Diagnosing a fan motor problem
#1
05-15-20, 09:43 PM
Diagnosing a fan motor problem
hello
I have a basic household pedestal fan by hunter
the fan is not working, when I plug it in Sometimes the motor hums other times not, but in either case blades do not spin.
is this something that might be A reasonable fix or is it likely the motor is shot and not worth repairing?
thanks
I have a basic household pedestal fan by hunter
the fan is not working, when I plug it in Sometimes the motor hums other times not, but in either case blades do not spin.
is this something that might be A reasonable fix or is it likely the motor is shot and not worth repairing?
thanks
#2
05-15-20, 09:55 PM
Group Moderator
If it's a newer fan it may have a defective run/speed capacitor in it. Some use one.... some don't.
If it's an older fan it could be the same problem or dry/worn bearings.
Put it on hi speed and try pushing the blades with a pencil.
If the blades feel tight.... it's most likely a bearing issue.
If you could get to the bearings a little 3in1 oil could be put on them.
When all else fails.... put it at the curb with a sign on it.... $25.
If it's an older fan it could be the same problem or dry/worn bearings.
Put it on hi speed and try pushing the blades with a pencil.
If the blades feel tight.... it's most likely a bearing issue.
If you could get to the bearings a little 3in1 oil could be put on them.
When all else fails.... put it at the curb with a sign on it.... $25.
#5
05-21-20, 12:46 PM
Thanks for all the tips
I diagnosed the electrical problem it ended up being a faulty plug
but over the inactivity period the bearings have now gummed up so I will treat as advised
must the oil be specific or will something like WD-40 or basic household oil also do the trick?
I learned a lot from this exercise
as mentioned I see a faulty capacitor is very common Along with thermo-couple issues.
while it may not be my issue in this particular case I did some research but still find it a bit tricky to check/ test the capacitor.
Does anyone have an outline for the basic straight forward steps to test the capacitor?
I diagnosed the electrical problem it ended up being a faulty plug
but over the inactivity period the bearings have now gummed up so I will treat as advised
must the oil be specific or will something like WD-40 or basic household oil also do the trick?
I learned a lot from this exercise
as mentioned I see a faulty capacitor is very common Along with thermo-couple issues.
while it may not be my issue in this particular case I did some research but still find it a bit tricky to check/ test the capacitor.
Does anyone have an outline for the basic straight forward steps to test the capacitor?
#6
05-21-20, 02:35 PM
WD40 is not really an oil. It is more of a cleaner. You could start with that to loosen it up. Then add a couple of drops of light #20 oil like sewing machine oil.
CasualJoe
voted this post useful.
#7
05-21-20, 08:32 PM
Group Moderator
basic straight forward steps to test the capacitor ?
#8
05-22-20, 05:36 PM
Member
the bearings have now gummed up so I will treat as advised
must the oil be specific or will something like WD-40 or basic household oil also do the trick?
must the oil be specific or will something like WD-40 or basic household oil also do the trick?
https://www.lowes.com/pd/3-IN-ONE-3-...ricant/1210103
