Can using the wrong light bulbs burn out a ceiling fan motor?

no, using higher watt bulbs may increase possiblity of a fire, but this is probably the real reason it happened... Inexpensive fans may have inadequate size motors which can cause over-heating and motor burn-out. In many instances, lower quality fans may not have enough blade pitch to effectively move air. The greater the blade pitch, the more movement of air... but remember, the greater the pitch, the greater the need for a larger motor!

Yes it is possible! The wattage requirement is for the thermal factor but not due to fire from the lamps. It is a listing requirement of the temp rating of the wires and the screwshell of the fixture. The rising heat from the lamps can overheat the wires in the lighting fixture as well as the windings of the motor causing a breakdown. Over time overheating from too much current (higher wattage) can damage the insulation on the wires and cause an electrical short, that is where the fire hazard comes into play. It is, however, unlikely that the lamps Burnt the motor. A more common cause is lint shorting the brushes in the motor armature.

Probably not. The bulb should be 60 watts but the motor is not governed by the bulbs. Age of the fan is more likely. He is trying to make you feel responsible so that he can hold it against you later. Check somewhere on renter rights and bad landlord management regulations.

I guess it is a possibility. In my opinion tho, the 60 watt max rating is more to do with the insulation of the lampshell and fan housing. By installing a 100 watt bulb you are generation more heat than is recommended, and thereby creating a fire hazard. I find it highly unlikly that anywhere in your renters agreement it states about installing correct wattage bulbs and voiding any warrenty on the fan. It seems like the landlord is trying to get you to replace it and save himself a couple bucks.

Your manager is full of it. While the motor and the lights are on the same circuit, they are exclusive of each other.

The reason you are advised to use 60 watt bulbs is due to the heat causing a fire, not burning out your motor.

No, it's recommended to use no higher than 60 watt because of fire hazard. If you always start your fan on low speed or even sometimes for that matter that is what burns your motor out.

It's possible but highly unlikely.

With my experience the one thing that will really mess up a ceiling fan motor is a rheostat. It's switch(for lack of a better term) that can control the fan speed. I've had all sorts of problems with those messing motors.

I really doubt it. The wiring that I have seen in the past is rated high enough to withstand the current drain. The increased heat could be a minor factor.

The manager is just looking for a excuse to get you to pay for it, possibly. It could be that the thing just wore out with constant use.

It might burn out the sockets but not the motor.