Fresh air fan assembly removal

[mejulihn]

I have an annoying squeal that comes from my fresh air fan in the front trunk when I slide the fan lever to the "on" position at the dash. Anyone have any tips on removing the fan assembly for a little lubrication or other R&R that may be required?

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

You'll have to pull the gas tank. It's not tough, but it does require some maneuvering.

You might want to replace the fuel hoses anyway, so the easiest option (cut the hoses under the tank) isn't too bad.

Regardless of that, getting the hoses (old or new) back on the connections under the tank when you're done is a pain. Be ready for hand cramps...

The tank itself has the two hose connections, and only a few bolts. Two to take off the expansion chamber, about eight more to remove the filler neck, and one for the big clamp holding the tank in. Then lift it out. You don't need to remove the engine lid, just maneuver the tank around it.

Not sure what you do after the tank is out; I never got into the fan assembly.

--DD

[Tim Polzin]

Get Band Aides, lots of Band Aides. #@%$& sharp edges.

[S Schroeder]

Tim is so right. It was ten times easier to replace my alternator than getting to the fresh air blower. Once I undid the cable controls from the bottom (something that was required on my car to remove the blower) they were nearly impossible to get re-installed and working smoothly again. **NIGHTMARE**
-Scott

[rich]

Been there-done that-moved-on. Seriously this has to be the single most poorly designed thing on the car bar none. Take your time. Plastic breaks, I needed to do the same thing. I had the squealing fan,Glad I did it,don't want to do it again.

[mejulihn]

Thanks for your input -- and your warnings. A little gentle banging and some patience has caused the squeal to disappear (at least for now). I am hoping it was just some debris caught inside the fan housing causing the noise and that it has now passed on thru.

[rich]

BTW when I reinstalled the fan I placed a screen between the fan and the cowl vent to keep debris out of the fan. I think this was the death of the first fan.