Engine cooling fan motor brushes

SD1too · 3rd August 2009, 20:40

I've just repaired my cooling fan motor for £10 using new parts. There's now no need to cannibalise second-hand motors, or modify a three-speed circuit to two, or fit aftermarket systems. All you need is the determination to remove the bumper/headlamp panel, a small cold chisel and club hammer, and a soldering iron. The reward is a saving of around £300, or considerably more if you'd thought of paying a garage to do it.

I am extremely grateful to Greeners who put me on to a company in Croydon, Surrey which manufactures electric motor brushes in small quantities to the client's specification. So, whether you have a lusty 1.8T or an economical diesel or a silky-smooth V6, you can restore your engine cooling fan motor to peak performance at minimal cost. Just remove one of the worn brushes and send it to this company, and within a couple of days you will receive replacements, identical in every way. Update: It is no longer necessary to send a sample. A set of four can be ordered directly from their website. They describe them as 'heater" motor brushes; ignore that, they're definitely for the radiator fan. Or, if you're an expert in electric motors, you can specify all the parameters on the order form available on their website.

The grade of material is "M17" (thanks Greeners) and if you have a 3 speed KV6 fan the brush dimensions are 4.60 x 9.65 x 23mm. The company's called Engineering Carbon Products and their telephone number is 020 8688 1900, and website:

www.engineeringcarbonproducts.com

Here's an example of their work:

Quality, eh? My three-speed motor had failed due to the earth brush wearing down to virtually nothing, so I only really needed one brush at £10, but as so much dismantling is necessary to get at the fan motor I replaced two other half-worn brushes as well. £30 is still a lot nicer than £250 - £300 for the unnecessary replacement of the whole motor assembly.

So come on you lot; save money and resources by repairing rather than replacing. You know it makes sense!

Simon.

P.S. In case you were wondering, the cold chisel and club hammer are required to release the steel tabs securing the motor end plate.

FROGGY · 3rd August 2009, 20:53

QUICK MODS, PIN THIS SOMEWHERE FOR POSTERITY.

Mick

Dragrad · 3rd August 2009, 20:59

Excellent post- are all brushes in 3 speed fans the same size across the range of engines?

stocktake · 3rd August 2009, 21:01

This is excellent news but only if you catch the motor in the early stages of failure, if not invariably the armature is beyond repair. having said that my repaired three speeder has passed 10k now

Dragrad · 3rd August 2009, 21:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dragrad

are all brushes in 3 speed fans the same size across the range of engines?

bump ......

SD1too · 3rd August 2009, 21:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dragrad

Excellent post- are all brushed in 3 speed fans the same size across the range of engines?

Sorry Andrew, I don't know the answer to that. But as I said, Engineering Carbon Products will make brushes to suit your motor, whatever its size.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stocktake

This is excellent news but only if you catch the motor in the early stages of failure, if not invariably the armature is beyond repair.

Fair point. I had to replace the armature on my SD1's starter motor, but only after 20 years and 165,000 miles!

Simon.

T-Cut · 3rd August 2009, 22:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by SD1too

The grade of material is "M17"

Is this the copper rich material used in the originals? Here's the photo from Keith's fan dossier.

The composition is needed to carry the very high current loads these motors have.

TC

DerekS · 3rd August 2009, 22:52

" P.S. In case you were wondering, the cold chisel and club hammer are required to release the steel tabs securing the motor end plate."

I didnt realise we had to use a special hammer . Is this available in the club shop ?...

GreyGhost · 3rd August 2009, 23:09

OP copied into Really Useful Info thread at the head of this forum, as requested.

SD1too · 4th August 2009, 07:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by T-Cut

Is this the copper rich material used in the originals?

Hi TC,

I confirm that my OEM brushes were stamped with the 'C' visible in Keith's photograph, but they didn't have the serrated end. They were smooth and the profile fitted the curvature of the commutator.

The M17 grade material was quoted in an e-mail to Greeners by Engineering Carbon Products following his enquiries. I confirmed the application when ordering and ECP didn't question it. Fingers crossed, eh?

Simon.

3rd August 2009, 20:40	#1
SD1too Doesn't do things by halves Rover 75 2.5 Connoisseur Auto (1999) Dealer launch model. Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Former Middlesex Posts: 20,382 Thanks: 1,587 Thanked 3,749 Times in 3,181 Posts	Engine cooling fan motor brushes I've just repaired my cooling fan motor for £10 using new parts. There's now no need to cannibalise second-hand motors, or modify a three-speed circuit to two, or fit aftermarket systems. All you need is the determination to remove the bumper/headlamp panel, a small cold chisel and club hammer, and a soldering iron. The reward is a saving of around £300, or considerably more if you'd thought of paying a garage to do it. I am extremely grateful to Greeners who put me on to a company in Croydon, Surrey which manufactures electric motor brushes in small quantities to the client's specification. So, whether you have a lusty 1.8T or an economical diesel or a silky-smooth V6, you can restore your engine cooling fan motor to peak performance at minimal cost. Just remove one of the worn brushes and send it to this company, and within a couple of days you will receive replacements, identical in every way. Update: It is no longer necessary to send a sample. A set of four can be ordered directly from their website. They describe them as 'heater" motor brushes; ignore that, they're definitely for the radiator fan. Or, if you're an expert in electric motors, you can specify all the parameters on the order form available on their website. The grade of material is "M17" (thanks Greeners) and if you have a 3 speed KV6 fan the brush dimensions are 4.60 x 9.65 x 23mm. The company's called Engineering Carbon Products and their telephone number is 020 8688 1900, and website: www.engineeringcarbonproducts.com Here's an example of their work: Quality, eh? My three-speed motor had failed due to the earth brush wearing down to virtually nothing, so I only really needed one brush at £10, but as so much dismantling is necessary to get at the fan motor I replaced two other half-worn brushes as well. £30 is still a lot nicer than £250 - £300 for the unnecessary replacement of the whole motor assembly. So come on you lot; save money and resources by repairing rather than replacing. You know it makes sense! Simon. P.S. In case you were wondering, the cold chisel and club hammer are required to release the steel tabs securing the motor end plate. __________________ "Whatever is rightly done, however humble, is noble." Sir Henry Royce. Last edited by SD1too; 18th May 2014 at 18:41.. Reason: Update on ordering

3rd August 2009, 20:53	#2
FROGGY I really should get out more....... MG ZT CDTI Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: 17500 REAUX, CHARENTE-MARITIME Posts: 2,749 Thanks: 2 Thanked 133 Times in 90 Posts	QUICK MODS, PIN THIS SOMEWHERE FOR POSTERITY. Mick __________________ http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps628d4119.jpg IN THE BLACK NOW

3rd August 2009, 20:59	#3
Dragrad This is my second home *None DROWNED** Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Cardigan Posts: 33,339 Thanks: 1,257 Thanked 1,664 Times in 1,081 Posts	Excellent post- are all brushes in 3 speed fans the same size across the range of engines? __________________ Andrew Ich Dien Problem solving is... lateral thinking SEARCH FIRST ...ASK LATER... Last edited by Dragrad; 3rd August 2009 at 21:52..

3rd August 2009, 21:01	#4
stocktake Vis Whiz Rover 75 2.5 auto Saloon Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: LEEDS Posts: 20,591 Thanks: 2,057 Thanked 3,056 Times in 1,621 Posts	This is excellent news but only if you catch the motor in the early stages of failure, if not invariably the armature is beyond repair. having said that my repaired three speeder has passed 10k now __________________ Dave... Lost a few stones and a Gall Bladder and part of a bile duct and all of my dignity in the suppository incident

3rd August 2009, 22:52	#8
DerekS Posted a thing or two Rover 75 Tourer Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Malpas Posts: 1,526 Thanks: 34 Thanked 118 Times in 89 Posts	" P.S. In case you were wondering, the cold chisel and club hammer are required to release the steel tabs securing the motor end plate." I didnt realise we had to use a special hammer . Is this available in the club shop ?...

3rd August 2009, 23:09	#9
GreyGhost Banned 180+ Sport Auto Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Bedford Middle Level Posts: 17,787 Thanks: 0 Thanked 18 Times in 5 Posts	OP copied into Really Useful Info thread at the head of this forum, as requested.