Cab Fan

bigtiller · Sep 18, 2015

I have a windshield defogging fan in the cab that just flops around. I smeared some rubber glue ( for stenciling ) into the ball & socket and that works to hold the fan in place for awhile, as long as i don't move it around too much. It needs another coat now but before i do, i was wondering if anyone has a better idea on how to take up some of the slop in the ball joint?

k0ua · Sep 18, 2015

What about peening the ball in several places with an automatic center punch to raise metal on the ball and see if that would help? You could use a punch and hammer too if you don't have an automatic center punch.

Utopia Texas · Sep 18, 2015

If you use the fan in the same position all the time you could use a tiny TEK screw through the bracket and into the ball. Otherwise if you are not concerned with looks a small C clamp on the outside of the bracket will pinch the ball tighter.

bigtiller · Sep 18, 2015

A screw won't work, the fan has multiple positions between the 4 seasons.

A clamp probably wouldn't work because the socket that the ball fits into is tapered.

I don't have an automatic center punch, but that is one tool i have been planning on getting for several years, just in case i need to break a vehicle window in an emergency. I'll check into one tomorrow at my local automotive store. I see on google they are priced form 2 to 75 bucks. What is the difference? Which one do i want?

k0ua · Sep 18, 2015

bigtiller said:
A screw won't work, the fan has multiple positions between the 4 seasons.

A clamp probably wouldn't work because the socket that the ball fits into is tapered.

I don't have an automatic center punch, but that is one tool i have been planning on getting for several years, just in case i need to break a vehicle window in an emergency. I'll check into one tomorrow at my local automotive store. I see on google they are priced form 2 to 75 bucks. What is the difference? Which one do i want?

The one I have had for years was maybe 5 bucks. I sure would not pay 75. I have got a lot of use out of mine and it still works well.

This one looks like the one I have. You don't need the higher priced starrets or something like that for general use.. not saying there not better, but the aluminum bodied one will be fine. I have used it thousands of times, and often use it for "staking" to keep nuts from backing off and things like that.
TEKTON 6580 Automatic Center Punch - - Amazon.com

k0ua · Sep 18, 2015

An automatic center punch is one of those tools, the first time you use it, you say something like "why in the heck didn't I buy one of these years ago!"

Utopia Texas · Sep 18, 2015

You might want to contact the fan manufacturer or your local tractor dealership. This is probably not a new problem and there is already a simple fix. No need to reinvent the wheel!

chim · Sep 19, 2015

I have a couple of them. I misplaced the first one (top link) so bought another at Harbor Freight. Both work fine.

Sears.com

Center Punch - Automatic Center Punch with Brass Handle

JRobyn · Sep 19, 2015

Not the same I know, but I could use a suggestion for something permanently sticky to drizzle into the space between the sun visor and its shaft on my old Bronco II! Maybe honey? With a CD or two in the holder strapped to it, it refuses to stay up! I tried several spring clips and clothes pins. Those helped for a while, but it was soon back to slipping again. I'd try a turn or two of electrical tape, but I can't see how the visor and shaft can be separated without damage.

Sorry for the sidetrack.

- Jay

chim · Sep 19, 2015

Not very elegant, but something like these may work. The male/female through the visor near the shaft may be a little less objectionable than the second item.

Genuine Pioneer® Refill screw and end posts (pkg of 8 / 4 sets) - Picture Frames, Photo Albums, Personalized and Engraved Digital Photo Gifts - SendAFrame

Acco Binder Clips, Small, 3/4"W, Black/Silver - LD Products

banjodunn · Sep 20, 2015

G'day what about putting some heat shrink on the ball?

Jon

bigtiller · Sep 20, 2015

I have an automatic center punch on order. It should be here Tuesday. I'd like to try it first. I talked to an old timer that worked on heavy machinery, he said the easiest and fastest thing he found to do was just replace the fan. And that they usually were full of dirt, maybe even broke or missing parts and short lived anyway.

k0ua · Sep 20, 2015

bigtiller said:
I have an automatic center punch on order. It should be here Tuesday. I'd like to try it first. I talked to an old timer that worked on heavy machinery, he said the easiest and fastest thing he found to do was just replace the fan. And that they usually were full of dirt, maybe even broke or missing parts and short lived anyway.

Well, even if it isn't a permanent fix for the fan gimble.. You needed an automatic center punch in your tool arsenal anyway.

bigtiller · Sep 20, 2015

I agree, and rather than keeping it in the tool box, I think i will store it in the council of my truck for emergency use. I bought this one from my local CarQuest store (no pic), not sears.

Sears.com

bigtiller · Sep 23, 2015

I tried out the new punch today and it worked for my project, but i went ahead and dabbed on some rubber cement just for good measure.

It worked well enough that i decided i wanted another beside the drill press. I bought one from Ace Hardware for $12, but it never did work so i returned it and the clerk and i tested a $30 one in the store that turned out to be very week. Both of these were sold under the "General" brand. I expected General to be a higher quality than those were.

k0ua · Sep 24, 2015

bigtiller said:
I tried out the new punch today and it worked for my project, but i went ahead and dabbed on some rubber cement just for good measure.

It worked well enough that i decided i wanted another beside the drill press. I bought one from Ace Hardware for $12, but it never did work so i returned it and the clerk and i tested a $30 one in the store that turned out to be very week. Both of these were sold under the "General" brand. I expected General to be a higher quality than those were.

Glad it worked for you. See I told you you needed an automatic center punch anyway.

Bladehauler · Sep 24, 2015

I just saw this thread, usually there is an adjustment inside from the top down to tighten the ball in its socket.

bigtiller · Sep 29, 2015

After mowing yesterday for about an hour the fan started to droop and by the time i was finished mowing the yard the fan was flopping around quite a bit.

I guess i will shop for a different type of mounting on the next fan. Oh well, i learned something and got a new tool out of the deal.

k0ua · Sep 29, 2015

bigtiller said:
After mowing yesterday for about an hour the fan started to droop and by the time i was finished mowing the yard the fan was flopping around quite a bit.

I guess i will shop for a different type of mounting on the next fan. Oh well, i learned something and got a new tool out of the deal.

Did the raised metal dimples beat back down from movement? Did you make enough of them? Perhaps the metal is too soft to hold up to the vibration and movement. That should have worked.