Date:         Wed, 2 Dec 2009 16:01:20 -0500
Reply-To:     Cecil Eastman <ckelmo1@COMCAST.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Cecil Eastman <ckelmo1@COMCAST.NET>
Subject:      Re: Blower Fan troubles
In-Reply-To:  <E604A9449316465BA0D334C6A23F5FEB@troyb5bff49d63>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

List,

I just finished opening the heater box.  Time taken this first attempt was around 6 hours, but as I'm currently jobless, I chose to do it slowly and carefully.  I found a couple of things that might be worth sharing for someone.

1.  After following all instructions in the Bentleys as well as the photos from Ben and other sources, I still had a problem removing the dashboard.  I discovered that a previous owner had done some modification where they attached what looks to me like maybe a relay switch, hidden behind the air vent on the far left side of the dash.  No idea what this thing does (or ever did).  But the lesson here is to look closely at absolutely everything before you go bonkers and just start ripping.
2.  I discovered that the heater box was attached by 6 bolts, whereas I thought everyone (including the book) mentioned only 4.  One of the six now resides, probably permanently, behind the carpeting where it fell out of reach.
3.  The noise the fan was making was a really bad rattling sound, like something was hitting each blade of the rotor as the fan rotated.  The first thing I did when I exhumed the thing was try to move the rotor side to side to check the bearings.  They're shot:  there was lots of play in the rotor.  So I'm buying a new one.  It turns out that my blower fan is an AEG, but the only place I saw that brand it was $116.95.  Van-cafe has a Febi/Bilstein that they sell; any experience with that brand?  The cheapest brand is Meyle; again, any experience out there?

Cecil

On Dec 1, 2009, at 2:51 PM, Troy wrote:

> Just wanted to mention fan selection for those who are contemplating replacing their heater fan. I completely rebuilt my heater box, foam seals, new cables, overall something like 10 hours. I purchased my fan from the Bus Depot. If I recall it was $79.
> 
> When I got the thing installed, it vibrated the whole dash on high-speed, so could only be used up to "2" not 3. Not a major problem, but I used it earlier this winter and it now is making all kinds of noise, which does tend to go away as it warms up. Not sure of the source of this fan, but would not be surprised if it was made in China--Junk. It will have to be replaced at some point.
> 
> So, with that said, I suggest to anyone doing this job to search for a higher-quality fan for replacement. This is a job you don't want to do twice. This is in no way a bad reflection on the Bus Depot, who have offered me great service in the past. I'm actually glad they do offer a variety of quality levels, but like most things in life, you get what you pay for. Buyer beware.
> 
> Lastly, someone modified the heater box to draw inside air. I think this would be a wonderful modification. If anyone remembers where the link was on how to do this, I would like to file away for future reference.
> 
> Troy
> 89 Westy