Heater Motor fan not working. Quick fix

[Marine Engineer]

The heater fan stopped working on our T3 / 25 camper. I was advised it was a dashboard out and major strip down. This did not appeal on an old vehicle with potential problems with old wiring etc. Being a Marine Engineer, I reasoned that the fan motor needs freeing up and lubrication. I removed the grill and heater intake grill. I then drilled two 1" holes in the metalwork to gain access to the motor fan. The 1st (L) hole showed the motor end, but difficult to see properly. The 2nd hole about 4" to the right of the 1st gave good visual of the motor end. This end of the fan motor is in direct air flow from incoming air so the first to dry up/rust. I used (WD40 specialist spray grease) from 1st hole to lubricate (across) the end bearing but without spraying inside the fan electrics. Left it an hour to penetrate. I then used a long screwdriver from hole 1 to tap the end of the fan shaft that protrudes. This is why the second hole is required but still a bit tricky because there is a spring clip also showing and you don't want to break this clip. A couple of taps on the end of the screwdriver. Turn ign on and the fan now works great. I painted the hole edges with zinc galva to prevent rust and fitted 2 rubber blanking grommets. Job done. Electric window motors next.

[Davegrohl99]

Did you take any pictures?

I’m in the same boat and some pics would greatly help out!


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[cobblers]

Did you take any pictures?

I’m in the same boat and some pics would greatly help out!


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I've gotta say any "quick fixes" in greasing the motor up are almost definitely a false economy and you'll be kicking yourself in a few months time when you it seizes up again. Removing and refitting the dashboard is half a days work, A motor is about £30, just change it while you're in there!

[Robsey]

I have to agree, removing the dash isn't that scary.
Just be methodical.

It gives the opportunity to do a lot preventitive maintenance, like tidying the wiring, cleaning the earth crowns and other stuff while you have improved access.

1/2 a day sounds like plenty of time to box the whole job off.

[slowcoach]

Ahhhh come on fellas- it didn't work before, now it does. I say that's a good result is it not?

Give a guy a break eh

[Robsey]

Yes it is a good result.
And hats off to you for thinking of a work around.

And a free one at that.

We are not having a dig, just pointing out that 99% of the time it is only a temporary fix.
If you want a semi-permanent / long term fix, then a fan replacement is the best option.

I did this many times on my old Cavalier, but as soon as the cold weather came, the motor squarked and seized up again. On the cav, it became more urgent as a stiff fan burns out the thermal fuse on the resistor pack.
Thankfully there is no thermal fuse on the VW resistor pack.

On a positive note - did you take any photos of where you drilled the bulkhead.?
For those who need an easy fix (temporary or otherwise) pictures always speak a thousand words.

[jrt]

https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewt ... p?t=386923
David.