Shop to check heater blower motor in Washington?

[ichthos]

My heater blower motor squeeks loudly when it is running. I thought it would make sense to have it checked out before I put everything back together. Does anyone have a shop they trust in Washington state to do this? Anyone know what this costs? I am guessing that at the minimum the bearings may be on their way out.
Kevin

 

[MikeP]

Those can type Smiths heater motors run in a set of porous bronze bushings rather than actual bearings. And what's happened is the oil in them has dried out. What may also have happened is that one or both may have seized to the shaft and be spinning with it, ask me how I know this can happen... The motors aren't hard to disassemble, although if the bushings have cracked I'm not sure where you'd get replacements as I've never looked. I find that usually a cleaning and reoiling of the bushings, and felt oil retaining pad, fixes then right up.

 

[sp53]

Yes if you are careful, you can reach up on top of the heater unit and place a cotton ball or a piece of felt with oil on it and let sit for a while, couple of days, and the oil will seep down and that will stop the squeal. The bearing is open and right in the center of the motor/unit with a slight flare. A good pair of tweezers works well. If you have it apart put some oil on it and test it. Use oil rather than heavy grease because the grease attracts dirt.

 

[DNK]

Kevin, I have a spare motor that is apart if you need parts .

 

[ichthos]

Thanks for all the advice. I found one guy that said he could take a look, but said it would take at least a wee. I think I will take a crack at it myself. And thanks for the offer, Don. The only thing that may need to be replace so far is the bearings.
Kevin

 

[Deleted member 8987]

Do NOT use 3-in-one oil! Go buy some sewing machine oil, and if your has a wick, soak it too.

 

[ichthos]

Thanks, TOC. I have a number of oils. What weight of oil are we talking about?
Kevin