PennSilverTaco's "Perfect 5-Lug Regular Cab" Build, Aspergers, and General BS MegaThread!

WD40 unsurprisingly didn't do anything...

 

Next step is to begin troubleshooting the electrical. A multimeter would be great for that.

 

Yea before going further you need to see if powers even getting to the motor

 

Like I said, 9pm and can't procure a multimeter...

Bringing it to work tomorrow!

 

Cord is in good shape...

 

I have a strange fascination with fans so I'm following lol

 

With me, it's HVAC!

 

One more thing just for shits and giggles: have you tried cleaning up the contacts on the plug? They look ok to me but it doesn't hurt to try.

 

Old anything, especially curbside treasures.

I wouldn't spray WD in the motor but the air compressor and a good blast of air all around. Couple drops of 3 in 1 oil was made just for that fan
Could very well be the switch.

 

Mine started with fans but it has since expanded. I think the things that fascinate me the most are those unloved things that just need a little TLC to bring back, but so many people overlook them. Like axes, hatchets, Coleman lanterns, etc. I find myself far more interested in YouTube videos of someone working on a Ford F100 barn find than someone working on a classic Camaro barn find, for example.

 

Vintage shits the best… I’ve got some old turn of the last century record players, an old hit and miss international engine, 50s outboards… and well.. the 66 Mercedes was a barn find. Just can’t find damn parts

 

Many years ago a friend thought it would be good maintenance practice to spray WD-40 in a running drill motor. I look at him like
About that time a big ball of fire flames come out
I don't recall if that was the drill motors last goodbye or what, remember it was on its last leg anyway and he trying to rejuvenate it or something.

 

I got two box fan motors that work, but are from newer fans that the plastic fell apart.

But I’ll bet you can get that one working, something probably just needs rewiring, or a new switch. Just start slowly tearing it down, you’ll find the problem. Also, good time to invest in a multimeter, not expensive.

 

I appreciate a good solid fan, especially with metal blades. They should hum with the smoothness of an aircraft engine at cruise. I dont think this is economically worth the time and effort to fix, but as a restoration could be a fun project.

A multimeter will make diagnosis far easier. Without one I’d suggest bypassing the switch and applying power directly to the motor. If it works it is likely a bad switch, if it doesn’t it is a motor issue.

As a side note, I cannot stand those cheap $20 box fans you find everywhere. The build quality is poor and you can tell the vibration in the fan causes uneven turbulence in the airflow leading to a poor harmonic sound, they don’t make that smooth hum like a more quality unit. These Power Plus units by Lasko are a decent bridge for a better box fan that is readily available. The pictures look nearly the same as the cheaper units but the build is beefier, they put out more air and the sound is much better even though they still use a plastic blade. I’d still prefer one with a metal blade.
https://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/st...VHh-tBh3WpQx5EAQYASABEgLdi_D_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

 

A lot of times all you need to do to fix that vibration is to balance the blades. Given that it is a cheap fan they definitely didn't bother to do that. But basically just find the heavy spot and put a small screw in the other side. You'll have to experiment with the right size screw though.

 

I have a cousin to that fan. I think it a VIM, at least 55-60 yrs. old and works like a champ... I'd vacuum the motor, no WD-40. If you already used WD blow it out w/compressed air. As has been said check for voltage starting at the cord.

 

Before I log out for the evening; I bought a replacement motor for my bathroom fart fan few maybe even 5 years ago and it's still working. Hasn't caught fire or anything, I was a little concerned given how cheap it was from Amazon.
Be nice to see you get that thing going.

 

Nice find! Built when simple household products were designed to last.

The motor should clean up gently with an old paint brush and a vacuum cleaner for starters, then some gentle compressed air action.
Don't use WD-40.
A few drops of 20 WT non-detergent engine oil in each port is all that is needed for lubrication. You may find a small bottle of "electric motor oil" at a real hardware store, it is the same 20 WT. The motor bushings are made of a material that will absorb the oil, sintered bronze, commonly called an Oilite bushing.

First thing to do is inspect every inch of the cord visually and also by gently flexing it. Pay special attention right at the plug and where it enters the fan. These are the areas most prone to damage and often your problem is there.

It the cord passes the visual/flex test now it is time for a meter. If the cord is in good condition there is really no need to replace it.

There are only 2 wires, check each for continuity point to point - plug to switch, through the switch, switch to motor.

Nowadays you can buy a really nice meter for much less than $100, no handy guy should be without one. (or two, or three...)

 

Have not read all the posts, so if this has been suggested, please disregard, but you could have the motor rebuilt. Before I did that, I would check the rheostat (switch). Try bypassing it and seeing if the fan motor runs first, then find an electrical shop that can rebuild the motor. A new fan will still be cheaper, though.

 

What sort of shop would one go to for an electric motor rebuild of a household appliance? I have an unrelated need.