This garage door problem really has me stumped.

Fortunately here in Southern California it doesn't rain too often (except
for this year).

But when it does my garage door halts about half way down and then retracts
(i.e. opens).

I know this can be a symptom of a door sensor problem. But I just moved in
and the infrared sensors, which are usually on either side of the door near
the floor of garage, cannot be located.

It is a Sears 3/4 HP Garage Door Opener (chain drive). Similar to the GDO at
http://www6.sears.ca/webapp/wcs/stor...ctId=158060864

But a bit older, although the GDO technician that came out several months
ago said he did not think it was too old (whatever that means). By the way
he was also surprised that we could not find the sensors in their 'usual'
place.

I lubricated all of the recommended places and even increased the
screwdriver adjustment for the door closing speed/pressure. Still no joy.

Any ideas?

As always, thank you for your time.

Michael

On Thu, 28 Apr 2005 17:51:28 GMT, "Michael T"
wrote:

This garage door problem really has me stumped.

Fortunately here in Southern California it doesn't rain too often (except
for this year).

But when it does my garage door halts about half way down and then retracts
(i.e. opens).


You didn't say if this is a one-piece wooden door or a sectional door. If
it is the first it is likely the wood has absorbed a lot of moisture and is
now much heavier than when it was dry. This will upset the balance of the
door as it opens or closes and cause extra strain on the opener.

The first thing to try is to release the door from the opener by pulling
the cord and try to close the door manually. I should operate smoothly
with no undo exertion required.

You said you adjusted the down force (it isn't a speed adjustment) but you
didn't say how much. Unless the door wasn't properly set before you can
usually adjust the force enough to compensate for the extra weight.

Sorry about the omissions.

It is a one-piece wooden door and I turned the down force screwdriver
adjustment 1/8 turn (higher). However this adjustment seems to have had no
noticeable effect since the last time it failed during a heavy rain.
Moreover it is a 1/3 HP GDO - not a 3/4 HP as I stated in my previous post.

I was thinking 'increased door weight' also. But the fact that the door
closed OK after I unplugged the opener for a minute, then plugged it back in
makes me wonder if it might be an electronic problem - as opposed to a
pneumatic one (due to a heavier door).

I should also add that sometimes (when it rains) the door will not open
properly either. It stops about 1-2 feet from the fully open position.

Thank you for your reply.


"doubter" wrote in message
...

You didn't say if this is a one-piece wooden door or a sectional door. If
it is the first it is likely the wood has absorbed a lot of moisture and
is
now much heavier than when it was dry. This will upset the balance of the
door as it opens or closes and cause extra strain on the opener.

The first thing to try is to release the door from the opener by pulling
the cord and try to close the door manually. I should operate smoothly
with no undo exertion required.

You said you adjusted the down force (it isn't a speed adjustment) but you
didn't say how much. Unless the door wasn't properly set before you can
usually adjust the force enough to compensate for the extra weight.