Heater Fan Motor Maintenance

[Bodmin]

I removed the heater from my Elan Sprint yesterday.

The heater box itself is slightly rusty, but recoverable. The matrix looks ok with no leaks.

The motor runs ok on both low and fast speeds. Fan removed without any difficulty.

My question is should I perform any maintenance on the motor, or should I leave well alone? I would like to lubricate the bearings, check the brushes, clean the internals, etc. Anyone have any experience of this?

New motors don’t seem to be readily available, so I don’t want to break the one I have. Just want to make sure it’s ok for another 10 years.

[steve lyle]

I would definitely lube the motor. Mine got to the point where it would squeal like a pig. Disassemble, clean, and a few drops of light oil on the shaft bushings.

[h20hamelan]

I found a 4Seasons that fit, I think even the bracket was a perfect fit. Made in Mexico. One has lasted 10+ years, the newer in other Lotus only a few now but going strong.
I figured the quality was fair-good.
I have a feeling I didn’t record the part number, though I would have put the old in the new box. In attic, not sure if I will have time to find.

[berni29]

Hi

I did my Smiths motor last week. It's pretty easy to take apart. You can clean the commutator with some electrical cleaner and a cloth. Also with the bearings, they are oilite type, and you can recharge them by heating them and then dunking in a suitable oil overnight (thats what I did). Fresh oil is taken into the bearing by capillary action. There are quite a few discussions if you google the subject.

All the best

Berni

[pharriso]

Biggest problem I find disassembling the Smiths Heater/Radiator fan motors is that the bearing at the bottom of the motor i.e. (farthest from the Brushes) tends to stick on the motor shaft when you pull the motor apart:

Then you have to get the retaining clip out of the bottom of the motor to put that bearing back...