Date:         Sun, 28 Dec 2003 12:11:47 -0500
Reply-To:     EMZ <vw4x4@FYI.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         EMZ <vw4x4@FYI.NET>
Subject:      Re: lubricating front heater fan
Comments: To: Larry Alofs <lalofs@RCN.COM>
In-Reply-To:  <3FEEF39E.8030508@rcn.com>
Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII

   Best batch of info. I've seen on this list in years.  Please tell
us about the camera options.  I now have 3 syncros, and a parts Vanagon.
Every one of the front fans are making noise, (and the parts van is DOA).
 Sounds like a camera would be a good investment for me!
                         Thanks

            Eric                   86-VW4x4
            vw4x4@fyi.net          86-SS Syncro
            Pittsburgh, PA USA     1936-Chrysler
                                   92-Jetta GWC
            www.fyi.net/~vw4x4/vw4x4.htm

On Sun, 28 Dec 2003, Larry Alofs wrote:

> Some months ago I speculated that it might be possible to lubricate the
> front fan using a small camera or something like an endoscope ("Fred
> Hesterburg" suggested a proctoscope).
>    Shortly after that I had to go "no mail" and lost touch for a while,
> but I had to try something when my fan stopped squealing because it had
> seized up completely.  Using a small camera (more info in next post) I
> have had reasonable success.
>    After removing the main grill and the screen from the air inlet, you
> have to go up and over a metal barrier that is part of the body.  Mount
> your camera on the end of a stiff wire that you can bend to various
> shapes.  Viewing the van from the front, you go in to the right of
> center and point your camera to the left to "see" the end of the motor
> and its squirrel cage fan.  By aiming the camera at various angles I was
> eventually rewarded with the view I was hoping for.
>    Since my fan had stopped completely, I first used a long piece of
> 1/8" steel gas welding rod, bent into an artist shape to push on the fan
> blades until I got it to move a little.  I was then able to get it to
> run slowly with loud squealing on the high setting.
>    It is possible to lube the motor because the rotating end of the
> shaft is exposed; of course if it wasn't exposed to the weather, maybe
> it wouldn't fail in the first place.  Anyway, I have a 3 ft piece of
> tubing that came with a can of tuner cleaner from a previous lifetime.
> I plugged it into the nozzle on a can of Tri-flow lubricant and taped
> the other end to the end of my welding rod.  I eventually got it in
> position and gave the bearing and the end of the shaft a good squirt.
>    Turning on the fan, I heard it slowly pick up speed and the squealing
> gradually went away as it warmed up.  Eventually it would run and start
> reliably even on low.  Using a Q-tip on the end of my welding rod I
> added a few drops of chain saw bar oil and finally a dab of CV joint
> grease in an attempt to protect the bearing from the weather.
>    It has now been a few months and it continues to run an all speeds
> although it has a slight ticking or scraping noise which is different
> from the previous squealing.  Overall I am pleased with the result and
> glad that so far I have not had to remove the dash.
>
> I will discuss some camera options in another post to follow shortly.
> HTH
>
> Larry A.
> Chicago,  mild winter so far
>