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Dornback Heater, fix or replace?

katoom400

Member
Joined
Sep 17, 2005
Messages
15
Location
new jersey
I have a dornback dgh30 30,000 btu natural gas heater installed in my garage. I need to replace the fan motor and fan blade (mangled it getting it off of the motor shaft).

the manufacturer doesn't list any specs for either part other than their internal part numbers. They wanted $250 for the motor and blade, but they only sell via an Ebay reseller who doesn't return my emails. also the identification label was removed from the motor at the factory so I had nothing to cross reference.

by their part number I was able to figure out it's a 1/15 hp motor and just spec'd something from Grainger for $50. I also ordered a fan blade but ordered the wrong direction (need CW, got CCW) so I'm trying to source a fan blade from the local supply house and they only have one with a 20 degree pitch.

I had not even considered pitch and don't know what the original might have been and know I won't get any help from the manufacturer.

Can anyone tell me what pitch I should be looking for in a 1/15hp, 5 blade 1600rpm 10" fan on a 30k btu heater?

I hooked up the 20 degree fan and the output is not what I would expect and the burners go out on high limit, which tells me it's not moving enough air.

additionally while I was up there watching the unit, I touched the newly replaced fan motor and it felt VERY hot. I don't know if that is normal or not, but maybe the motor I got from grainger wasn't up to the mfgr spec? and I wish I knew what that spec was? all I know is the dimensions of the existing motor and that it's a 1/15hp.

I've gotta say Dornback really ***** to get parts from since they only sell parts through ebay and I can't even get their guy to email me back on parts pricing (motor and fan not listed on their ebay store). additionally they removed the identification label from the OEM fan so you are stuck going through them.

now I've got $ in parts that didn't help.

I've found a listing for what seems to be the same unit from Hamilton Home Products, even the part numbers are the same, but damn....$250 for that tiny 3.3" motor and fan blade? I can get a whole new unit for $450 from northern tool. I just hate to put this one in the garbage if I can get the parts at a reasonable cost.
 
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katoom400

Member
Joined
Sep 17, 2005
Messages
15
Location
new jersey
after re-reading my original post it's a bit confusing to follow. My original unit had what appeared to be a failing fan motor, looking for parts, I couldn't get a response from the manufacturer on availability of OE parts, so found what I thought was a suitable replacement motor from Grainger which works but get VERY hot.

In addition to the motor getting hot the flame cuts out about every 5 minutes and will not re-light until the unit has cooled down for a minute or two.

So my feeling is that either it is not a suitable replacement or the control module is bad and not sending it the correct voltage?

control module is $200 (if that is the culprit) and OE Fan and blade are $250.

I really don't want to put another $450 into this unit as I already put $200 into a control module 2 years ago.

For $450 I can get a Mr. Heater 45k unit (which gets mixed reviews) or a Modine for about $200 more?

After the headaches with the Dornback I would really like something that will last a bit longer.

Any advice is greatly appreciated.
 
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