Ouch! Cooling fan $$

KentT · Apr 25, 2006

Well, after troubleshooting the circuit it appears the cooling fan on my PT-425 is bad. It had been making noise -- sounding like the blades were rubbing something with no visible obstructions. Now it doesn't work at all, even jumping it directly to power...

So, I just ordered one from Tazewell for $172.38 to be delivered Thursday. I don't have time/easy access to try finding another aftermarket one that might fit -- I need to use the machine this weekend!

I tried searching and found a couple of old posts about fan failures. How frequent does this happen? My PT is approaching 400 hours now...

J_J · Apr 25, 2006

I am sorry you had trouble with your cooling fan, and the price you had to pay for a new one. I have replaced mine from an auto cooling system fan They are practically the same, some smaller, some larger. You may not have the time to look for one, but the auto junk yards are full of them.

stray · Apr 25, 2006

Like JJ said the junk yards are full of them. I didn't know it at the time but when I first got my PT I put around 50 to 100 hard Sumer time hrs. on it wondering why the fan didn't kick on (a blown fuse). I fixed that and after another 200 hrs. I have not noticed any damage to the PT. I know I wouldn't advise it either but it was nice to know that the PT was designed well enough to take it.
Hay, time is money too, no telling how long it might have taken to find one at the junk yard. Enjoy the convenience of the new fan coming to your door.

KentT · Apr 25, 2006

( Hay, time is money too, no telling how long it might have taken to find one at the junk yard. Enjoy the convenience of the new fan coming to your door.
)
Yeah, especially when my PT is 900 miles away, I can't readily do "measure and search" or "trial and error." I had a friend, a mechanic, do the troubleshooting long distance, at least... so that I could order the replacement and can quickly install it when I get there and go to work...

Now, at least I'll have the bad one to take in search of other replacements...

J_J · Apr 25, 2006

I picked up 3 spares for mine at $10.00 each. They could also be used for other projects. I have access to many junkyards and flea markets.

marrt · Apr 25, 2006

If anyone else ever needs one, I've got a new one in my garage that I never used. Fits a 425 and I assume 422. It's the same fan the factory uses. Let's just say I'll let it go for a lot less than a new one from PT. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

KentT · Apr 25, 2006

( If anyone else ever needs one, I've got a new one in my garage that I never used. Fits a 425 and I assume 422. It's the same fan the factory uses. Let's just say I'll let it go for a lot less than a new one from PT. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif )
My typical luck -- and timing... /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

marrt · Apr 25, 2006

Sorry about that. But I thought I'd post to save the next guy maybe. Could have been worse I guess. Try pricing an engine from them.

KentT · May 2, 2006

Well, PT delivered the parts in two days. The replacement was easily done -- remove four nuts -- though I had to splice in one wire connector. Mine had one male and one female in vinyl sleeves, while the replacement had two females in a plastic wiring block. Not a biggie...

The bearings on my old fan were definitely shot -- the blade would noticeably "catch" in one spot. Back in service without worrying about overheating! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif