replacing eperspacher fan- DIY job? parts source?

[PaulR]

really hope I am wrong but last weekend turned on eperspacher (normal diesel fuelled hot air only unit) and fan did not start - checked connections and when turned on a click (presumably from a relay) can be heard.
Haven't checked fuses yet but if it isn't them my concern is that fan motor may have died- anyone DIY replaced theirs? advice gratefully received on how to + best source for replacement motor or even whether these can be repaired ?

My theory is that if I can get motor out OK should be straightforward to test it and prove to myself whether that is the problem or not.

 

[andyball]

Hi Paul

I had a similar problem recently - mine was a faulty overheat sensor. The control box refused to start the fan since it detected an open-circuit sensor.

The heaters are easy enough to strip down once removed.

 

[Talbot]

before doing too much work, check that you are getting 12v over the high power cable (there are two 12v live feeds, heavy and light, the light one drives the electronics, the heavy powers the fan. The fuse box is a known culprit.

 

[Robin2]

I had this problem twice with a D5L. On both occasions the commutator brushes had worn out. When it first started to happen I got several more hours out of it by tapping the unit with a small hammer - jogged the brushes back into contact. This may be a good test for worn brushes - if tapping does not temporarily solve the problem there may be a different fault.

Also, when mine wouldn't run there was a click as you mention. Checking for a functioning fan is one of the early startup tests. If the fan won't run it does not even try to pump fuel or to ignite.

It was easy to replace the fan unit - but the cost /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif €600 !!!!!!!

The fan unit cannot be dismantled to replace the brushes, because the fan for the combustion air is a press fit on the shaft - at the end of the shaft where the brushes are. If they put the fans on the opposite ends of the electric motor repairing the brushes would be easy and cheap - and I would still be using my eberspacher ...

 

[JerryHawkins]

Which model is it? Do you have the timer/modulator with the diagnostic read-out (newer than about 2002)?

Download the manual from:

http://www.espar.com/html/service/download/technical.html

Full re-build is well within the capabilities of the average competent DIYer. Parts are expensive, so you need to be pretty sure what's wrong!

Cheers,

Jerry

 

[VicMallows]

If you finally come to the conclusion that the motor is faulty (after all the stripping down, simply put 12v across it), then yes, it IS possible to dismantle the motor!...whether you consider the time/effort worthwhile is a different story altogether!

My motor seized. When stripped I found that a mild-steel circlip had been used during manufacture on the shaft, presumably to accurately position a pressed-on bearing. This had corroded, fallen off, and seized the motor. Why on earth they didn't remove the circlip after it had done its job I will never know.

I must have spent at least five hours on the job, but at least the motor is still going 5 years later!.

Vic