Squeal like a pig boy!..a fan revalation

CCM911 · 02-14-2011, 07:12 AM

I have in the past thrown out some enquries regarding my recalcitrant auto-heat issues. Now I think have the solution.

Prior to the heat deciding to quit, I now remember that my engine compartment blower fan was squealing more than Ned Beatty in "Deliverance".

With that said, I now know I need to repair or replace the fan.

Question..... could I have damaged anything else by letting the fan break?

Thanks so much.

Bob Kontak · Bob Kontak's Garage

This is one that needs more explanation. Is a pic possible? Are chunks missing?

If chunks of the fan got sucked into the top of the engine case there are no moving parts in there and nothing too fragile.. If it got sucked all the way back on the passenger side there could be some air obstruction for the engine mounted oil cooler.

CCM911 · 02-14-2011, 07:47 AM

Bob, this is the heater fan, not the cooling fan.

mpetry · mpetry's Garage

it's pretty easy to take it apart and overhaul it. My suspicion is that if you get another one it will be worn out just like the one you have. Just open it up, lube the bushings and make sure the brushes are not worn out.

Joe Bob · Joe Bob's Garage

The engine blower needs to be working for the foot well blowers to work and that's all she wrote.

The rebuild parts are available....cheaper than buying new. Lot's of stuff to disconnect, be careful of the heater tubes. They can be brittle and will rip and tear due to engine heat, especially the paper/tin ones.

Bob Kontak · Bob Kontak's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by CCM911

Bob, this is the heater fan, not the cooling fan.

Doh

ghamilton · 08:41 AM

I assume the fuse blew, if not pull it that's a lot of draw and potential fire hazard if it is still getting current and not turning..

Actually just pulled my fan this weekend while I was replacing the hoses. Pulls apart easily and took 20 minutes to clean it, and apply some white litium grease to the bushings. Mine was turning but a little squeely, brushes were just 1/2 worn, so sticking with them for now.

Now quite and smooth as silk!

john walker's workshop · 02-14-2011, 08:30 AM

pelican lists the fan motor, less fan and housing for a pretty good price compared to the whole $$$$ unit.

CCM911 · 02-14-2011, 08:30 AM

Thanks so much.

Doesn't sound like such a bad fix.

Wil Ferch · 02-14-2011, 08:53 AM

Or look for the Grainger-motor fix desrcribed within these pages too.

CCM911 · 02-25-2011, 07:32 AM

I took John Walker's advice and ordered the new fan from our illustrious host. As long as the plug modification goes well, it looks to be the most direct route.

Thanks, John!!

rusnak · 02-25-2011, 10:34 AM

By the time the heater blower fan wears out and quits, the brushes, bushings, armature, etc are all pretty much shot. I can see bolting in a new electric blower motor, but I can't see trying to rebuild the old one.

Joe Bob · Joe Bob's Garage

Some people will DIY because they can.....the parts are available as are complete motors. I went with marine bilge blowers. Higher CFM and WAY cheaper.

ghamilton · 02-25-2011, 10:42 AM

I guess I got to mine before it self destructed. Is the quality of the new ones as good? I tend to doubt it as with many replacement parts.

CCM911 · 02-25-2011, 10:58 AM

Give me a week until I get the new one in and I will be able to provide an unbiased report. On most things, I like to take the DIY approach, but for a bit over $100 for a new motor it seems like I am getting peace of mind for not a lot of cash.