Ceiling fan be oiled?

[Dan S]

I have a stock vent/fan in my Argosy that is loud and appears to run very slowly. I removed the vent cover and when I spin it manually I can hear a slinght grind or whirling sound so it is either in need of oil or replacement. I did not see an oil hole.....is there one or do I just need to pony up the $70 and have Andy send me out a replacement.

Thanks,

Dan

[CanoeStream]

I was looking at my '74 Argosy fan today -- noisy, yes. Grinding, no. Good money after bad? (the $70 replacement price that is) I might think about a Fantastic Fan.

[Dan S]

Is it as simple as removing the roof caulking and poping out the old and sliding in the new new one? I'm not in for a project....just a fan.

Dan

[whitelight]

Dan - we have a 75 22' Argy - if your fan/vent is like ours, the corners are rounded.

The fantastic fans, as well as the Max fans, fit a 14" SQUARE opening. We had a 74 31', which had the same size/type vents. When we installed the fantastic fans, the original vent opening had to be enlarged by about 1" and the corners had to be cut to 90 degrees. (and you have to clean off all the old sealant, etc.) (we had the fantastic fan guys install at a rally)

So, for these types of fans, it's not a straight de-install, re-install. (is anything on a vintage unit???)

However, Airstream, in the newer trailers (last 10 years) still install a smaller (13.5" across), rounded corner vent with the same type of small fan (there's one in the bathroom of our 96 34') This type of vent/fan is still available - it has a plastic dome & not the skookum quality of the old units.

So, buying the $70 fan/motor replacement may be the path of least resistance . . .

[wahoonc]

I would try a shot of oil on the end bushing to see if it quiets down, then decide whether to replace the motor or the whole vent assembly.

Aaron

[Sundance]

I had the same problem and someone here offered the lube alternative.

I was doubtful because you could barely turn the blades by hand.

I removed the fan motor and used a 50/50 mix of WD-40 and 30 weight oil and saturated the motor shaft and surrounding area....

The result??? Works like a champ. Been 3 months now without a squeak or a squeal.

Give it a try as there is nothing to lose.

[Rog0525]

Yes, of course you should oil it. I once had a '60 Overlander with the original overhead vent motor made by McMillan Mfg Co in St Paul Minn and the tag said "oil every 3 Months".
Spray the shaft with WD-40.