Man It's Cold Out** Heater Problem

[SnookWhaler]

I'm not certain as to why it would be "a bad idea" to replace the entire assembly with a used one? It might be good for you to explain this thought a bit more in depth?

No problem. I can explain it VERY well.

So, you are telling someone else (or me) to replace a part that is "known to fail" with both age and wear, with a salvage part?

I don't think this is the "right idea". IMO... He already has a motor that may be able to be inspected and repaired (re-greased, salvaged). As posted.

So, you are saying he should go get a salvaged motor and hope all is well? Buying a salvaged "anything" is a risk in its own right. He could be stuck with the same problem in just a few weeks.

IMO.... The existing part should be inspected and either repaired or just replaced with a new part. Just like a lot of things on this car.

He does not need to replace the entire assembly. Just the motor. If he is not inclined to replace "just the motor", he may replace the entire assembly. Although not neccessary.

I have had several 850's and a V70. I have done the salvage fan motor crap one time... Never again... It will fail earlier with the used part (more than likely).

[Mike-Halewai]

Fair enough I agree with the fact that a used unit WILL fail... I don't believe it's likely.. I know that it's certain. Like a used car versus a new one.

The difference is that saving $100-$200 on a used unit is sometimes a decent choice.

Also, you have misunderstood one thing and that is that I have not recommended or told anyone specifically to purchase a used unit.

What I actually indicated was...

If you go with a used unit be sure to add a little di-electric lubricant if you can.

I would hope that it would be common sense for someone to consider looking for a unit with as low-mileage as possible, and a unit out of a '97 hopefully, or as new as possible.

The used unit I installed which took me all of about 30 mins works good... But know that if this unit fails I will replace with a brand new one as well, like billofdurham I would have had to have waited for another week, and I wasn't in the mood to hear the howling any longer.

In short, we agree? I believe so anyway.

[Adrenalin540]

Ok, In defense of Mike, electrical motors are pretty failsafe and MANY MANY electrical motors run for years with little or no maintenance. Second, if you read the OP's problem it sounds as if the shaft has developed some 'play' and therefore is moving fore and aft as momentum would have it. Therefore, if he were to take a 'felt pad' say a couple pieces of regular felt and saturate them with lithium grease or other good synthetic lubricant and put it in the cover right where the shaft resides (so when he puts the cover back in place it is on the shaft) he would very likely remove the 'play' and provide some lubrication for the shaft. Which would eliminate his problem. Now I am not saying this is anywhere as good as purchasing a new motor. But I am saying for the 20 minutes it would take to do this it is certainly worth the try. It would most certainly work for the next 5-6 months...And if not it has only cost him very little money and some time...

Good Luck to the OP ...it is horrible to have heater issues in the winter...

[MadeInJapan]

Adrenalin,
Welcome to MVS.
I have a used heater motor sitting around in my garage awaiting the day that mine bites the dust.

[Sidewinder]

Thank you everyone for your help. In this case it appears to be a fairly easy process to swap out the heater motor. I am willing to risk limited success on a 30min job to save $200 in parts. I would have a much different view if this were a job like the AC condenser or a heater core. Besides there is always a certain amount of satisfaction to being able to take something apart and make it work again (even if only for a little while) rather then send it straight to the land fill. I think a little more fix and less dispose would do the world a lot of good.

[SnookWhaler]

Well, we agree on one thing partially:

Yours,

If you go with a used unit be sure to add a little di-electric lubricant if you can.

Mine,

Better to try and repair/lube your existing motor or just get a "new motor" and replace "just the motor". Instead of the entire assembly.

Another one,

The difference is that saving $100-$200 on a used unit is sometimes a decent choice.

It is obvious that none of us want to spend too much money on an old car. The FACT of the matter is you do not need to spend $100 to $200 on a new motor? Where are you guys getting your prices? Over $200 for the entire assembly is about right. Prices for the motor are $55 to $65 if you buy the Bosch part online. A lot more if you buy from a place like FCP (retail). i got mine from an electronics surplus store locally for half of what I would have paid online.

We both went through the salvaged motor "thing". You seem happy (for now). I am not and do not recommend it.

[MadeInJapan]

Here's a how-to video on the blower motor if anyone needs to know how to replace one:

[SnookWhaler]

Sidewinder,

You will probably be able to repair your existing motor as mentioned several times now on page 1 and 2 of this thread now.

If that does not work for you, here is a one place of many that has the motors for retail at a reasonable cost: http://www.partsgeek.com/catalog/1995/v ... motor.html

I have seen them as low as $55 retail. Shop it around and you will find it, if it comes to that. You can get one for as little as $25 if you can find a local Electronics Surplus store. This is what I have done several times now in 2 different cars and the motors only cost me $28 with tax in FL.

Be very careful dismantling the Volvo trim. It becomes very brittle if the car has not been garage kept. When you remove trim pieces and put them back together use extreme care or you will damage everything you take out. Also, be careful not to over tighten the screws that go into any of the plastic. It easily "spiderwebs" and cracks if you over torque the screws.

Good luck.

AJ