Fresh Air / DeFrost FAN

Rich G · 09-03-2002, 08:35 AM

The fan in my 912E squeels at mid to high RPM and desperately needs a shot of WD40 or grease. Being a mechanical engineer, I've applied engineering principle #1; rubber mallet shot to plastic duct in driver footwell and the squeel subsides temporarily and the fan runs smoothly. My fan bearings may be shot and the fan needs replaced. In any case, can someone help in disassembly of the duct and fan? Rather then just tear into a disassembly, I thought I'd ask if there is a proper way to do this. I am also assuming I can purchase a new fan to replace the old one if necessary. Thank you in advance for any help and taking time to reply ........ Rich G.

WFBowen · WFBowen's Garage

Hey Rich:
First off, I'm going from (rapidly deteriorating) memory here & I'm assuming we're talking about the front fresh air blower. If so, it's reached from the luggage compartment/dash access by pulling back the carpeting & protective fiberboard cover. You'll see an apprx. 12" "pancake" type blower motor feeding the duct hoses. Removal/instl. is pretty straightforward. I didn't repair mine, but I think that lubricating the bearings is possible. These were used in various Porsches as well as other German makes (a 914 at Pic-A-Part is where I found my replacement.)
Hope this helps.
Bill.

COLDBASS · 09-04-2002, 02:09 PM

Rich,

I had the same problem on my 912E. I read a tip somewhere on how to address this without changing the fan. Access the fan from the luggage compartment, drill a 1/8" hole at the vertex of the fan housing, give it a "shot" of lubricant (I used liquid wrench as the aroma of WD40 can drive "ya postal"), run the fan, shut it off give it another shot, then cover the hole with duct tape.

This worked for me and the noise has not returned in almost 2 years...

Good Luck,

Bob

Rich G · 09-09-2002, 08:25 AM

I just got back today from a business trip last week and saw the information on the fresh air fan. Yes Bill it's the front end side and tonight I want to order a new one for backup plus lubricating the old one as instructed. I really liked the comment about WD40 perfume and will now switch my strategy to Liquid Wrench. Thank you both for taking time to reply ... By the way, the weather here in WPA has been absolutely great with lots of sunshine and good 912 driving ..... we'll probably pay the piper this Winter though ......... Rich G.