AC Motor Removal

[SilverPuddle]

My AC fan motor officially stopped working. I was told there was a screech, smoke then nothing.

So I checked to see if the AC switch worked at transferring the circuit from the heater to AC fan and it does.

I checked the AC fan and it is frozen in place.

Anyway, before I tear into it...does anyone have any experience or pictures of removing this motor?

IMG_2249.jpg


Thanks.

[SilverPuddle]

Well, I proceeded into removing the AC motor. However, to no avail, I was not able to remove the assembly.

IMG_2260.jpg

IMG_2261.jpg

IMG_2263.jpg

I'm guessing...I need to open the freon system and disconnect the hoses...

IMG_2271.jpg

In the picture below, is this a drain plug where the screwdriver head is pointing?

IMG_2267.jpg

If any of you know how to do this, I will very obliged to received advise.
Thanks

[Somjuan]

Yup! That's a drain plug into the transmission tunnel for the condensation made on the evaporator. I haven't removed that particular model, so I'm no help there.

You definitely need to disconnect the lines though. Otherwise the evaporator is stuck in place. Have a shop drain the system to see if there's anything left anyhow

[SilverPuddle]

My system is still charged...I will check a local AC shop and see about having the system drained before disconnecting these lines.

Thanks for the advise.

[jtbgonesailing]

The motor shaft runs on bronze bushings, sleeves. Before you dig into removing the blower motor, try lubricating the 2 bushings and work at freeing up the shaft by twisting the squirrel cage blower. The fan guards will just snap out allowing you access to work the blower cages. I used this process 20 years ago to save the motor. I used a motorcycle chain lubricant in a aerosol container. Try something like PB Blaster. Same process can be used to lubricate the bushings on the heater blower motor under the cowling.

[SilverPuddle]

jtb....Excellent...I will try that first!
Thanks

[SilverPuddle]

Well, I lubricated the two bushings and I had cold air blowing for a while.

It stopped and that was it. So I pulled the ac assembly tonight.

IMG_2723.jpg

IMG_2724.jpg

IMG_2729.jpg

IMG_2734.jpg

IMG_2737.jpg

The removal took some time to get it out...mostly because I did not know what I was doing. I got it out and opening the plastic case housing was the biggest issue...looks like some one used a glue to seal the area in front of the motor.

[SilverPuddle]

I am ordering the motor tonight. I am hooping to get the AC and purchase the heater blower motor while I'm at it.

Following are a few more pictures from the removal today:

IMG_2741.jpg

IMG_2749.jpg

IMG_2751.jpg

I'll follow up with the installation of the ac motor blower later.

[jaredmac11]

These blowers were ONLY on the late, correct? This is useful information. Eventually Id like to soup up my early's AC system. PRobably a mix of aftermarket condensor and compressor and OE parts like this.

[SilverPuddle]

Jaredmac11,

I am not sure what the early e21 AC units were like. Doing a search, all that I found was the same dash that I have in my 1982 e21.

The trickiest part for me has been to order the correct blower motor.

To up-grade the system. I dumped the entire stock system and installed a new compressor, condenser and hoses etc. It was nice and cool when the fan was working.