A commutator type, prior art dynamoelectric machine normally has an inlet for cooling air at the end of the machine remote from the commutator. The air flows from the inlet through axially extending passages in the rotor, outwardly through spaced radial ducts in the rotor, and into the air gap. Part of the air flows through the air gap to a collecting chamber at the commutator end of the machine to be discharged or exhausted. Part of the air flows radially outwards through interpolar spaces in the stator, through cooling ducts in the magnet frame to a peripheral passage which is connected to the collecting chamber at the commutator end. This invention provides a second collecting chamber at the drive end of the machine opposite the commutator end, communicating with the air gap and also with the peripheral passage at the drive end. Thus the air flow is divided after passing through the rotor and flows to the nearer collecting chamber providing a shorter flow path.