a/c fan under the dash

[amersbell]

I bought an 81 SC about two months ago. The previous owners 2 yr old daughter was kind enough to put dry dog food in the a/c vents. Now when you turn it on it occasionally spits out lunch. How hard is it to get to the fan motor and clean it out?

[Por_sha911]

Just get a catcher's mit and a small dog and you'll be all set.

[amersbell]

Very Cute!!!!!

[Por_sha911]

Here's a more practical answer.

[randyrap]

Hi Chris.

The pictures above are for the heating blower. The AC blower is in the ''smuggler's box'' behind the spare tire. I think it is only a few bolts that hold it in. I recall someone saying that once you have the bolts off you have to pull the blower forward before lifting it out.

Have fun .................. Randy

[amersbell]

If it's in the smugglers box it should be fairly easy to get to. Thanks guys.

[david914]

Before you go tearing everything apart, exactly which vent(s) do (does) the offending kibbles come out of? That could make a big difference in either having to completely disassemble the evaporator box, or just loosen a hose clamp or two and empty out a hose.

[amersbell]

It is out of the two center vents on the dash. I also have a rattle when it is on high, which doesn't sound like it is from the dog food. I figure I need to check the fan anyway and see why it is rattling.

Does that make a difference on where to go?

[Hugh R]

Center vents = fan in smugglers box. Four philips head screws and it comes out pretty easily. A five minute job.

[david914]

If you have a fan rattle, you might want to go ahead and remove the fan from the smuggler's box and give it the once over. You can do this without having to evacuate the refridgerant and open the system, it's just not as easy. The tough part is removing the metal clips that hold the upper and lower halves of the fan housing together. The even tougher part is putting them back on!

The fan may be slightly bent causing it to vibrate at high speed. I tried balancing mine, and while it improved, I wasn't able to get it just right. I ended up ordering a new squirrel cage from Porsche and that took car of the problem. If your fan looks OK, make sure that it's properly positioned on the motor shaft and not too close to the surrounding parts of the housing. If it is, and the cage is out of balance, it can hit the housing causing a loud rattle. You should also take a look at the motor itself and if it's OK, give the bearings some oil while you're there. They will start to squeek if they haven't already (it's not a matter of if, only a matter of when).

[Tim Polzin]

BTW, unless you know for a fact the dog food was dumped in by a person (big or small), the usual culprits are small four legged ones with tails. You might also check around for nests too, especially in the engine.

[amersbell]

Thanks. I'm sure the child did it. Daddy caught her doing it. I will take the fan out and check it. Thanks gents.

[amersbell]

Hugh and David,

Thanks. I opened the smugglers box, turned on the fan and there was the noise. I will pull it out, beat it with a hammer, add duct tape and hopefully fix it.

I think it is probably loose or a blade bent. Should be easy. Thanks a bunch.

[Tim Polzin]

Originally posted by amersbell

I will pull it out, beat it with a hammer, add duct tape and hopefully fix it.

Chris:

I like your style!

Tim

[randyrap]

CHRIS.

YOU FORGOT TO MENTION ''CLOSE YOUR EYES'' BEFORE HITTING IT WITH A HAMMER.

LOL ............................. RANDY