squirrel cage blues - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Merce-Me · #1 07-22-2008, 01:10 AM

Howdy! This is my first post, as I'm a brand new owner of a fairly old 1987 300d. I knew when I bought it that the blower motor was dead. I bought the motor without the squirrel cage fans, figuring on reusing the old ones. I successfully removed one, but, like a bonehead, broke the second one. So here are my questions:

1: Is it possible to buy just the fans without the motor. I've Googled everything I can think of.

2: I strapped in the motor to test it. It works like a champ. But it won't turn off, regardless of what combination of buttons and dials I manipulate on the panel.

3: I noticed that the compressor will not engage. I'm hoping that it's due to a relay sensing a lack of coolant charge (I assume it's not charged, since it hasn't been used for a couple of years).

4: I'm also looking for a seat motor: passenger, forward/backward movement.

I'm not a diesel mechanic, but I'm ready to learn the basics, and I appreciate this forum. I can get lost here for hours.

Thanks so much,
Merce-Me

TylerH860 · #2 07-22-2008, 01:33 AM

I have no answer for you, but I had to give props for your very clever screen name.

Jeremy5848 · #3 07-22-2008, 02:00 AM

Welcome to the forum! This is a great place to get information. Many of us have the same car as you do and our cars are also fairly old: 21 years, to be exact.

Fans: You may be able to buy just the fan without the motor. Start with FastLane (click the "Buy Parts" link at the top of the page). They support this forum so we try to steer business to them. A junkyard would be another source, a dealer also might be able to get you a fan.

The failure of the fan motor to turn off is a sign of a short circuit in the control (pushbutton) assembly, I think. The right hand button of the five in a horizontal row is supposed to shut off everything in the climate control system. We need to hear from someone who has had your exact problem.

There are many things that must be working for the compressor's clutch to engage. Sufficient refrigerant (freon) is one. The relay that controls the compressor clutch is behind the battery. If it has failed, the compressor will not work. Check the refrigerant first and get back to us.

The best source for a seat motor is probably a junkyard. It may actually be easier to buy an entire seat or at least the track mechanism. (That way, you wouldn't have to match colors.)

Jeremy

Merce-Me · #4 07-22-2008, 11:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TylerH860

I have no answer for you, but I had to give props for your very clever screen name.

Thanks. It's one of those phrases I seem to mutter when I'm frustrated--something I experienced while wrestling the the fans off the motor. My vernacular drifted a bit when one of the fans broke. There's a great Christian band named Mercy Me to whom I certainly mean no disrespect.

Merce-Me · #5 07-23-2008, 12:26 AM

Thanks Jeremy,
I'm looking forward to getting some insights from you fellas. Thanks in advance to anyone who takes the time to respond.

Also, I checked with FastLane, but they only sell the motor by itself or the motor and fans together . . . but not the fans by themselves. I think I'll post a thread requesting suggestions for a good salvage source in North Carolina.

Jeremy5848 · #6 07-23-2008, 12:34 AM

******** AZ has the motor and fans for $150.91. They sell the motor separately ($72.90) but not the fans, alas. A junkyard would probably nick you about $25 so that might be the best option. Worst case, you buy a new motor and put junkyard fans on it; total cost about $100.

Merce-Me · #7 07-23-2008, 12:53 AM

The junkyard seems to be the way to go. I just need to find one here in North Carolina. I already have the motor, but if I can't find the fans I'll have to try to return it and get the combo.

pmckechnie · #8 07-23-2008, 08:15 AM

Where are you in North Carolina?
Paul

Merce-Me · #9 07-23-2008, 11:35 AM

I'm in Kernersville, which is half way between Greensboro and Winston-Salem.
Thanks for asking.
Troy

pmckechnie · #10 07-23-2008, 05:20 PM

I believe I have what you need but I am about 100 miles from you. I have a used motor and fans from a 91 300D somewhere and I also have an 87 300E parts car that I believe would be the same as yours. I will be coming close to you in about 2 1/2 weeks and would be glad to drop them off to you. Do you need anything else from the parts car? It is about 1/2 gone but there is still a lot left. Let me know and I will check and see if I have what you need.
Paul