Hydro Hot Fan Squawl

[Doc Mark]

Not sure of this belongs here - moderators please move accordingly! Thanks.

The fan for the hydro hot heater unit that is in the console at the front of the coach on the floor has all of a sudden started making a horrid squalling noise as it starts up. At least it does most of the time, occasionally it works just fine. I am afraid to continue using it as-is for several reasons.

Anybody else had this problem & is it owner-repairable? We will be in cold weather country another week or more and I would hate to have to rely on only the fan under the kitchen drawers to heat the front 1/2 of the coach.

[Lug_Nut]

Mark, For some reason that particular heat exchanger has had issues on many HydroHot equipped Newmar coaches. Mine had to be replaced almost immediately when it was new due to noise as had many others. It must be the configeration of the fan mount that causes premature bearing failure. I do not know if it can be repaired. I've only heard of replacement to cure. Perhaps others may have experience in a cheaper fix.

Peter

[RJay]

Hi Doc,
Just a thought, but could something have got under there that is interferring with the fan? Have you tried to use a shop vac to see if you can clear out anything that may be under there? It could be just an accumulation of dust and dirt.

[siggyd]

Hi Doc,
Can you get to the fan motor bearings (sleeves) with a few drops of oil?
It may buy you some extra time.
Siggy

[racer0624]

Doc,
My experience on our '05 Essex was the same as lug-nut. It was replaced at the factory under warranty.

[Doc Mark]

Thanks all for the quick reply's. Peter - I'm afraid you are right,and the warranty is long gone. Sigh . . .

RJay - I was under there this summer making a plenum to direct more air out of the console, so I know it is clean.

Siggyd - I'll try & check when it gets warmer & the unit is not super-hot!

Mark

[Chickadee]

Mark & Sheila (Doc Mark):

Yup, had same issue of squealing fan in our previous 06 Mtn. Aire, AND...also in our current 08 Ex. Pretty easy to access right behind the map/glovebox compartment directly in front of the pasngr. seat. In both cases, it was a replacement not a fix. Sure is alot of noise...eh?

Steve & Lynette

[Doc Mark]

Woke me up out of a sound sleep!

Mark

[Doc Mark]

OK guys - I'm back home & ready to tackle the fan fix. Where do you find a replacement unit? I'm sure I can get one from Newmar but as we all know they are REALLY proud of their parts! So, I am looking for a not-so-expensive fix.

And I am assuming that the remove/replace requires removal of 2 liquid hoses & an electric connector.

Anything else I should know about?

Mark

["007"]

$122 on this site of MFG for heat exchanger.
You just need some slack to pull unit out both pipe and wiring.

I have added info in Quick Tips & Mods.
This may answer Chickadee's thread there are other alternatives beside Newmar.

[Doc Mark]

007 - thanks for the quick response. The unit you quote is not the same as the on I have. Let me explain.

My heat exchanger has 3 round exit holes that were connected to 3 round pipes that Newmar pointed (vaguely) in the direction of the holes in the center console. This of course allowed the bulk of the heat to remain in the console and I built a plenum to direct all the heat out the console.

There is a unit on the Aqua Hot site that has 4 holes (not 3) but it is over $400.00.

So, my question is can I use the cheaper unit (will it allow the hi/lo fans to work properly) or do I need to bite the bullet & get the larger one?

Mark

["007"]

I'm sure you saw this one, would keep wife happy and warm. Getting it in maybe a problem.
Take a look at this PDF FOR INSTALLATIONS OF HEAT EXCHANGERS at figures 16-18 looks like your unit with the same heat exchanger mounted behind your three hole outlet.
The small size I have seen in MA's & KSDP's in bottom of center console maybe someone will answer your question that has one.
The two speeds maybe from heat control of AH may only decrease voltage for fan from it.

["007"]

I have added Aqua- Hot info in Quick Tips & Mods.

[gary caskey]

Had mine replaced in Az two years ago. the guy said the original fan motor was no longer available. he did find a replacement, it make's alot of noise but puts out very little heat. So now i use portable elec. heater.