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The sound you hear from the blower motor may indeed be the bushings failing. After they are worn larger, the shaft tries to walk around the inside in a hypocycloid motion, instead of spinning inside them. It can't so it screams.
More usual sign of failure is that the shaft drops down a little when the power is off, allowing the turbine blades to touch the inside of the housing. Mostly heard if the fan is running in #3 or #4 when the key is turned off. My 1986 244 has made this sound going on two years now, so maybe it's no such an immediate thing.
Replacment is a large job, as many things have to be removed and replaced. There are several posts on this BBRD about how to. Look in Archives and FAQ's.
The first time I had one go out (1979 245DL) the dealer quote was indeed 5 hours of labor. Their part was $110.00, I learned to do it myself.
Luckily I got a photo copy of the pages their parts department had because of a major upgrade for that year. Took me longer than 5 hours because I had to drill a 5/8 inch hole in the bottom of the air box for the upgrade.
Don't be too apprehensive about the job. If I can, you can.
The air flow problem could be another problem. The vacuum system starts with a smaller tube from the intake manifold through the firewall and to the vacuum reservoir. That thing is like three white plastic spheres, end to end, in behind the lower radio box. It can be seen when the right side center control kick panel is removed. All this is really a warmer weather activity.
Post again when the snow clears??
In the meantime, try opening the floor vents and closing ALL the others manually. Also, in the silence right after turning off the key, listen carefully for the hisssing of a vacuum leak back in there somewhere. May take two tries, RH and LH side. Maybe take off the felt knee pads first. Hope this helps.
Regarding the power antenna. The cost of a replacement mast could be very close to that of a rubber flexible replacement. Also, new mast is low labor. To do it takes a savvy helper, one wrench, and 10 minutes, and no snow.
Good Luck,
Bob
:>)
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