kitchen exhaust fan repair/replacement???

[charlie tuna]

i have a 1978 - 31 foot AS where the kitchen exhaust fan is actuated by the lever in the cabinet over the range. i got the fan operating but it gets hot. i need to get it out to either clean it or replace it?? has anyone tackled this issue? and where will i find the replacement motor?? thanks, tuna

[empresley]

I would try grainger.com for the replacement motor.
We need to work on our '84 with the same lever operation.
Our lever seems to be stuck. If I can get it out in the next few days, will relay the process.

[tphan]

hi- in my '72 I think I was able to get it out by just gaining access by taking off the filter-mesh, and then contorting myself over the countertop and removing the thing. If I remember right, it was not necessary to remove the entire storage compartment. Good luck- tim

[Chuck]

I'm wondering if the thing is really necessary. I only turn mine on to show people that it works. otherwise, it takes up an entire cabinet, rendering it useless for storage...which isn't exactly "plentiful" in a small trailer.
I toured some new trailers recently, and noticed that they're installing what looks like a miniature version of a modern kitchen hood. I wonder, do those vent to the outside? or are they just filter-fans, like the one in my house? Looks like they mount to the underside of the cabinet, without taking up any of that precious storage space...
we don't do much cooking to begin with, let alone "greasy smoky" cooking, and even on the rare occasion when we might, the standard roof vent/fan is only a couple of feet away...do we really need this thing?

[Uberlanders]

when we purchased our '68 the fan was already burned out. There was evidence of a little fire damage in the hood as well. In order to fix the fan that we never use, we took out one of the vent fans and put it in there. They are the exact same motors. But we really just open windows when we need ventilation. The fan is so loud that it is more irritating then smell generated from food.

[Janet H]

And yet another opinion...

We use our vent fan over the stove all the time! Yes; it's noisy - but we only use it brief when cooking something... um .. of substantial olfactory interest.

I would try to replace with another motor if possible....

[Chuck]

If it smelled so bad that I wanted it extracted from the trailer...I can't imagine that I'd want to eat it.

[Tom Nugler]

I have the opposite problem. The kitchen fan is quiet, probably due to the fact that the operating lever was damaged sometime in the past. Like Chuck said, the fan housing make the cabinet useless for storage.
The fans get noisey because the bearings fail. This is the problem with the ceiling vent fan. The thing rattles so bad you can hardly stand to be in the coach if its been running a while.
Please, if someone finds a good replacement motor from Grainger, McMaster-Carr or another supply house, post the part number. I really want to replace the pair.
Thanks,
Tom.

[empresley]

I went out there and dropped the screen. The PO never cooked so even after 23 years the fan motor and interior housing of the vent looked new.
Don't know about other models but how this is set-up is pretty neat. The lever performs two functions on our '84 International; 1. there is a wire cable that runs from the lever, under the fan and connects to the exterior vent cover (which is hinged). 2. the fan switch is mounted directly to the lever and as it reaches the full open position the switch engages and turns on the little fan.
Cute, but as a serious vent for those who fry, I suspect it is more trick than treat. Reason our lever won't move is the same PO who never cooked, ran a bead of sealant down the edges of the outside vent flap and it is locked in place.
Based on our cooking style, I plan on removing the entire contraption and provide more space in the storage bin. This will have to wait until after the rear twin bed removal & full size installation is completed. We will have a full size bed for Labor Day weekend.

[tinman7]

I found if I don't put it on sometimes the smokedetector in the bedroom goes off! I guess at least I knows it works

[garry]

I replace mine with one I bought at a camping supply store.
I had to cut the fan blades down just a bit as they were to long.
Not sure but I think I used the orignal mounting hardware.


Garry

[Alumin8]

The fan is simple to remove. Just two screws of nuts if I remember correctly. The wires can be pulled apart at the plastic covered connection if they are still original. The fan cover can then be removed by loosening and removing the screws onthe back of the unit. inspect the armature for breaks (not usually seen), brushes and other components. Heat usually means resistance in the circuit and needs to be replaced. I am searching for this fan as well and will post when I get one.

Joe

[Gunnyusmc]

Any good Airstream dealer can get it for you. It is the same fan motor as the vent with a smaller blade, which is also availible from Airstream.
Call Airstream and they will give you the part number.

Don

[charlie tuna]

garry,
then i'm assuming the fan is accessible from the outside of the trailer -- or through the vent opening?? i'm wondering if "ventline" has any fans that fit -- they provided the exhuast fan in the bathroom? the bathroom ceiling fan did not operate and i bent the WD-40 spray nozzle so i could spray back into the fan and i have it working fine. i'm thinking this kitchen exhaust fan may just need cleaning and lubrication?? does anyone know if the other ceiling fans are manufactured by "ventline"? i'm going to order a handle for the bathroom exhaust fan and would like to get some other motors at the same time.............. thanks, tuna

[Foiled Again]

I've got a new Airstream and a Sparestream! Both have the hoods that hang below the cabinets and yes the fans do vent to the outside. Yes they are noisy too, but I do turn them on when cooking to keep the smoke detectors from going off.

The outside vent is covered, and has a light weight plastic "flapper" that can be locked closed for travel. When you run the fan, it pushes the flapper vent open.

First, I doubt these hoods are all that expensive, and second, I doubt if the exhaust would exactly mate up with your current outside vent, but any half way decent ductwork shop should be able to make a small duct that would run up the back of the hood to your existing vent.

Paula Ford

[Bob Thompson]

You can make noisy fans tolerable by reducing the speed at which they turn. This can be done by putting a 10 ohm resistor on the hot lead to the fan. I did it on mine by cutting the hot lead, soldering in the resistor and putting shrink tubing over it. The fan's spin speed was reduced to about half and it really dropped the noise level.

[CordellCampr]

Originally Posted by Tom Nugler

I have the opposite problem. The kitchen fan is quiet, probably due to the fact that the operating lever was damaged sometime in the past. Like Chuck said, the fan housing make the cabinet useless for storage.
The fans get noisey because the bearings fail. This is the problem with the ceiling vent fan. The thing rattles so bad you can hardly stand to be in the coach if its been running a while.
Please, if someone finds a good replacement motor from Grainger, McMaster-Carr or another supply house, post the part number. I really want to replace the pair.
Thanks,
Tom.

Did anyone ever find anything?

[73 exclla500]

Could i talk any of yall into posting a picture of the leaver for the fan I am not seeing a leaver or a switch on my 73 31 footer Excella 500 It will be appreciated