Window A/C starting to squeal

[PHIL]

Hi:

I have a Kenmore A/C window unit 12,000 BTU about 9 years old. In the past few days it has started to make a occasional squealing noise. I'm guessing it's the fan, is there anything I can do to silence the thing?

~~Phil~~

[Tony Hwang]

Hi, Oiling? Eventually will need a new fan motor. Tony

[Edwin Pawlowski]

Fan motor is likely the culprit. Most are sealed bearings ad cannot be lubricated, but sometimes a shot of WS-40 can help. This is a warning, you will need a new motor soon. It can be a DIY job, but it can be a PITA with some fasteners. You can find the motor at a few places on line. try

[TURTLE]

This is Turtle.

Disassemble the cover and oil the two ports on the motor with 20 weight motor oil of any motor oil you have on hand. When they squeal they are saying OIL ME .

TURTLE

[Edwin Pawlowski]

I'm not an expert but I've replace four fan motors on wind ACs over the years. None had a oil port. Maybe some do.

[Appliance Repair Aid]

Hi,

Some motors have an oil port to add a few drops of oil to help....some do not :(

jeff. Appliance Repair Aid

[Ed]

Phil, many of Sear's A/C's are Whirlpool's and many of them do have oil tubes, one on each end of the motor. You don't need to take the unit apart to see them, look through the slots in the cabinet. Usually these are short clear plastic tubes with yellow plastic caps. Most motor oils will do but I prefer 3-In-1 Oil. These motors have sleeve type bearings and a thick felt washer, you need to use enough to saturate the washer, 3-In-1 is a nice light oil and should fill the felt washers quickly, make sure you at least

10-12 drops to go down each tube. This will usually take care of your problem and if you continue to oil it every year before using it it just could last for years more.

[Stormin Mormon]

Disassemble unit. Oil the berrings. reassemble.

[Dr. Hardcrab]

I had a girlfriend in high school once......

;-]

[TURTLE]

This is Turtle.

a lot of the bigger window units and better quality models Whirlpool & Friedrick will have ports but fedders and frigidaire will not have them.

TURTLE

[G Henslee]

Good technique for bringing the blinded sheep out of the cults.

-- Mormonism Is A Cult

[PHIL]

The fan died yesterday. RIP. I went to RepaiClinic and looked up prices. $89.00 +S&H. Item not in stock. (BTW, I love that place. Used it before to fix my stove.)

We thought it over and considering the unit has already outlived its average life expectancy (and what will belly up next on it), decided to head over to Sears and pick up a new, hopefully more energy efficient unit.

Thanks every for your help on this.

~~Phil~~

[PHIL]

If anyone is curious the new A/C we ordered (it was out of stock) is a Kenmore Model #76129 on sale :) for $340. Saved $30.

It has 12.300 BTU's (our previous had 12,000) and has an EER rating of 10.8 (the old one was a 9.0). To sum it up - the new one is slightly more POWERful, more efficient, and cost us about $140 less than the model it replaced. That helps takes some of the sting out of having to buy a new unit :)

~~Phil~~

[Appliance Repair Aid]

Thankx for the update!! :)

jeff. Appliance Repair Aid

[PHIL]

Hi Jeff:

I'm wondering if (being in the biz) you might know who actually manufactures this specific model for Sears. I have searched the web & all I know for sure thus far is that it isn't Sharp.

~~Phil~~