was able to get it working again by replacing the capacitor on the motor and shot this video to show you how to do that repair.
13 replies on “How to Replace the Capacitor on a Craftsman Radial Arm Saw”
Nice video and description. I picked up my replacement capacitor at a local electrical repair shop. Called them up, gave them the numbers off of mine, and he said they had it on hand.
Just be aware that slightly different models or years may have differently rated capacitors. Is best just to take it out and see what is printed on it.
I just obtained a motor capacitor from Amazon Prime. Exact mf rating and size so it fit the housing just like the original. Craftsman saw is 30-35 years old. Cap is Packard brand part #PMJ161 mfd rating161-193. $5 & change.
Hi Ed,
a friend took out the motor for repair and I don’t seem to be able to install it back in. There are four allen screws at the front. But how is it mounted in the back? There is no threat in that hole of the motor. I had hoped to find out in your video but you only flipped the motor w/o taking it out.
Thanks so much, Dieter
P.S. “Birmingham” is this in the UK? Just curious.
I never actually removed the motor itself, just took the cover off, so I unfortunately I don’t know the answer. I’m actually in the Birmingham across the pond… in Alabama.
Cheers,
Ed
fair enough. So my follow up question, would you be able to see (with a mirror) / feel what holds the motor in the back, opposite the 4 allen screws in the front. Is it a bolt / hexagonal head or just a pin? Then at least I know what to look for in the box with parts.
I should have sensed that. Sears probably didn’t sell in the UK. Its just that the skyline on your home page looked like industrial revolution Birmingham.
Dieter, Canmore, AB. CDN
So I poked around and found that there are soem assembly schematics out there for the saw that might help. There are a few different schematics at Sears Parts Directfew different schematics at Sears Parts Direct and I think there are a few others. The resolution on some of these diagrams isn’t great, but it may help you figure out how it’s connected.
Also, Birmingham Alabama was indeed named after Birmingham England because of our industrial background in iron & steel and railroad transportation. I’m yet to travel to Birmingham England but hope to some time!
Hi Ed again,
no it didn’t get me much further. Your response, however, prompted me to also poke around and I found some rather interesting videos and articles and I learned a lot. This one
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CV4uXtxnOdg
in particular makes me want to get this saw going, no matter what. Amazing how versatile this saw is.
For an explanation I got this saw for free and am / was unfamiliar with it. I now found out (you don’t need a mirror, lol) to see what I am after. Just turn the Pivot Latch in “rip” position and you look at the opposite site of the saw blade. That’s what I am after. Would I be asking too much you taking a picture and attach it to:
[email protected]
That would be a decisive step forward.
Thanks again,
Dieter
Not at all, but I’m not sure if I understand the angle you’re looking for. Here’s a picture in the rip position:
Is this the angle or do you need a different one?
Hi, Just wondering if you got that saw back together yet? I have several models and manuals.
Hi Ed. Hope you can help. I’m in Canada and need a capacitor for my model 113.278541 radial arm saw. Can’t get any help in Canada since Sears disappeared here and no one in the U.S. will ship here. I’m hoping I can get a capacitor from an electrical or electronics supplier. Do you happen to remember the med and voltage rating from your capacitor?
Hi Dave, this is the capacitor I got: https://www.searspartsdirect.com/product/1u51pw6jgc-0098-980/id-std376112. Looks like it’s not available from Sears Parts Direct anymore, but in the picture you can see some of the specs on the capacitor. I hope that helps you track a similar one down.
Cheers,
Ed
Hi Ed,
Great video! I’m having a tough time tracking down capacitor for craftsmen RAS model 113.29501. Sears parts direct does not carry and I’m waiting to hear back from mars delivers. Fingers crossed!
Thanks,
Dan
Thanks for the note! I hope you find it. I got mine from Sears Parts Direct, but had to talk with someone and it took a little work to find one that was comparable.