overhead fans and rectangle lights

[maverik/gypsy]

My two rear overhead fans (Not the FANTASTIC) with the electric covers keep popping up when traveling. Seems like the motor to open/close them is not working as should. Can these motors be replaced or is the fan unit a self-contained element that need to be totally replaced? Looks like I would have to cut the screen to get at the motor mount screws. Any suggestions? Also, read in my manual that the bulps in the overhead rectangular light should be rotated to extend their life. Can not figure how to get to them. Any experience to share would be helpful. Many thanks in advance.
Maverik

[maverik/gypsy]

My two rear overhead fans (Not the FANTASTIC) with the electric covers keep popping up when traveling. Seems like the motor to open/close them is not working as should. Can these motors be replaced or is the fan unit a self-contained element that need to be totally replaced? Looks like I would have to cut the screen to get at the motor mount screws. Any suggestions? Also, read in my manual that the bulps in the overhead rectangular light should be rotated to extend their life. Can not figure how to get to them. Any experience to share would be helpful. Many thanks in advance.
Maverik

[Workshop]

Morning,

Your fans might be Northern Breeze, that's whats on my unit. Made by Ventline. Ventline's web doesn't have a tech area that I haven't found but www.maxxair.com does.

There should be two motors on the unit. One for fan blade, one to lift the lid. Check mounting of motor and gear for fit, might be out of alignment allowing the lid to vibrate open. Is the motor raising the lid smoothly and without noise? Also raise lid and look at the two lid screws that attach the arm to lid, why not while your there?

On my unit, there are four screws in the corners of the outer cover that have to be removed and the knob has a screw in the center. There are two additional screws at mid point that should be removed on the inner liner/cover. The inner liner has two removable covers on it that allow limited access to the rain sensor and temp sensor in models so equiped.

Hope something helped
Chris

[LindaH]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by maverik/gypsy:
Also, read in my manual that the bulps in the overhead rectangular light should be rotated to extend their life. Can not figure how to get to them. Any experience to share would be helpful. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
That's the first I've heard of rotating the light bulbs. I can't see where rotating them would extend their life, but even if it's true, bulbs are inexpensive enough not to go through the bother.

As for getting the covers off, just squeeze the sides and pull down...they should snap right off.

[maverik/gypsy]

Thanks workshop and Linda.
Workshop, Its been raining for 3 days here in Mi and as soon as I can get safely on the roof I'll check on your advice.

Linda, being a new Excel owner I was reacting to the manual on the light bulb rotation. Is it really true that a trailer replacement part is inexpensive. This is good news and yes, I will not touch it until it goes out. Maverik

[Workshop]

Just wanted to clarify a few thing, You do not have to do this work from the roof. When I was referring to the four screws on the outer cover, should have called it the interior trim ring. Almost everything on the Northern Breeze can be access from inside once the trim ring and fan blade cover is removed.

Have been wanting to clean the screen on my living room fan, so this morning I remove it for cleaning. It was easier for me to remove the trim ring and then the fan cover, both needed cleaning.

If you have the Northern, on MY unit which is older, the motor to raise the lid is self contained. It is a sealed unit with no exterior parts to replace. It is attached with three screws. The lid arm has the same two screw mounting as the manual units. The connection between the arm and motor is a six sided shaft plug in arrangement.

I would check that all the mounting is tight. Would ensure that the vent lid is fully closed and no windows open when traveling. I can raise my lid manually by pushing up on the knob while turning, it feels spring loaded, but might check it also. If you need parts, believe Ventline will sell direct.

Let us know what happens.
Chris

[maverik/gypsy]

Thanks again Chris. Yes I did think you meant working from the top down from the exterior. Hated the thought of getting on the roof ---usually my DW does this man's chore I will keep you posted. Right now I am attending to the famous Appolo Micro---the brand that Tom has on the chopping block Maverik

[Still Working "NOT"]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Seems like the motor to open/close them is not working as should. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

On mine the motor worked fine. The gear box is the same as a manual crank up vent. That is what broke on mine. Simple fix but pull it out then go to a dealer and they should have a replacement gear box. They make several different types so make sure you take it with you.