Date: Sat, 13 Jan 2007 18:47:53 -0700
Reply-To: Gerald Masar <azsun99@EARTHLINK.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Gerald Masar <azsun99@EARTHLINK.NET>
Subject: Re: cooling fan dying?
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
That is indeed a very good price for the fan motor, but just because your temp gauge
is going a little above the LED doesn't necessarily mean it is overheating.
Your description of the sound, though, does make the motor suspect.
When I replaced mine, it wasn't making any abnormal noise under normal conditions, but
only when the A/C was operating and I had been driving for a while. Then when it went
on hi-speed, it sounded like an AC-130 gunship. I first tried removing and
disassembling the motor and oiling the bearings, but that didn't help, so I bought the
new motor (at great expense), and guess what? It still makes the same noise!.
Removing the fan motor is moderately difficult. You need to lower the radiator about
half way so you can remove the shroud, but you can do it without disconnecting any
coolant or A/C hoses.
You will also need to swap the fan blade over to the new motor. Mine came with a
blade, but it was the wrong size.
Good luck,
Jerry
----- Original Message -----
From: "ertrob bellcamp" <mantid@GMAIL.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Saturday, January 13, 2007 3:10 PM
Subject: Re: cooling fan dying?
> Ok I realize now I have the two fans and their locations confused.
> The main question is then, is this odd sound and overheating a pretty
> sure indication that the fan is dying? I am tempted to order the $199
> model from gowesty as it seems they are usually twice that. Just
> didn't want to buy without being sure.
>
> Thanks
>
>
>
> On 1/13/07, ertrob bellcamp <mantid@gmail.com> wrote:
> > Hello all-
> >
> > Recently temp light in my 87 GL started flashing. Last time this
> > happened, indeed lowspeed fan operation was not occuring, and I
> > replaced the resistor as well as the temp sender, and all has been
> > well. With those two out of the way, I was a little worried. Coolant
> > level is ok. Someone else recently asked about this, but the answers
> > seemed to mostly be regarding eliminating false warnings, where I
> > think my problem is actually the fan.
> >
> > Using the steps here:
> >
> > http://www.vanagain.com/How2fan.htm
> >
> > I tried to manually start the fan, and it does work on both speeds.
> > However, it sounds very "wheezy", like bearings or something are
> > rattling around. I made sure the sending unit was plugged back in
> > (and all the terminals looked good) and ran it up to temp to see. I
> > couldn't get it hot enough for the light to start flashing, but the
> > needle did go above the LED a bit, so I got out to listen for the fan.
> > Usually I can hear or feel it through the dash, but could not. So I
> > stepped in front and could hear it, again, acting pretty wheezy.
> >
> > In my newbie view, this seems to indicate my fan is on its way out and
> > needs replacement. I believe this is a pretty difficult/expensive
> > repair, but am willing to do it if that is what is needed. Is there
> > anything else I should check before taking it in?
> >
> > Also, if memory serves, the expense of this repair is because the dash
> > has to come out and that is a ton of labor. This would be a good time
> > to also replace my (totally dead) ventiliation fan, right? I guess
> > that is the silver lining of this dark cloud.
> >
> > Thanks for any advice,
> >
> > rob in long beach, ca
> > 87 westy gl
> >
>
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