With the 21 inches of snow that fell last week on my 1992 245, the blower motor is now making a racket and straining. When first started up, it almost sounds like there is ice in the blower motor housing that restricts the blower motor from turning. Is that possible?

It will eventually start spinning, but sounds like the bearings need some lubrication.

Is there any way to lube it without tearing the dash out?

Any tips or advice is welcome.

Thanks,

13

I've done it. I pulled the central lower cover that's under the tray and was able to drill a 1/2" hole right into the white plastic box. Through that opening I was able to reach the shaft of the blower and get some oil there with qtips, while the motor running. Then closed the hole with a 1/2" pipe fitting for future access.

Hello I've got a noisy blower too. One question where exactly do you drill a hole to enable lubing the shaft? I've pulled out that center panel to install a stereo and connect the speakers I guess that's in the vicinity?

'' sounds like there is ice in the blower motor housing that restricts the blower motor from turning.''

I beleive that if you let the car warm up anything frozen will drip down through the boittom drain. Also since the blower is inside, the heater radiator will stop most snow from reaching inside.

Since you think the motor needs lubrication I should mention that I did this with success on booth of my cars almost 1 1/2 year ago, a 1982 and a 1991. I started writing a detailed method and took many pictures about the work. It is not finished yet and must be corrected. I joined cut view pictures of motors so one can drill a hole at the exact location where lubricant must be added. This would apply only to two types of genuine Volvo heater motors, not reproduction motors.

It involves cutting 1 3/4 inch holes in the plastic heater box to reach inside. Then use a 6 inch long x 0.159 sharp point bit to start a hole. Final drilling is 1/8 inch bit attached on an extension rod.

If you are desperate and willing to give it a try at your own risk I could sent you what I have done so far in a pdf format. Cut view pictures are a must to see where to drill. Do not take all this trouble if you think the motor is worn out already though.
Roland

Some parts information I gathered first hand.

http://www.brickboard.com/RWD/volvo/1565688/220/240/260/280/blower_motor_information.html

I replaced the blower motor once probably 5 years ago. No way I'm doing that job in the cold, so it will have to wait until April.

Not looking forward to it.

Still don't get what exactly happened to the motor. Anyone ever heard of ice/water buildup causing trouble with the motors before?

Not sure how you'll eventually cure this, but with any restriction on the motor, like with sticky bushings or debris at the impeller -- anything that might strain the motor -- keep in mind if you run the speed control at anything less than full speed, the resistor will cook with the increased current and reduced airflow.
--
Art Benstein near Baltimore

What engineers say and what they mean by it:
"Drawing release is lagging."
Not a single drawing exists.