Date: Wed, 19 Oct 2005 21:44:33 -0500
Reply-To: Larry Alofs <lalofs@RCN.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Larry Alofs <lalofs@RCN.COM>
Subject: Re: Heater dying
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I think it was about a year ago when the front fan on my '91 GL started
squeaking worse and worse. Finally it would run only on the highest
setting and finally blew the fuse. I took a very small video camera
connected to a video monitor and attached it to a stiff wire bent in a
complex shape. By feeding it in thru the front air intake I was able to
see the end of the heater fan motor and shaft end bearing.. I was able
to apply Tri-Flow lubricant thru a long tube by attaching the end of the
tube to another piece of bent wire. I then used the wire to push on the
squirrel cage to get it broken loose, allowing it to start to turn again
when I turned on the switch. As the lube worked its way into the
bearing, the fan gained speed and the squeaking eventually stopped. I
also dabbed a little grease on the end of the shaft to keep moisture out
and provide some future lubrication. The fan has been fine ever since.
When I reported this on the list, most people thought I was crazy, but
I really didn't want to pull the dash if I could avoid it; so far so good.
You might be able to find my posts about it, if you search for my name
and video camera and heater fan.
Harbor Freight sells a b&w security camera which works OK if you
shorten the focal length a little by taping a small plastic magnifying
glass across the lens.
It has built in IR LEDs for illumination which means you don't have to
manipulate a light in there too. This camera is on sale most of the
time for $29.95.
Larry A.
Jon Brown wrote:
>This weekend the 25A fuse blew (6 months ago the dash switch melted, then a
>new switch fixed it for a while). I replaced the fuse and the fan made
>some noise, spun for a momment... then sputtered so I turned it off. I
>tried again a few hours later when it wasn't well below freezing outside and
>again it sputtered and shortly there after died again (blew fuse again).
>
>Is their hope in "fixing it" simply, or is the only option removing the dash
>and replacing the whole thing?
>
>Thanks,
>Jon
>
>
>
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