Shop fan repair

[supersaiyan93]

I recently acquired a 36" drum fan for peanuts that had a few issues. Specifically, it's a FE-90D3FOL model that appears to be turn of the millenium vintage.

When I first got it, she shook like crazy, made all kinds of racket, and only runs in one speed. The mechanical issues were obvious. I split the motor and found two shot bearings. The replacements are on order. That should fix the shakes and shouts.

Now, I don't claim to be an e-lectronical genius. I could use a little help figuring out the multi-speed issue. Right now, the original switch knob is MIA and the motor is turned on by plugging it in. It only runs on high.

Attached are a few pictures showing the wiring, and also see my very crude MSPaint masterpiece showing how it's currently wired up.

So what I need to know is, what the heck kind of motor is this? What kind of selector switch do I need to replace the missing one? How do I wire this up?

Thanks guys!

 

[supersaiyan93]

Also, I just realized I totally posted this to the wrong board!

 

[Michael_in_DE]

I'm 90% sure you need a new switch. Using the info stamped on that switch, order a new one. Hopefully there will be markings on the switch as to the various input levels, then you will have to play the guessing/elimination game to wire it.

OR pay an electrician... which would probably cost more than a brand new fan.

 

[joe49]

https://www.ebarnett.com/Sku/498656/fan-switch-3-speed-076335100364-e332?cid=Shop_barnett_all_498656&CID=Shop_barnett_all&gclid=Cj0KCQjw7Z3VBRC-ARIsAEQifZQQdpcJw8v4Fop5lY89SoaJyh4K7dcKdAw2-JPN0s617tc_20Err0oaAgeGEALw_wcB

 

[Shiftless]

Why not just let it run on HIGH all the time it is on? Do you really need variable speed? Keep It Simple

 

[supersaiyan93]

Why not just let it run on HIGH all the time it is on? Do you really need variable speed? Keep It Simple

I don’t particularly NEED other speeds but there’s something about putting a tool back to its original condition that is appealing to me.

Also I’m 100% sure I need a new switch because the original switch is missing. Only the hole in the case where the switch once was remains. If I had to guess, the knob is what failed, prompting the previous owner to bypass it. That should mean I can fix it with a few dollar part if I can identify what the wire colors going to the motor correspond to.

 

[supersaiyan93]

Okay, so I found this, which appears to be exactly what I needed. Boy that was hard to find. Good thing it's a slow day at work today. lol.

Now I just need to locate an appropriate speed switch. I can find 4 position switches intended for fans with low-med-hi all day long. Looks like 3 position switches for just low-high are harder to come by. I may just put the 4 position in and remember that the setting all the way over is another Off.

 

[dogdog]

Have you just try to google for fan selector switch ?

3 position 2-speed ones? Off-Hi-Lo
and just from google something like this turned up. Of cause you needed to get one with the right amp rating for your motor.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Mini-Turn-...197051&hash=item2119a6e581:g:VUYAAOSwAaJaDJqW

Of any toggle switch that fits if you just wanted on/off and cap the brown wire?

 

[supersaiyan93]

Yes, I tried google.

Funny, I found that exact switch last night. Seems to be the best one I can find. It does appear to fit the square indentation in the casing for the fan that makes me believe it might have been the OEM switch used in this application.

When my bearings come in, I'll run the motor through it's paces by swapping around wires (now that I know which wire corresponds to what), and if it runs good on both speeds I'll order the switch.

I'm not sure why everyone who has posted thinks I'm wasting my time trying to re-install the speed switch. If all goes well, I'll have a $260 drum fan that I'm all-in for $50 including the fan itself, a simple switch, and two cheap bearings.

 

[dogdog]

You'll have to buy the one with a knob, I don't think there are anything OEM to these things, Just generic sourced things.
You can call that fan company and ask them if it is worth it to you. There are other Ebay that sells with a selector, that link only sells the switch.

 

[6PTsocket]

You'll have to buy the one with a knob, I don't think there are anything OEM to these things, Just generic sourced things.
You can call that fan company and ask them if it is worth it to you. There are other Ebay that sells with a selector, that link only sells the switch.

Any decent hardware store has a knob assortment. That half round shaft is pretty common. Take the switch with you and look for a match. A lot of stove knobs also hsve a half round or D shaft. I have seen them in ebay as well. They are measured across the flat when they give a size. If it is 1/4" that is the size used in electronics and there is an endless selection. Instead of a friction spring clip they usually use a set screw that tightens against the flat. Since it is inly two speeds, you can also use a single pole, double throw, center off toggle switch. The center is off snd the 2 speeds,are up and down and you don't need a knob and a 20 amp rating is common, cheap and sure to be heavy enough.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

 

[930dreamer]

I moved this to the Electrical forum.