Heater noise -- 87 Carrera

[mgh]

When I pull the heater and defrost levers up the fan/blower on the right passenger side makes a lot of noise initially.
Is there any way to get to these parts easily to lubricate/fix the situation.

Interested to hear if anyone has dealt with a similar situation.

thanks

[Jupiter]

I have a 87 targa and I don't have levers for heater and defrost, but a turning switch between the chairs, did the 87 model came with different heater arrangements?

[DDM]

I hear the "squealing" too. Minor adjustments of the levers, up and down, get it to synchronize pretty quickly. If there is a good fix I would also like to take care of it.

[87911jon]

My '87 coupe sometimes makes a few seconds of noise, like something is in need of a hit of lubricant, when I pull the heater levers up. I also tried turning on the auxilary fan switch between the seats, but since it operates a different blower motor it did nothing...

[efhughes3]

Henk-
The dial is the "automatic" controls. I've got that on my '84, it was an option.

[Jupiter]

Ed


Thanks

[mm86911]

Correct me if I'm wrong but I thoughts the levers controlled the ducts to route warm air into the cabin while switching on the blower motor on the engine. The dial switch is a multi-position switch that operates teh L/R footwell blowers in the cabin.

[mgh]

The noise I'm referring to happens when the levers that control the ducts are pulled up and I get the same thing as DDM and 87911join describe in their posts -- an initial squealing sound which I stops if I move the levers around. It sounds like a part in need of a lubricant but not sure where to start. Has anyone had the same problem and been able to fix it?

[Stuttgart951]

Same thing here - Ive not paid it much attention yet due to other issues.

[Dave Ploss]

I've got the same issue but I think it is bearings in the heater motors inthe foot well. I think the only recourse is new blower motors.

Dave

[Wavey]

Your footwell heater blower motor is making the noise. It's very easy to get to - just remove 3 screws, take the carpeted cover off and the part is right there. You can try cleaning and lubrication the bearings but the noise is likey to return. The only real fix is to replace it - they can be had new for about $110. Used ones are likely to have (or will develop) the same problem. Same thing in the left footwell.

[Argo]

Wavey's right - footwell blowers squealing are a common problem. I tried the clean/lubricate thing on mine, but it is only a temp fix and I ended up replacing with new. Keep in mind that these blowers are also responsible for windshield defrost assistance when deciding what to do. I make an effort to run mine on a regular basis for a little while because I've found that when it comes to things Porsche, if you don't use it, you lose it. Also, they should have a fuse spliced into the line by the blower so when they fail they won't torch the car.

Argo
88 Targa

[dgcate]

I bought a low milage (28K mi) '89 last year from it's orignal owner in florida, so the heater wasn't used really since new, and it made the same noise. I had to put up with that noise for a while, thinking I'd have to replace it at some point. But then it quit doing it, and has been quite now for several months. Maybe it will not come back, just needed using? But as has been mentioned, normally, I believe if these cars don't get used, they develop "squawks". I've had to replace several of the relays just because of this lack of use, I believe.

[alf]

Yup footwell blowers. You could try oiling them, but is is a temp fix. I tried. I just disconnected the squeakier one and when the other squeaks i will disconnect that as well. I do not think the older 911s have these blowers and they seem to do just fine. Nice to have heat when you are stopped though.

alf

[mm86911]

Definitely a "use it or loose it" scenario. Revived one of mine and make it a point to run for a bit each time I drive the car. So far, xperiencing 2nd life for 3 months now.