Bath fan blade jammed by power cable

[John1048]

The bath fan blade is jammed by the brown power cable in my 2018 Interstate Grand Tour. The fan has operated flawlessly until now and why the power cable has shifted to get in the way of the fan blade is not readily apparent But by looking upwards from inside the bath this seems to be the problem. The handle that opens and closes the fan lid operates as intended.

My first inclination is the gain access the area above the screen and determine if I can position the cable out of the way.

Is anyone familiar with this problem and can offer advice on how best to resolve.

Your assistance will be greatly appreciated.

John1048

[Protagonist]

The bathroom exhaust fan is a source of problems for me as well. I had the "power cord jamming the fan" problem the FIRST time I had it fixed. The other two times I've had to fix or replace it have been for different reasons, and right now it needs to be replaced yet again!

[pteck]

Is this a ventline fan you're talking about?

4 screws from the interior will allow you to get at and move the wire. This vid at time 5:00 might help:
https://youtu.be/AJ26sN53Js0?t=302

[John1048]

Solved the jammed fan by going on roof and removing the plastic vent cover (2 screws). There is a foam rubber-like weather strip/gasket that lines the inside circumference of the lid where it seats against the fan body that extends through coach's roof when the handle inside bath is pulled down. The adhesive that attaches this weather strip had failed allowing this weather strip fell downwards and wrapped around the fan blade. Easily removed the old weather strip and new weather strip applied.

John1048

[toskeysam]

Good timing.....I just had my bathroom fan jam also.....unfortunately, I also just discovered my macerator is jammed as well. Ahhhhh the RV life.

[rowiebowie]

Originally Posted by toskeysam

Good timing.....I just had my bathroom fan jam also.....unfortunately, I also just discovered my macerator is jammed as well. Ahhhhh the RV life.

Ah yes, RV life and repairs in the middle of a blazing hot Summer.

If you can get to your macerator, there should be a screw slot to assist turning the impeller. If it's just a minor jam, should get you going. Then again, if you hear it running but it's not pumping, check for a kinked hose or be prepared for bad rubber impeller.

[toskeysam]

Originally Posted by rowiebowie

Ah yes, RV life and repairs in the middle of a blazing hot Summer.

If you can get to your macerator, there should be a screw slot to assist turning the impeller. If it's just a minor jam, should get you going. Then again, if you hear it running but it's not pumping, check for a kinked hose or be prepared for bad rubber impeller.

I always check the rotation at the first of the year. This time it turned freely for just a few degrees, then hit a hard stop....both directions. My guess is I have something solid in an impeller.

[Gene]

These fans are quite cheaply made. One time I pulled the handle down to close the vent cover and it broke in half. Duct tape to the center and then pull down on the sides. I think my wife finally made me replace the handle. They also leak from insufficient or aged caulk on the exterior. I used it as little as possible rather than have to replace the whole thing because it seemed to have short life.

[GETRIDAONE]

I noticed the foam seal had come loose also. I replaced it with a closed cell foam gasket and used clear silicone to seal it. There is a drain hole in the base that been caulked over with Sika. The picture shows that it had been holding water because of the rusted screws on the lower side. I replaced the screws and sealed them and also cleared the blob of caulk out of the drain hole.

[rowiebowie]

Originally Posted by GETRIDAONE

I noticed the foam seal had come loose also. I replaced it with a closed cell foam gasket and used clear silicone to seal it. There is a drain hole in the base that been caulked over with Sika. The picture shows that it had been holding water because of the rusted screws on the lower side. I replaced the screws and sealed them and also cleared the blob of caulk out of the drain hole.

There is an inner and outer ring under the cap. I think this is a picture of the drain hole you're referring to. It drains the outer ring if water were to splash up under the cap.

[GETRIDAONE]

That is the drain hole. The inner ring is shorter than the outer ring, so when the drain hole is covered with caulk and fills up the water will run down inside instead of out the hole.

[rowiebowie]

Originally Posted by GETRIDAONE

That is the drain hole. The inner ring is shorter than the outer ring, so when the drain hole is covered with caulk and fills up the water will run down inside instead of out the hole.

Yep. The design works good so long as properly caulked (but leaving the vent hole open) and a good seal on the underside of the cap. You should be good to go now.