Bad Fan - Options?

[Phil T]

Saturday my wife was dusting out the home theater cabinet. When she was done the Hughes HDVR2 was making a loud noise. I could tell it was the fan because I could change the pitch of the noise by putting my had over it.

I unplugged it and plugged it back in and all was OK.

This morning it was back to making the loud noise again. The unplug - plug trick didn't do a thing today, so my questions are:

Do I order a replacement fan from Weeknees? They look like they are about $20.00?

Do I call DirecTV for a exchange? It is 10 months old, so I think I am out of warranty.

Can I buy a replacement fan locally? Anybody know who/if anybody stocks these things?

Do I go shopping for a cheep replacement unit?

Any thoughts are appreciated.

[Mark Lamutt]

Isn't the warranty 12 months? Of course, didn't you upgrade your drive, Phil? If so, your warrenty is voided anyways (from what I understand). Shouldn't be too hard to replace I wouldn't think.

As for local replacements, it pretty much depends on what the size the fan is. Standard sizes are found pretty easily. Non-standard sizes, you'll probably have to go down to Fistells to get them to order it for you. They can get just about anything ever made.

[Lee L]

I think the main fan on those things is a 60mm. If you try some on-line comuper parts places I'm sure you can find one cheap. Maybe check TiVocommunity.com first to see what the best one to use is as I know lots of people have replaced their fans to get better (cooler) operation and less noise as well.

[Phil T]

I have two DirecTivo's and this is the stock unit. I think the warranty is 90 days but I will check tonight. TivoCommunity says 60x60x25mm is the fan size. I may try and see if a computer store has one at lunch today.

[Mark Lamutt]

Beware the end connector on the fan! The fan in the Dish 6000 8VSB module has a very non-standard end connector. If the end connector on your tivo fan is non-standard, do yourself a favor and just cut the wires, splice them to your new fan and use it like that! (I learned that the hard way...)

[Phil T]

Well I went to 2 computer stores with no luck. Ended up at Radio Shack and bought a 273-239, 3200 RPM, 14.5CFM, 110mA fan.

Good news: very easy install! I did have to splice the connector from the old fan.

Seems to be very quiet!

Bad news: Price was $17.99 seemed high.

Internal temperature is running 51c. I have never see it that high before, yet the air coming out of the back of the unit seems cooler then I remember with the old fan.
Info screen still indicates 51c is in the normal range.

Since I don't have the specs for the old fan does any one know if this is out of spec?

[music_beans]

Couldn't you just have oiled the old fan?

[Phil T]

Good question!

After seeing your post I pealed the sticker off the fan and saw a rubber plug covered with oil. I pulled the plug out and it exposed the shaft and copper bearing. I pulled out the small plastic retainer and pulled out the shaft. The shaft and bearing are definitely scored and have a burnt smell. It looks like lube at this point would be too late.