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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 19
Grease Monkey
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OP
Grease Monkey
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 19 |
Hello again, I'm working my way down my "to-do" list on all the nagging little problems on my 55 Bel Air. So far the advise on this site has helped me sort out a tranny noise, got my speedometer quiet, helped make my dash lights brighter, and led me to a helpful gentleman who rebuilt my old tube radio. Today's problem is with the heater blower motor. It is rarely used as this is a fair weather car, but on a last roadtrip in the fall, I turned it on and nothing happened. Last night I had a look, and the squirrel cage was damned near seized. I turned on the blower, and with a little prodding from a long screwdriver, freed up the cage, and it began spinning, indicating the motor is OK. I do believe that the motor should be turning faster, and believe that a cleaning and lubing would solve my woes. But before I begin ripping out the motor, I figured I better ask if anyone knows weather the unit is servicable. The back (engine side) of the motor is obviously sealed, and would like to know if it can be disassembled from the other end. I'd hate to go through the effort of pulling it, only to find there is nothing I can do to make it better. "Plan B" is to leave it together, and just let it run full speed every time I have the car out, hoping it will free itself up with use. Any thoughts would be appreciated.
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Willwood Engineering
Wilwood Engineering designs and manufactures high-performance disc brake systems.
Wilwood Engineering, Inc. - 4700 Calle Bolero - Camarillo, CA 93012 - (805) 388-1188
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Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 10,379 Likes: 1
Technical Advisor ChatMaster - 10,000
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Technical Advisor ChatMaster - 10,000
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 10,379 Likes: 1 |
I think your motor will progressively get worse. It is suffering from lack of lubrication. You can't remove the motor from the engine side. You will have to remove the heater and then the motor. When out, give the motor a good blowing out with compressed air. Remove the fan and clean. Now use either WD-40 or better 3-in-1 oil, and with the shaft pointing up, put the lubrication at the base of the shaft as it enters the motor. Turn the motor by hand or better yet, connect to a battery and allow the oil to enter the motor. Now things get touchy. On the back end of the motor where there is a slight hump in the motor, drill a very small hole in the exact center. With the shaft facing down use the same lubrication as above and put some in the small hole. Again, spin the shaft. Do not over lube the motor. Inspect the fan to make sure it is not dirty (would make the fan unbalanced)and reinstall. If the above treatment doesn't work, get a new motor.
RAY Chevradioman http://www.vccacolumbiariverregion.org/1925 Superior K Roadster 1928 Convertible, Sport, Cabriolet 1933 Eagle, Coupe 1941 Master Deluxe 5-Passenger Coupe 1950 Styleline Deluxe 4-Door Sedan 1950 Styleline Deluxe Convertible 2002 Pontiac, Montana, Passenger Van 2014 Impala, 4-Door Sedan, White Diamond, LTZ 2017 Silverado, Double Cab, Z71, 4X4, White, Standard Bed, LTZ If you need a shoulder to cry on, pull off to the side of the road. Death is the number 1 killer in the world.
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 19
Grease Monkey
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OP
Grease Monkey
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 19 |
I have attempted to service the motor as described, but the end result seems to be lacking. I would feel best replacing the motor with a new one, or at least a good used unit. I have had no luck in finding a replacement. Does anyone know a source for these motors?
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 30,701 Likes: 141
ChatMaster - 25,000
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ChatMaster - 25,000
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 30,701 Likes: 141 |
New heater fan motors are available from East Coast Chevy, ...www.eastcoastchevy.com........
Gene Schneider
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Joined: May 2004
Posts: 115
Shade Tree Mechanic
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Shade Tree Mechanic
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 115 |
years ago I was able to locate one at my local NAPA store
Ken
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Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 4,951
ChatMaster - 4,000
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ChatMaster - 4,000
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 4,951 |
Ken,
Most all replacement parts were available at NAPA, Chev dealers parts counters, etc in "those" days. Like 40 years ago, in 1968 - - when 1955 Chevys were "just" 13 year old used cars.
For me it was around 1980 and the car was my '57 Nomad that needed a heater motor. HA!!! We're all showing our age, at least a bit...
Bill.
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Joined: May 2004
Posts: 115
Shade Tree Mechanic
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Shade Tree Mechanic
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 115 |
Bill--guess your right. Got my blower motor in 94--just for grins--I am going to give my buddy at NAPA a call tomorrow and see what he can come up with.
Ken
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Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 4,951
ChatMaster - 4,000
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ChatMaster - 4,000
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 4,951 |
Ken,
Ya never know. Definitely best to at least check on it.
I do recall a NAPA guy giving me a catalogue for their "old cars division" something like 10-12 yrs ago. I never did buy anythig out of that catalogue and I don't know if that "old car" part of NAPA is still operating.
Maybe somebody can comment on that....
Bill.
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Joined: May 2004
Posts: 115
Shade Tree Mechanic
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Shade Tree Mechanic
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 115 |
Called NAPA today and we tried looking through his vintage parts books, but they stop at 64 now. Pretty sure he could match it up with one of theirs. Oh well, at least mine still works.
Ken
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