Could my blower be going bad?

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mattinpa

mattinpa

New Member
Oct 25, 2008
91
Western Pa
I have a factory blower on my Englander 28-3500 add on furnace. I'm a little concerned about the blower, as this morning I noticed it seems to make a slow whirling sound like its a little slow to turn on. When it kicks off, its the same thing. Kindof a slow whirling sound till blower stops spinning. Almost sounds like some wd40 would do it some good, but I have no idea. Any thoughts?
 
Sounds like it needs lubing. WD40 is less of a lubricant and more of a loosener/water displacer (thus "WD").

Open it up, clean out all the dust that you can find, and use a good lubricant. Dust on fins can unbalance a blower and screw it up.
The lube will depend on the bearing style- I don't have this blower so I can't say.
 
mattinpa said:
I have a factory blower on my Englander 28-3500 add on furnace. I'm a little concerned about the blower, as this morning I noticed it seems to make a slow whirling sound like its a little slow to turn on. When it kicks off, its the same thing. Kindof a slow whirling sound till blower stops spinning. Almost sounds like some wd40 would do it some good, but I have no idea. Any thoughts?
Click to expand...

Matt it sounds like you need to unplug that fan remove it from the stove and clean and oil it.. These fans build up with lots of dust..

Ray
 
Adios Pantalones said:
Sounds like it needs lubing. WD40 is less of a lubricant and more of a loosener/water displacer (thus "WD").

Open it up, clean out all the dust that you can find, and use a good lubricant. Dust on fins can unbalance a blower and screw it up.
The lube will depend on the bearing style- I don't have this blower so I can't say.
Click to expand...

LOL I didn't see your post.. What you just said!

Ray
 
+1, use a lightweight oil like 3in1 to lubricate the motor, don't use WD40. Look for an oil port at each end of the motor and put in about 15 drops of oil in each. After a thorough vacuuming, of the blower, take a damp rag and wipe down the blades to remove build up.
 
BeGreen said:
+1, use a lightweight oil like 3in1 to lubricate the motor, don't use WD40. Look for an oil port at each end of the motor and put in about 15 drops of oil in each. After a thorough vacuuming, of the blower, take a damp rag and wipe down the blades to remove build up.
Click to expand...

I find an old toothbrush works well to clean the dust off my squirrel cage blower fan along with a vacuum cleaner.. I use 10W motor oil as a lube but 10 in 1 is very good.. WD40 is only good for killing flies in my opinion..

Ray
 
Thanks for the responses! I was hoping it was not going bad. I did notice that it was dirty, so I guess I know what I'll be doing this evening!
 
mattinpa said:
Thanks for the responses! I was hoping it was not going bad. I did notice that it was dirty, so I guess I know what I'll be doing this evening!
Click to expand...

Is there a filter box on the intake? If not, I'd add one.
 
BeGreen said:
Is there a filter box on the intake? If not, I'd add one.
Click to expand...

BeGreen: There isn't a filter on my Alderlea blower (I have not completely dis-assembled the unit though). Did you add one to yours? If so, care to share the build details?

(I tried a search with "blower filter begreen" and "blower filter", with no obvious results)
 
Well, I'm crushed again. When I got home, I cleaned it as best as I could, and reassembled it, but no luck. When I turn on the blower, it starts humming and turning VERY slowly. Basically a crawl. Is this blower shot?
 
mattinpa said:
Well, I'm crushed again. When I got home, I cleaned it as best as I could, and reassembled it, but no luck. When I turn on the blower, it starts humming and turning VERY slowly. Basically a crawl. Is this blower shot?
Click to expand...

Matt you need to take the blower apart, clean and oil the bearings/bushings on the motor.. If that doesn't work time for a fresh one..

Ray
 
What kind of motor. Sounds like a failing starter winding or starting coil. You should here from the MotorHeads, but if not repost with something like "slow starting blower. I have now expended all my knowledge about motors, I won't reply even if you beg. :red:
 
mattinpa said:
Well, I'm crushed again. When I got home, I cleaned it as best as I could, and reassembled it, but no luck. When I turn on the blower, it starts humming and turning VERY slowly. Basically a crawl. Is this blower shot?
Click to expand...

If you have a chance take a pic and post it here along with any nameplate data ... Perhaps you have a different type of motor and problem...

Ray
 
mattinpa said:
http://www.englanderstoves.com/store/28-3500_Parts.html

AC-2835BA Assembled Blower for Add-On Furnace

Here's my blower. Unfortunately, you cant get to any bearings. It seems to be all contained.
Click to expand...

Looks like a PSC motor.. Could be a bad capacitor or start switch.. If it isn't a bad cap a new motor may be needed..

Ray
 
mattinpa said:
http://www.englanderstoves.com/store/28-3500_Parts.html

AC-2835BA Assembled Blower for Add-On Furnace

Here's my blower. Unfortunately, you cant get to any bearings. It seems to be all contained.
Click to expand...

Looks like a PSC motor.. Could be a bad capacitor or start switch.. If it isn't a bad cap a new motor may be needed..

Ray

Look here for one you can adapt if you're interested:

http://www.electricmotorwarehouse.com/
 
Best way to clean any of the internal goodies especially motors is with air. Not the crappy little blow cans for computers, use 50 psi from an air tank or mini compressor. Don't do it when the wife is around or you will be on the short end of the stick ...................................That's how I clean out computers too.
 
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