Hi all, I am working on my 1968 skylark custom, 350 4bbl 300st w/air and I have a situation of my own making I am sure. Prior to any recent work my heater worked fine pushing air down to the floor as well as the defroster keeping the window clear. Now for the good news... I pulled off the front clip (mostly, right side only) to address the dreaded rust issue under the battery. Since the passenger side was open I took the time to swap the blower motor, heater core and clean everything, knowing that prior to this the air conditioning did not function properly, but hopes are that will be fixed soon. Everything is back together and hoses have been rerouted as per my chassis service manual. Now with the fan set to any position I cannot feel any air flow from the heater vent nor the defroster. I'm pretty sure everything went back together okay and the cables move some vents internally. With the inside diverter pulled and fan on still nothing. Any suggestions? I am going nuts. Er, more nuts. Thanks, John
Upon further inspection... I did not leave a rag stuffed in the outside ac box blocking anything. Knowing that is not the problem, almost wish it were, what I do need to find out is how much space should there be between fan (squirrel cage) and the flange to rubber boot directing air flow up from the air inlet. As things are now I have a very close (almost touching) gap there. Could someone with things exposed look up there and tell me if I need more space? When I first put the fan motor in I did have contact between the fan and the flange and had to put a gasket or two between to allow free fan movement. Could the fan I put in have a longer shaft than the old (I looked I swear!) and I need more clearance? Help! Before I go and do something crazy like pull the fender off again! John
A common problem would be that your blower motor relay is either bad or you have it disconnected. Its on the firewall by the regulator
Is it possible that you reversed the electrical connections on the blower motor? I'm not familiar with the ones on your car, but if so, the motor will run backward and you won't feel any air movement.
Hi Buick64203, The fan purrs like a kitten thank goodness, in all speeds. Laying down on the floor with the kick panel off I can see up past the air inlet and see (and feel if I reach up there) the fan spinning clockwise. Smoke from my cigarette is drawn up towards the fan as well. Not very well is the problem. Having had the entire inner parts of the heater/ac out of the car for cleaning and the parts out in the engine compartment loose for cleaning was the last bit under the hood I had to address. Like most of my projects so far I get to re-address them as well. Thanks for the question about the resistor but other than having to redo the harness to that part, all is well. John
Hey Isrx101, That was one of my thoughts as well. Smoke from a cigarette did get drawn up past the air inlet in the passenger side foot well so I am thinking all is well. I was tempted trying to reverse the wires to see if that would do anything but the wiring is almost idiot proof with the power wire being the single wire type. I am thinking (one of my bigger problems!) that I might need more room between the air inlet on the fire wall and the fan to allow air into the fan. If I could only see what an original gap is I'd have a clue. As it stands the fan almost protrudes through the fire wall. I will find an answer even if I have to pull the fan, again... John
They say confession is good for the heart... Again I pulled the hood on the Skylark and with ease of having done so several times recently, loosened this and that and pulled the fan motor to check, double check, shim and get the air blowing out the defroster and floor vents as the air should flow. I got as far as cutting a 1/4" gasket shape out of plywood to pull the fan away from the firewall when I put everything together to check the fit and found out that with the squirrel cage reversed into the proper direction there was no need for anything other than re installation and turning on the fan to revel in the volume of air blowing out of my defroster then onto the floor. Having everything back together and the hood returned to it's proper place I am now done with fussing with the Skylark for this period of work. A fresh motor and tranny, a new fan motor, cowl leaks repaired; I am on the road again! A little wiser, a bit humbled and a whole lot of stupid. Thanks for all the help and we all know this ain't over yet. I be around. John
The squirrel cage was on backward? Really?? I've never seen (noticed?) an application where that was even possible without installation/clearance issues. I guess I've just been reeeally lucky. I'll add that to my "gotcha" avoidance file.:TU: Nice find!:beers2: BTW, Go forth and burn fuel, my son! Your confession has been noted and your troubleshooting sins have been absolved. In the name of Smoky Unick, Lee Iacocca and Carroll Shelby, amen.
In my own defense: There is no defense. When I began my project last spring to end the water leak into the passenger floor board and repairing the rust issues under the battery I gave little thought to how the fan was on the motor. As I could not purchase a new fan, I began cleaning the old squirrel cage and found why the fan sounded so rough when in use before. The whole thing weighed a bit more than normal and looked to be in a sorry state, probably out of balance big time. A momentary pause with the dremel tool burned through the patina of gunk on the fan and I found bright metal. Hours later I stared at a like new squirrel cage and I guess I just stuck it on the motor (Wrong way fit just fine, looked good!) so as not to lose the nut. With all other repairs made and parts cleaned I began reassembly. The hassle of getting the metal collar re-installed on the air inlet and the quick installment of the fan and motor was my downfall. As the inner fender was not back on board there was no battery yet, but who needs a battery? Everything went together just fine... Once the hood was back in place I tested everything and found the problem. Oh, did I mention the fact that I am a...(Insert proper description here) That probably explains the whole thing. All is well. Been through three periods of rain and not a drop inside. The heater blows hot and heavy (new heater core!) and the car is back to running shape. Next task: Reupholster front seats? Repair rust issues above rear wheels and paint job? Enjoy car as is until next spring? I believe I will wait and see. I do love to drive my 68' Skylark! Have a great holiday season!
