Garage door openers
 

I would appreciate some opinions on garage door openers.

I presently have a genie of indeterminate age that is starting to fail.
Its a screw drive consumer model with the three part track bolted
together.

The local door service I called suggests replaceing it with a
Liftmaster, either chain or belt driven. They tell me that the quality
of the Genie has gone down in the last few years and they no longer
carry Genie.

Questions:

1) Is the motor on the Genie (which seems to have become intermittant)
easily obtainable and easily replaceable? Should I first replace the
starting capacitor? It seems to start OK, raises the door a foot or two
and stops. The adjustment for sensitivity (is that the right term) is
at max.

2) Whats the dependability of Liftmasters in general? Between screw
drive, chain drive & belt drive which is the best and most relieable?
I only have experience with screw drives.

Thanks for you help.

--
Rich Greenberg N Ft Myers, FL, USA richgr atsign panix.com + 1 239 543 1353
Eastern time. N6LRT I speak for myself & my dogs only. VM'er since CP-67
Canines:Val, Red, Shasta & Casey (RIP), Red & Zero, Siberians Owner:Chinook-L
Retired at the beach Asst Owner:Sibernet-L

Garage door openers
 

On 5 Sep 2008 10:37:30 -0400, (Rich Greenberg) wrote:

I would appreciate some opinions on garage door openers.

I presently have a genie of indeterminate age that is starting to fail.
Its a screw drive consumer model with the three part track bolted
together.

The local door service I called suggests replaceing it with a
Liftmaster, either chain or belt driven. They tell me that the quality
of the Genie has gone down in the last few years and they no longer
carry Genie.

Questions:

1) Is the motor on the Genie (which seems to have become intermittant)
easily obtainable and easily replaceable? Should I first replace the
starting capacitor? It seems to start OK, raises the door a foot or two
and stops. The adjustment for sensitivity (is that the right term) is
at max.

2) Whats the dependability of Liftmasters in general? Between screw
drive, chain drive & belt drive which is the best and most relieable?
I only have experience with screw drives.

Thanks for you help.

First make sure the door operates reasonably without the opener. (ie,
make sure a spring isn't broken). If all is OK, older genies had a
clutch adjustment on the back of the screw. If so, tighten it
slightly until the problem goes away. You said the you set the
sensitivity adjustment for max. It seems like max sensitivity is the
opposite of what you want. Maybe you just worded it incorrectly.
Good luck.

Garage door openers
 

I ended up with two belt drives from Overhead door company. Due to the size
of the doors.. I can tell you (if it matters) the belt drives are quieter
than a well lubed genie screw. You can however, still buy a genie at the
big box stores. I'd do that before i'd attempt any repair on an old one.
Hell they're only $139 or whatever.

http://www.overheaddoor.com/Product.aspx?pid=49

s


"Rich Greenberg" wrote in message
...
I would appreciate some opinions on garage door openers.

I presently have a genie of indeterminate age that is starting to fail.
Its a screw drive consumer model with the three part track bolted
together.

The local door service I called suggests replaceing it with a
Liftmaster, either chain or belt driven. They tell me that the quality
of the Genie has gone down in the last few years and they no longer
carry Genie.

Questions:

1) Is the motor on the Genie (which seems to have become intermittant)
easily obtainable and easily replaceable? Should I first replace the
starting capacitor? It seems to start OK, raises the door a foot or two
and stops. The adjustment for sensitivity (is that the right term) is
at max.

2) Whats the dependability of Liftmasters in general? Between screw
drive, chain drive & belt drive which is the best and most relieable?
I only have experience with screw drives.

Thanks for you help.

--
Rich Greenberg N Ft Myers, FL, USA richgr atsign panix.com + 1 239 543
1353
Eastern time. N6LRT I speak for myself & my dogs only. VM'er since
CP-67
Canines:Val, Red, Shasta & Casey (RIP), Red & Zero, Siberians
Owner:Chinook-L
Retired at the beach Asst
Owner:Sibernet-L

Garage door openers
 

that clutch adjustment will not help his intermittent motor problem

s


"greenpjs" wrote in message
...

First make sure the door operates reasonably without the opener. (ie,
make sure a spring isn't broken). If all is OK, older genies had a
clutch adjustment on the back of the screw. If so, tighten it
slightly until the problem goes away. You said the you set the
sensitivity adjustment for max. It seems like max sensitivity is the
opposite of what you want. Maybe you just worded it incorrectly.
Good luck.

Garage door openers
 

"Steve Barker DLT" wrote in message
...
I ended up with two belt drives from Overhead door company. Due to the
size of the doors.. I can tell you (if it matters) the belt drives are
quieter than a well lubed genie screw. You can however, still buy a genie
at the big box stores. I'd do that before i'd attempt any repair on an old
one. Hell they're only $139 or whatever.

http://www.overheaddoor.com/Product.aspx?pid=49



It seems that it is usually cheaper to get something new than it is to
repair many things now.

I always liked the warranty of the $ 5.00 socket sets from years ago.
Guaranteed for life. You send the broken socket back and get a new one for
$ 4.95 shipping and handling.

Garage door openers
 

On Sep 5, 11:04*am, "Steve Barker DLT"
wrote:
I ended up with two belt drives from Overhead door company. *Due to the size
of the doors.. I can tell you (if it matters) the belt drives are quieter
than a well lubed genie screw. *You can however, still buy a genie at the
big box stores. *I'd do that before i'd attempt any repair on an old one.
Hell they're only $139 or whatever.

http://www.overheaddoor.com/Product.aspx?pid=49

s

"Rich Greenberg" wrote in message

...



I would appreciate some opinions on garage door openers.

I presently have a genie of indeterminate age that is starting to fail.
Its a screw drive consumer model with the three part track bolted
together.

The local door service I called suggests replaceing it with a
Liftmaster, either chain or belt driven. *They tell me that the quality
of the Genie has gone down in the last few years and they no longer
carry Genie.

Questions:

1) Is the motor on the Genie (which seems to have become intermittant)
easily obtainable and easily replaceable? *Should I first replace the
starting capacitor? *It seems to start OK, raises the door a foot or two
and stops. *The adjustment for sensitivity (is that the right term) is
at max.

2) Whats the dependability of Liftmasters in general? *Between screw
drive, chain drive & belt drive which is the best and most relieable?
I only have experience with screw drives.

Thanks for you help.

--
Rich Greenberg *N Ft Myers, FL, USA richgr atsign panix.com *+ 1 239 543
1353
Eastern time. *N6LRT *I speak for myself & my dogs only. * *VM'er since
CP-67
Canines:Val, Red, Shasta & Casey (RIP), Red & Zero, Siberians
Owner:Chinook-L
Retired at the beach * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Asst
Owner:Sibernet-L- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

I can tell you (if it matters) the belt drives are quieter than a
well lubed genie screw.

Just a tip: Hang your opener from rubber straps and you'll reduce the
noise substantially. I have a bedroom above the garage and the boys
say the rubber straps reduced the transmitted noise by half. It's also
much quieter in the garage itself.

I used a couple of pieces of thick conveyor-belt material, about 4"
long.

Garage door openers
 

"Ralph Mowery" wrote in message
m...

"Steve Barker DLT" wrote in message
...
I ended up with two belt drives from Overhead door company. Due to the
size of the doors.. I can tell you (if it matters) the belt drives are
quieter than a well lubed genie screw. You can however, still buy a genie
at the big box stores. I'd do that before i'd attempt any repair on an
old one. Hell they're only $139 or whatever.

http://www.overheaddoor.com/Product.aspx?pid=49



It seems that it is usually cheaper to get something new than it is to
repair many things now.

I always liked the warranty of the $ 5.00 socket sets from years ago.
Guaranteed for life. You send the broken socket back and get a new one
for $ 4.95 shipping and handling.




And I ran into some companies that required me to send the whole unit back,
many pounds, instead of just the broken part, a few ounces, and paid
shipment both ways. That make the warranty worthless.

Garage door openers
 

On Sep 5, 9:37*am, (Rich Greenberg) wrote:
I would appreciate some opinions on garage door openers.

I presently have a genie of indeterminate age that is starting to fail.
Its a screw drive consumer model with the three part track bolted
together.

The local door service I called suggests replaceing it with a
Liftmaster, either chain or belt driven. *They tell me that the quality
of the Genie has gone down in the last few years and they no longer
carry Genie.

Questions:

1) Is the motor on the Genie (which seems to have become intermittant)
easily obtainable and easily replaceable? *Should I first replace the
starting capacitor? *It seems to start OK, raises the door a foot or two
and stops. *The adjustment for sensitivity (is that the right term) is
at max.

2) Whats the dependability of Liftmasters in general? *Between screw
drive, chain drive & belt drive which is the best and most relieable?
I only have experience with screw drives.

Thanks for you help.

--
Rich Greenberg *N Ft Myers, FL, USA richgr atsign panix.com *+ 1 239 543 1353
Eastern time. *N6LRT *I speak for myself & my dogs only. * *VM'er since CP-67
Canines:Val, Red, Shasta & Casey (RIP), Red & Zero, Siberians *Owner:Chinook-L
Retired at the beach * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Asst Owner:Sibernet-L

You might have 2 adjustments on the unit, force and sensivity

Garage door openers
 

On Sep 5, 12:28*pm, ransley wrote:
On Sep 5, 9:37*am, (Rich Greenberg) wrote:





I would appreciate some opinions on garage door openers.

I presently have a genie of indeterminate age that is starting to fail.
Its a screw drive consumer model with the three part track bolted
together.

The local door service I called suggests replaceing it with a
Liftmaster, either chain or belt driven. *They tell me that the quality
of the Genie has gone down in the last few years and they no longer
carry Genie.

Questions:

1) Is the motor on the Genie (which seems to have become intermittant)
easily obtainable and easily replaceable? *Should I first replace the
starting capacitor? *It seems to start OK, raises the door a foot or two
and stops. *The adjustment for sensitivity (is that the right term) is
at max.

2) Whats the dependability of Liftmasters in general? *Between screw
drive, chain drive & belt drive which is the best and most relieable?
I only have experience with screw drives.

Thanks for you help.

--
Rich Greenberg *N Ft Myers, FL, USA richgr atsign panix.com *+ 1 239 543 1353
Eastern time. *N6LRT *I speak for myself & my dogs only. * *VM'er since CP-67
Canines:Val, Red, Shasta & Casey (RIP), Red & Zero, Siberians *Owner:Chinook-L
Retired at the beach * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Asst Owner:Sibernet-L

You might have 2 adjustments on the unit, force and sensivity- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

You might have 2 adjustments on the unit, force and sensivity

I'm not sure I see a difference between "force and sensivity" in this
case.

Typically the 2 adjustments (actually 4) are force and travel, up and
down for each.

Garage door openers
 

2) Whats the dependability of Liftmasters in general? Between screw
drive, chain drive & belt drive which is the best and most relieable?
I only have experience with screw drives.


I've replaced my Genies with the belt drive Liftmasters. I have four new
belt drive Liftmasters, one with battery backup. Quiet and smooth, one
remote controls three different units. I had chain, screw and belt drives
over the years on multiple properties. Chain drives are PIA, low end units
that needs constant adjustment and I wouldn't buy another one again. I never
had a screw mechanism broke, but my Genie belt broke after 17 years.
Installed a new belt and good for another 5 years before the motor burn out.

My old 1/2hp screw drive Genie seems stronger than my new 1/2hp Liftmaster
belt drive, but I still like the Liftmaster better. My other belt drive
Liftmaster with the battery backup is 3/4hp. Also have one screw drive
Liftmaster and its working well after 4 years.

Garage door openers
 

In article ,
Steve Barker DLT wrote:
I ended up with two belt drives from Overhead door company. Due to the size
of the doors.. I can tell you (if it matters) the belt drives are quieter
than a well lubed genie screw. You can however, still buy a genie at the
big box stores. I'd do that before i'd attempt any repair on an old one.
Hell they're only $139 or whatever.

http://www.overheaddoor.com/Product.aspx?pid=49


Thanks Steve,
Do you know if my "Intellicode" remotes would work with an OHD unit? I
have 5 remotes in all and replacing them all would add to the cost.

Can anyone comment on Genie's quality going down recently, or is that
just a sales pitch from the dealer I called?

I called the local OHD dealer, and they seem to have only chain or belt
models, and say the belt is quieter. Noise has never been a problem
with past screw drives.


"Rich Greenberg" wrote in message
...
I would appreciate some opinions on garage door openers.

I presently have a genie of indeterminate age that is starting to fail.
Its a screw drive consumer model with the three part track bolted
together.

The local door service I called suggests replaceing it with a
Liftmaster, either chain or belt driven. They tell me that the quality
of the Genie has gone down in the last few years and they no longer
carry Genie.

Questions:

1) Is the motor on the Genie (which seems to have become intermittant)
easily obtainable and easily replaceable? Should I first replace the
starting capacitor? It seems to start OK, raises the door a foot or two
and stops. The adjustment for sensitivity (is that the right term) is
at max.

2) Whats the dependability of Liftmasters in general? Between screw
drive, chain drive & belt drive which is the best and most relieable?
I only have experience with screw drives.

Thanks for you help.

--
Rich Greenberg N Ft Myers, FL, USA richgr atsign panix.com + 1 239 543
1353
Eastern time. N6LRT I speak for myself & my dogs only. VM'er since
CP-67
Canines:Val, Red, Shasta & Casey (RIP), Red & Zero, Siberians
Owner:Chinook-L
Retired at the beach Asst
Owner:Sibernet-L




--
Rich Greenberg N Ft Myers, FL, USA richgr atsign panix.com + 1 239 543 1353
Eastern time. N6LRT I speak for myself & my dogs only. VM'er since CP-67
Canines:Val, Red, Shasta & Casey (RIP), Red & Zero, Siberians Owner:Chinook-L
Retired at the beach Asst Owner:Sibernet-L

Garage door openers
 

On Fri, 5 Sep 2008 09:54:46 -0700, Frank wrote:

2) Whats the dependability of Liftmasters in general? Between screw
drive, chain drive & belt drive which is the best and most relieable?
I only have experience with screw drives.


I've replaced my Genies with the belt drive Liftmasters. I have four new
belt drive Liftmasters, one with battery backup. Quiet and smooth, one
remote controls three different units. I had chain, screw and belt drives
over the years on multiple properties. Chain drives are PIA, low end units
that needs constant adjustment and I wouldn't buy another one again. I never
had a screw mechanism broke, but my Genie belt broke after 17 years.
Installed a new belt and good for another 5 years before the motor burn out.

My old 1/2hp screw drive Genie seems stronger than my new 1/2hp Liftmaster
belt drive, but I still like the Liftmaster better. My other belt drive
Liftmaster with the battery backup is 3/4hp. Also have one screw drive
Liftmaster and its working well after 4 years.

Unless the chain drive is a full length chain I would avoid it. Most chain
drives also have a cable that seems to snap at the worst possible moment.

Garage door openers
 

2) Whats the dependability of Liftmasters in general? Between screw
drive, chain drive & belt drive which is the best and most relieable?
I only have experience with screw drives.

Thanks for you help.

If you decide to get a new opener try the belt drives.
http://www.liftmaster.com/consumerwe...ts/pflBelt.htm

Garage door openers
 

On Sep 5, 11:38*am, DerbyDad03 wrote:
On Sep 5, 12:28*pm, ransley wrote:





On Sep 5, 9:37*am, (Rich Greenberg) wrote:

I would appreciate some opinions on garage door openers.

I presently have a genie of indeterminate age that is starting to fail.
Its a screw drive consumer model with the three part track bolted
together.

The local door service I called suggests replaceing it with a
Liftmaster, either chain or belt driven. *They tell me that the quality
of the Genie has gone down in the last few years and they no longer
carry Genie.

Questions:

1) Is the motor on the Genie (which seems to have become intermittant)
easily obtainable and easily replaceable? *Should I first replace the
starting capacitor? *It seems to start OK, raises the door a foot or two
and stops. *The adjustment for sensitivity (is that the right term) is
at max.

2) Whats the dependability of Liftmasters in general? *Between screw
drive, chain drive & belt drive which is the best and most relieable?
I only have experience with screw drives.

Thanks for you help.

--
Rich Greenberg *N Ft Myers, FL, USA richgr atsign panix.com *+ 1 239 543 1353
Eastern time. *N6LRT *I speak for myself & my dogs only. * *VM'er since CP-67
Canines:Val, Red, Shasta & Casey (RIP), Red & Zero, Siberians *Owner:Chinook-L
Retired at the beach * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Asst Owner:Sibernet-L

You might have 2 adjustments on the unit, force and sensivity- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

You might have 2 adjustments on the unit, force and sensivity

I'm not sure I see a difference between "force and sensivity" in this
case.

Typically the 2 adjustments (actually 4) are force and travel, up and
down for each.- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

I had the same issue with a liftmaster and adjusted a second set of
adjustments on the other side of the unit and its worked fine since.
He should call the co that made the unit they might diagnose it easily
as Liftmaster did for me.

Garage door openers
 

On Fri, 5 Sep 2008 18:11:34 +0000 (UTC), (Rich
Greenberg) wrote:

I called the local OHD dealer, and they seem to have only chain or belt
models, and say the belt is quieter. Noise has never been a problem
with past screw drives.

Go with the belt vs chain. Both stretch out over time and need
attention/repair. Belt is quieter

Garage door openers
 

Yes, your intellicode remotes should work fine. I even got the built in
unit in the '03 explorer to do it's thing...

As for the quality of the genie, i'm sure it's gone down like everything
else. i'd bet they're made in chink land also.

steve


"Rich Greenberg" wrote in message
...


Thanks Steve,
Do you know if my "Intellicode" remotes would work with an OHD unit? I
have 5 remotes in all and replacing them all would add to the cost.

Can anyone comment on Genie's quality going down recently, or is that
just a sales pitch from the dealer I called?

I called the local OHD dealer, and they seem to have only chain or belt
models, and say the belt is quieter. Noise has never been a problem
with past screw drives.


"Rich Greenberg" wrote in message
Retired at the beach Asst
Owner:Sibernet-L

Garage door openers
 

On Fri, 5 Sep 2008 10:05:19 -0500, "Steve Barker DLT"
wrote:

that clutch adjustment will not help his intermittent motor problem

s


"greenpjs" wrote in message
.. .

First make sure the door operates reasonably without the opener. (ie,
make sure a spring isn't broken). If all is OK, older genies had a
clutch adjustment on the back of the screw. If so, tighten it
slightly until the problem goes away. You said the you set the
sensitivity adjustment for max. It seems like max sensitivity is the
opposite of what you want. Maybe you just worded it incorrectly.
Good luck.


Well... He says the motor is intermittent but then says it starts OK.
Maybe, it's not the motor.

Garage door openers
 

On Sep 5, 10:37*am, (Rich Greenberg) wrote:
I would appreciate some opinions on garage door openers.


Step #1, disconnect the opener and make sure the door opens easily
and will balance at the half way point. If not adjust it and then see
what happens. Your description of the problem does seem to point to
the motor, but many door problems end up being just a simple
adjustment and yours could be as well.

Garage door openers
 

On Sep 5, 9:54*am, " Frank" x wrote:
2) Whats the dependability of Liftmasters in general? *Between screw
drive, chain drive & belt drive which is the best and most relieable?
I only have experience with screw drives.

I've replaced my Genies with the belt drive Liftmasters. I have four new
belt drive Liftmasters, one with battery backup. Quiet and smooth, one
remote controls three different units. I had chain, screw and belt drives
over the years on multiple properties. Chain drives are PIA, low end units
that needs constant adjustment and I wouldn't buy another one again. I never
had a screw mechanism broke, but my Genie belt broke after 17 years.
Installed a new belt and good for another 5 years before the motor burn out.

My old 1/2hp screw drive Genie seems stronger than my new 1/2hp Liftmaster
belt drive, but I still like the Liftmaster better. My other belt drive
Liftmaster with the battery backup is 3/4hp. Also have one screw drive
Liftmaster and its working well after 4 years.

I've got a pair of Chamerlain Whispermatics, chain drives. They are
very quiet, but I don't have a bedroom over them. One I use for a
single garage, the other pulls a two-stall door.
They were as easy as anything else to install, and still going fine
though it's only been 5 years or so.

Garage door openers
 

wrote in message
...
On Sep 5, 9:54 am, " Frank" x wrote:
2) Whats the dependability of Liftmasters in general? Between screw
drive, chain drive & belt drive which is the best and most relieable?
I only have experience with screw drives.

I've replaced my Genies with the belt drive Liftmasters. I have four new
belt drive Liftmasters, one with battery backup. Quiet and smooth, one
remote controls three different units. I had chain, screw and belt drives
over the years on multiple properties. Chain drives are PIA, low end units
that needs constant adjustment and I wouldn't buy another one again. I
never
had a screw mechanism broke, but my Genie belt broke after 17 years.
Installed a new belt and good for another 5 years before the motor burn
out.

My old 1/2hp screw drive Genie seems stronger than my new 1/2hp Liftmaster
belt drive, but I still like the Liftmaster better. My other belt drive
Liftmaster with the battery backup is 3/4hp. Also have one screw drive
Liftmaster and its working well after 4 years.

I've got a pair of Chamerlain Whispermatics, chain drives. They are
very quiet, but I don't have a bedroom over them. One I use for a
single garage, the other pulls a two-stall door.
They were as easy as anything else to install, and still going fine
though it's only been 5 years or so.





I have a room over the garage, the problem with my belt drive is its too
quiet! Never know if someone is using the doors - i.e., wife, or sons. We
install couple of sensors on the door, so it could be monitored both at the
lower level and upstairs, LOL.

Garage door openers
 

In article , "
Frank" x says...



2) Whats the dependability of Liftmasters in general? Between screw
drive, chain drive & belt drive which is the best and most relieable?
I only have experience with screw drives.


I've replaced my Genies with the belt drive Liftmasters. I have four new
belt drive Liftmasters, one with battery backup. Quiet and smooth, one
remote controls three different units. I had chain, screw and belt drives
over the years on multiple properties. Chain drives are PIA, low end units
that needs constant adjustment and I wouldn't buy another one again. I never
had a screw mechanism broke, but my Genie belt broke after 17 years.
Installed a new belt and good for another 5 years before the motor burn out.

I've had numerous chain units and have never had to adjust them. I
had one fail after 15 years, thought the failure wasn't in the
mechanics. It was easier to replace than repair because all the
electronics had to be changed anyway (FCC thing).

My old 1/2hp screw drive Genie seems stronger than my new 1/2hp Liftmaster
belt drive, but I still like the Liftmaster better. My other belt drive
Liftmaster with the battery backup is 3/4hp. Also have one screw drive
Liftmaster and its working well after 4 years.

I have a Limaster now. I have to find accessories for it (entry
keypad, etc.).

--
Keith