Prior to destructive testing, diagnostic tests were performed in ten high voltage motors. Diagnostic tests included polarization infer, ac current, dissipation factor$(tan{delta})$ and partial discharge magnitude. The rewind of motet slater insulation at rated voltage is assessed by the results of these tests. After completing the diagnostic tests, the stator windings of motors were subjected to gradually increasing ac voltage, until the insulation punctured. No. 8 motor failed near rated voltage of 19.0 kV. The breakdown voltage of No. 4 motet was 7.0 kV which is lower that expected for good quality coils in 6.6 kV class motors. The failure was located in a line-end coil at the exit from the core slot. These two motors began operation in 1994. While testing No. 7 motor, flashover occurred between the stator winding and the stator frame at 15 kV. The relationship between the diagnostic test and the drop in insulation breakdown voltage was analyzed.