Hitzer 983 Fan Not Working

Could someone please tell me how to replace a R fan on my insert. Should I replace them both at the same time ? I have been running one fan since it was the end of my coal season, and now that it is out I need to fix it. The one on the L was making noise, but the one on the R stopped spinning. Although the L one still occasionally makes a noise. Which fan motor to get ? I saw discussion about bushings vs. ball bearings ????? Was there a place I should of been oiling the motor each season ? ANY info/help would be appreciated.

Why not pop in two new fans and be set for next year? Not hard to replace with basic mechanical skills. Get them from local dealer (where do you live?) or directly from Hitzer. Good luck.

Bobbi, did you buy the insert new?? When?? YES, replace both. Check with your dealer where you got it if applicable. If newish, If you bought it new or not---I would call Dean at HITZER & explain your situation--260-589-8536--these people are real good with customer service. Fred

If you have a Grainger's in your area or somewhat reasonable distance you can save some dollars.

No, I bought it used. Was just wondering what brand/model to buy.??

I say just get from Hitzer or their product from local dealer. No need to reinvent the wheel or fit in some other product. Good luck.

Ditto what fred said...

And, look where the oiling points are on the old ones and the new ones. Fans on inserts run hotter because of the trapped heat around the stove. So they need more frequent lubrication, at least in my opinion they do.
So figure out where they need oiling, and make up an oiling can so you can get to the bearings while the stove is in use. I've bought some oil cans with extra long spouts so they will reach way back to the back of hard to reach areas.

Greg L

Do as Fred said, call Hitzer, they can direct you to the closest dealer who will sell you THE CORRECT motor,not some "will fit " motor from some motor wholesaler looking for more sales. Deal with someone who cares about selling you the correct part for your unit so the product will continue to do a satisfactory job for you.

And, save the old motors.

If the stove is used, the previous owner may have used the wrong lubricant, or none. However, you may be able to revive them. I've rescued many old ball bearings in motors and tools by carefully re-oiling them with the correct oil for their application. In fact, I just stopped a screeching bearing in my 30 year old high-speed hand grinder last week. Bearing was dry, but not worn to the point of needing replacing.

Don't use motor oil in ball bearings. Some of the additives, especially detergents in it, can get gummy with age and heat.

Ask the Hitzer factory rep what oil they recommend to use for that application. If they don't know of any, then use air compressor oil. If they do recommend an oil, only use that one.

To re-oil sealed bearings, using a point of a knife, or needle, carefully lift up the outer edge of the rubber side seals on the ball bearings. Drip fresh oil onto that slight gap and it will naturally wick into the bearing. Spin the bearing by hand so that fresh oil will loosen and help flush out old gummy oil.

Working fresh oil into the bearings, you may find that the used motors start working again like new. In which case you can put that motor back into service, or if your not comfortable relying on it, at least keep it as backup to a new motor, . . just in case.

Paul

If you still need the blowers for the 983, shoot me a PM.

I have a bunch in stock and would be happy to ship them to you.

Should also check the blower wiring. We've found that sometimes the wires get shaken around, and melt up against the side of the firebox causing the blowers to short out.