Date:         Thu, 19 Dec 2002 00:52:47 -0800
Reply-To:     Westyman <thewestyman@MINDSPRING.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Westyman <thewestyman@MINDSPRING.COM>
Subject:      Turbocharge your Westy fridge fan
Comments: To: Syncro list <syncro@yahoogroups.com>,
          Wetwesties <wetwesties@yahoogroups.com>,
          FULLTIMERS <VWVANFULLTIMERS@yahoogroups.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

I've stumbled on a way to get better cooling over the fins of the [Vanagon]
Westy fridge. I've considered using computer fans, Fridgemate fans, and
others, but the simplest, least expensive, and very effective solution I've
tried is as follows:

Remove the noisy little fan motor that currently resides on the backside of
your fridge, and replace it with a # 273-255 high-speed motor from your
local friendly Radio Shack store. Cost, $4.00. The motor fits perfectly on
the existing bracket, the only modification is to the fan blade, which will
need it's hole enlarged by a # 43 drill bit. The motor leads are marked (+)
and (-), plus goes to the blue lead, minus to the yellow. I've also added a
bypass switch to the fan to activate it regardless of what the temp sensor
on the fins tells it. This is just a mini two-pole switch also found at
Radio Shack. Results: the new fan is noticeably quieter, with a smoothness
unlike the original, and you can actually FEEL the air flowing out of the
vents above the rear of the fridge. I can hardly wait for summer, to see how
much better this works in the heat!

Karl Mullendore
Westy Ventures
1987 Westy Syncro 1.9TD