[Vwdiesel] Fwd: cabin fan

[Sandy Cameron]

At 10:00 PM 07/06/2006 -0700, you wrote:
>I don't know why just one part of the resistor pack
>couldn't die before the rest did.

In the resistor pack (found near the blower motor in the outlet duct on A/C
cars, and mounted right on the motor in non-A/C equipped)  there is a
fusible link that protects the motor, wiring, and resistors from any fault
that slowsor stops the motor.

Example: sticky bearings that may slow or stop the fan at the lower tourque
in slow mode.

The fan stops, the resistors heat up and burn out because of no air flow
over them, perhaps setting fire to the car in the process.
The thermal fuse is heat actuated, not current actuated.
It is the small silvery cylinder located close to the green resistor unit in
the resistor pack.
It is only in the circuit for the lower speeds, not max.
It is not considered replaceable, but guess what??
I use a short length of  wire solder carefully tacked across the thermal,
which will melt if it gets hot enough opening the circuit.

The fan bypasses this device in full on mode, as there is no resistor in the
circuit on high speed. Also, may be a conscious emergency provision to
ensure availability of windshield defrosting in event of fuse failure. 

Eventually the sticky bearings will prevent operation on high speed too,
resulting in a stinky burned-out motor, a blown fuse, and no further A/C or
heat, and especially, no defrost/demist.

On Goldie, (a2) once air conditioned, I have cut a portion of the cross
strut out under the glove compartment which makes removal of the blower a
simple task, and I have inventoried a second blower, and alternate them
after maintenance and lube. Replacement blowers are abt $200CD.

Speaking of on-board fires (the pilots worst nightmare), I had an in-flight
incident with goldie a year ago, where some lashed-up ham radio wiring on
the floor, passenger side, ignited the floor mat. (Note to self: always fuse
added wiring)

I was on a lighty travelled secondary road (the one less travelled?) and was
able to pull over and beat it out. On a highway, I would have been lucky to
get out without burns, and would have lost the car.

I was amazed at how flamable those fuzzy black floor mats are (87 jetta)
with thick black smoke. I would hope newer cars have addressed this. I would
immagine a dropped cigarette or match would have done the same thing. Whole
incident lasted 30 seconds, the fuzz was burned off 2/3ds of the matt, and
even though the windows were open, I had to stick my head outside while
braking, to avoid suffocation.

That which does not kill us makes us stronger (wiser?)

Sandy