On Wed, 19 May 2010 07:59:03 -0700, Darro
wrote:

Hi,

Is there anything I can do to get the electric motor for my favorite
desktop fan to start up properly again?

When I turn on the fan, the motor axle/propeller try to rotate (while
the motor hums), but if they do, it's usually only very slowly and for
just a few moments before they stall completely. However, I can
usually get the propeller rotating steadily at full speed by quickly
rotating it by hand several times right after I switch on the fan.

Thanks in advance for your replies,
Darro

Just an update to my inquiry....

After lubricating the motor shaft with sewing machine oil, my favorite
fan works perfectly again. I intend to do this every so often to keep
it running for as long as possible.
A big thank-you to everyone who took the time to help me get my fan
going again.

Cheers,
Darro