If a motor feels hot and may be overloaded, what should you avoid doing?

When a motor feels hot and may be overloaded, opening the flow valve further is something to avoid because doing so can increase the load on the motor. This additional load can exacerbate the overheating issue, leading to potential damage both to the motor and the connected system. Motors are designed to operate within specific load parameters, and exceeding these can cause the windings to overheat, leading to failure or burnout.

Reducing the power supply, checking for leaks, and inspecting electrical connections are all actions that can help assess the situation or alleviate the problem. Reducing the power supply can decrease the load on the motor, while checking for leaks and inspecting electrical connections are proactive measures for identifying underlying issues that may be contributing to the overheating. Thus, these actions are more beneficial in this scenario compared to opening the flow valve further.