Re: [tlug] Fans: Failure and Resuscitation

[Jim <jep200404@example.com>]

The issue of stuck fans comes up from time to time and should 
be in a FAQ. Until then, it's up to you to bookmark or save this 
email. I recommend that everyone read the _whole_ letter. 

Micheal E Cooper wrote:

> the CPU fan doesn't move. 

With the power off, move the blades with your fingers. 
If it is hard to move, or when given a kick, 
won't spin freely, then you have a dry bearing. 

This is common on old computers and is due to a lack of 
lubrication. Most fans can be resuscitated by relubricating.  
Usually I can lubricate a dry bearing quicker than going to 
the store. 

On the end of the fan that has the support spokes, there is 
usually a round label sticker that covers the end of the 
axle. Use a clean knife to peel back that sticker most, but 
not all of the way, being sure to keep the sticker and mating 
surfaces pristinely clean, by not letting anything touch them. 

Put _half_ a drop of oil (Singer sewing machine oil, or engine oil.  
Avoid penetrants and volatile lubricants like WD-40 and 3-in-1.  
They will evaporate and not last.) on the end of shaft, 
hopefully past the (typically plastic) ring that keeps shaft from 
falling out.  It's hard to put that partial drop of oil into the 
right place without it getting elsewhere, so guide the oil with a 
pin (such as a shirt pin or a straightened paper clip) 
to ensure that the oil goes _only_ into the bearing.

If the oils just beads up on the end of the shaft, then the 
lubrication won't work.  You _have_ to get it past the retainer 
ring.  Then work the fan back and forth, until it turns freely. 
Once it turns freely, apply power.  When it's running nicely, 
push the (still clean) round sticker back over the hub to seal it.  

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tom hanlon <tom@example.com> wrote:

> The fan died long ago but the computer keeps on running. 

It's not too surprising for lightly loaded old computers, 
that it kept on running with the fan.  
Which fan died?  CPU fan or power supply fan?  

Some fans that have run too long without lubrication 
have ruined the bearings and rattle much.  
They can not be fixed by mere relubrication.  

Of course, if your computer is working fine without the fan, 
and is not getting too hot, then just declare victory 
(of silence) and run away.  

When a fan makes inconsistent sound, or fails to start by itself 
without a nudge, failure from lack of lubrication is imminent.  
Take this as a warning to either replace or relubricate the fan.  
Some old lightly loaded computers can survive without a fan, 
but most machines really do need a fan.  Failure of the fan leads 
to overheating the power supply or other components.  Failure 
of the power supply _can_ lead the power supply to supply 
destructive voltages to the computer.  

For most computers, don't ignore the signs of a dying fan.