Not Enough Lubrication: Servicing a Mainstays SFC1-500B High Velocity Fan

[@mgfrobozz3802]

Jordan's video is the best documentation for how to do this properly (the other videos cut some corner). In my fan (a UtiliTech SFC1-800B), the felt pads in the oil reservoirs looked as if they had never been exposed to oil. The fix makes it better than new, and it's highly rewarding to keep it out of the landfill. I'd add: * I took pictures at each stage of disassembly so that if I had any questions about how to put it back together, I could look at the pictures. * The locking nut for the fan hub takes a 3mm allen wrench. It was super-tight, and I thought I was going to break the wrench. Wear a glove so that if the wrench slips or breaks, you don't gash your hand on the fan blades. * The front outside nuts (flanged serrated locknuts which hold the motor assembly to the cage) take a 10mm socket. * The back outside nuts (flanged serrated locknuts which hold the motor to the plastic cover) take a 9mm socket. * The back inside nuts (plain hex nuts which secure the back metal cover to the motor frame) didn't fit any of my metric sockets (they're somewhere around 8.5 mm). I removed these by holding them with a crescent wrench while I unscrewed the motor bolts from the front, but I needed to remove the cover for the junction box to access them. * The hex part of the front of the motor bolts (which secure the front metal cover to the motor) takes an 8mm socket. * I used 3-in-1 household oil. The (really ancient) can has a narrow-bore spout that makes it easy to control where the oil goes. * The instruction about tapping on the shaft is key! I'm glad I knew about that ahead of time. That must re-center the front bearing, aligning it better to the back bearing. Tap lightly from the top, bottom, left, and right, until you find a position where the shaft rotates most freely. My fan now takes 20 seconds to coast to a stop from setting 3 (high-speed); for the fan in this video, I timed 17 seconds from setting 3.

[@triktrak_1451]

Your step-by-step gave me the confidence to take apart my first motor. A small Hampton Bay high velocity, metal-blade room circulator. It was whining loudly and rattling too: bone dry pads around the bearings. Now I t runs smooth after following your lead! Thank you.

[@peter-pg5yc]

to last years longer polish shafts

[@donnaw9040]

Finally!! now I know about the bearings, wick and lubrication with this video. Thanks for putting it out, most useful of all I’ve watched so far!

[@RexRaven22]

It’s just so wonderful to see you struggle with this maintenance. It’s so real. And I agree about these fans. I have multiple of these models and one went after little use. The fuse is good but there isn’t any power. Now I know how to lubricate the others. When I bought these I thought they would be easy to maintain but I was mistaken. Those screws are a joke.

[@JordanU]

Mainstays is a WalMart store brand, just like Utilitech I believe is a Lowe's store brand. They're just names that mean nothing, the fans are all identical and all come out of the same factory in China.

[@zoomzoomboomboom]

Dude, you rock! Found one of these sitting outside a dumpster. Motor hummed & looked fairly new but shaft didn’t turn. There was NO wicking material so I added 3 one-eighth inch lamp wicks to each end. Oiled up with sewing machine oil & cleaned everything well. Shaft still wouldn’t turn. Then I see you tap on the shaft so I tried that & Shazam! Runs like new!

[@sv650touring]

I had one of these fail due to lack of lubrication. It would sieze, I'd squirt some oil in from the outside, it would work for a while, sometimes months, but eventually the motor burned out. It made it a couple of years I think. I got a replacement and opened it up, and the bearings look somewhat different than yours and they did have a smear of grease on them, but the wicks were pretty dry. I dripped some thick ATF in to fill them up, and grease on the bearing surfaces and buttoned it back up. Thanks for the video. It gave me confidence that this would be worth the effort.

[@JordanU]

Grease in sleeve bearings like this does not work long-term, neither does thick oil in the wicks. The wicks should be soaked in lightweight non-detergent oil and the surface of the bearing can be coated with a few drops upon reassembly.

[@sv650touring]

@@JordanU Thanks for the info. What I put in was still a lot thinner than the paste the factory put in it, so it should still be an improvement. The next time I have to open it up, I'll use something thinner.

[@Gkitchens1]

Mine did the same. It made it less than 6 months and it was streaming one say so I took it apart and cleaned it and greased the bearings, I didn't know the thing around them were wicks though. Every 2 or 3 days I'd have to take it apart and I greased with different greases but the bearings were already shot. It made it another 3 or 4 months needing to grease it once a week or so before it seized. I'm gonna buy another one tomorrow and oil it properly before I ever turn it on.

[@sv650touring]

@@Gkitchens1 While I have not opened it up, I believe the Harbor Freight 20-inch fan is superior to the Mainstays. I assumed they were basically the same, but after buying both I would only consider the HF fan.

[@sv650touring]

@@Gkitchens1 If you get those bearings good and soaked it should go a nice long time. Maybe even drill a hole in the motor housing right at the ridge so you can re-oil without disassembling it. Harbor freight has an equivalent fan which seems better built all around, though I haven't actually opened it up to look at the bearings. I know my HF fan draws less power, runs cooler, and seems quieter and equally powerful to my mainstays.

[@RichieRouge206]

This was very interesting and informative. Manufacturers seem to skimp on absolutely anything they can in order to save money and also give their products a limited life.

[@JordanU]

They do. The current state of most of the products sold in this country right now is quite sad.

[@RXSVN_2]

I'm having this problem with a brand new fan that I just bought last week. And then I remembered this video, so I'm here to watch it to see if I can fix the problem. At first I suspected it was a defective run capacitor because it would only operate on the highest setting but very slow and I was about to order another capacitor. Then I took the front cover off and when I went to turn the blade by hand It was difficult to turn, it would not spin freely when I pushed it. Went to open the motor up and realized it wasn't very much lubrication oil at all in the bushings and the motor shaft seemed dry. So I'm guessing that's where the problem is. Thank you so much for this. I'll see what happens. Update: I followed everything you did in the video, and it works very well now. Hitting the motor shaft with a screwdriver after reassembling the motor was also a very good tip by the way. Thank you so much!

[@sccpsteve]

Not enough lubrication, more like no lubrication whatsoever. Picked one of them up from the curbside and discovered that it had not a drop of oil in the wicking. The rear bearing was gummed up and the front bearing was bone dry. A true testament to the high quality of these fans (and lack thereof.) I like the video and it inspires me to lubricate new fans from now on. I decided to email Jiangmen Keye manufacturing to ask why they don't lubricate their fans. Hope I get a response soon.

[@JordanU]

There will probably be no response. These companies don't care about the customer or the product.

[@sccpsteve]

@@JordanU While I of course received no response, I chose to purchase a SFC1-500B from the home depot and it turns out the bearings have improved. There is a slight amount of lubricant as opposed to none at all - however, I would oil it if I were to use it for more than a couple years.

[@fordmuscleluis9710]

Good video bro on a Mainstays high velocity fan that needs to be disassembled for servicing and oiling in order for testing and see if the shaft spin freely and reassemble the motor together along with the blade set which is much better then it was it got up to speed faster usually these fail pretty maturely I enjoyed the video bro

[@JordanU]

Glad you enjoyed the video.

[@walterkersting6238]

I thought electric motors were lubricated at the factory for life. I didn’t know you could put a little three and one in there and get more RPMs and more life, I am inclined to use a power washer on this leave it dry in the sun and then just take a canna WD-40 to the motor Or the nozzle on the thing. Yes there will be a fireball upon start up but that’s just burning off the excess…

[@AlexTurbo]

@@walterkersting6238 WD40 is not a proper lubricant

[@koocean2199]

I tried using a screw driver to get the screw out and they are hard to turn

[@REXXSEVEN]

Continued....I also thought about the point you made of the motor not having an oil port. Towards the end of the video you mentioned drilling a hole in the motor casing for this purpose in the future. Good idea as well. The issue I find with this is that you have to remove the bushing cover in order to remove the bushing and the oil wick so that you don't damage it with the drill bit or leave any metal shavings. Though it is difficult in some cases to put the bushing cover back on once you open the securing tabs that are on it. This is due to the spring-like tension from that ring that is holding the bushing in place. But I'm sure I can figure out something.

[@berndwegen7758]

Thanks a lot for this video, it made fixing my gyms fans go smooth like butter...

[@JordanU]

You're welcome.

[@tribetravelbasketball4649]

I noticed the back of my fan was super hot. It was dirty so I took it apart and cleaned it. Then the blades stopped spinning. Thought I did something wrong when I cleaned it. Thank you for your video! Up and working like new!

[@JordanU]

Glad it was helpful to you.

[@Jennifermcintyre]

Glad you left this comment! My fan is getting really hot as well!! 😬 I’m ready to take care of it!!

[@mobile8873]

@30:45mins I have a similar fan just like yours but it's much smaller. Table top kind of fan. I got so frustrated trying to screw it back that I gave up. Kept dropping the screws while securing it. In the end I just used cable tie

[@JordanU]

Thanks for letting me know.

[@gabrielsousa-bd5fm]

*Small but **Fastly.Cool** .We use it in a very large roompositioned about 10 feet awayin 85F outside heatit keeps us cool. No need to turn on the AC.*

[@JordanU]

You're a stinkin advertising freakshow. Find something constructive to do with your time.

[@user-Calebculwell]

More shitty cramazon products?

[@bradwicks5438]

@Jordan U, I have a fan like yours that "was" just as stove up & could barely turn by hand, I have had it about 10 yrs. As per your instructions I took the motor apart & the "oil wadding" at both ends of the shaft was bone dry. The only small type oil they had at the auto supply near my house was gun oil, so I got some. I totally oil soaked the wadding at both ends & oiled the shaft ends. Put it back together & it works perfectly again. Your video is especially informing in that I had searched hard on Google for a new fan motor & they don't sell them anywhere (although I even found the website of the China manufacture). And I can't thank you enough for your instructions on how to revive my old motor.

[@JordanU]

Replacement parts are a thing of the past. The manufacturers make it very difficult to repair anything now. Glad you were able to get your unit going again.

[@followyourheart7818]

I have the same model Mainstay fan, watching you gave me confidence to try since it needs to be cleaned. I wish there was an easier way to oil it but I'm wondering what type of oil you used or would you recommend? Thanks so much for posting this video.

[@JordanU]

Zoom Spout.

[@followyourheart7818]

@@JordanU Thanks so much!

[@danwat1234]

I just bought this model today and did the spin down test. Out of the box, the spin down to stop takes about as long as yours did after you lubricated it. Perhaps they have improved lubrication from the factory or I am just lucky and the rest still suck.

[@welcometomyworld9113]

What's the name of the tool you use to take that part off on 4:29 cause I'm having a hard time getting that part off

[@Nemesis0142]

3.5 mm Allen wrench

[@johnmclaurin]

I know I’m late watching this, but I have the same fan with the same problem….thanks for your step by step explanation!

[@JordanU]

You're welcome.

[@kclyt07]

Very informative. Well done. Lubrication of that back bearing is very tough for fans in any kind/size. Sometimes, you could not even take them apart at all to access. And most of fail(stuck) or heat is coming from there.

[@peter-pg5yc]

for a quick lube remember capilary action. drop some oil on shaft end it will work into bearing, cool to watch. How I do my ge box fan on 1 side..

[@JordanU]

Thanks.

[@kclyt07]

@@peter-pg5ycfront bearing works, but, rear bearing is not working in such a way. Could cause oil leak or a mess as mentioned in this video.

[@ms.mommie6985]

What is the silver metal piece you took off with the Allen key/drill bit? That’s what I need replaced to keep the blade from wobbling and coming off.

[@JordanU]

It is called a Set Screw.

[@ms.mommie6985]

@@JordanU Thanks

[@Sportside311]

About to dive into this myself. Thanks for the video. Same fan as Lowe's Model #SFC1-500B.

[@JordanU]

Glad the video was helpful.

[@ViktorLucca]

Same here. Mine stop working last night. I'm so used to that fan that I coudn't sleep. I'm gonna try this.. thanks!

[@theeonlydc]

I have the model #SFD1-500B-3 would this technique work?

[@IanTpennington]

At 14:49 the plastic piece is broken on my fan. Will fan work okay without? If so should I remove the one on the other end as well? Thanks in advance!

[@JordanU]

You will probably have an issue without it. It's an inexpensive part, you can get replacements on the Amazon.

[@AlexTurbo]

Thanks for the video. This Mainstays fan is 100% identical to my Commercial Electric one I got from Home Depot about 2 years ago. Probably overpaid but who cares. Opened it up and just oiled it with some motor oil because thats all I had. Works better than new now!

[@MrWolfSnack]

Home Depot just sells rebadged junk you can buy from other places online for cheaper under another name. You must remove the old oil and grease and replace with SAE30 Non Detergent oil.

[@AlexTurbo]

@@MrWolfSnack figured that out quickly. That fan actually took a dump a couple months later and I replaced it with the Mainstays one from Walmart. The factory oil job seems pretty good so I'll be sure to use the right stuff when the time comes. Thanks!

[@peter-pg5yc]

wrong motor oil destroys.. use non detergent oil only..

[@AlexTurbo]

@@peter-pg5yc someone commented previously saying the same thing. I learned that the hard way. Its been a couple years so I know better now.

[@parkerbohnn]

@@peter-pg5yc Use duralube oil, Slick 50, Corrosion Free, Rust Check or Krown Rust and the fan will last 2 to 3 times longer than using motor oil.

[@WilliamMurphy-uo1er]

I have this kind of fan took it apart to clean it and it wont spin when i put it back together but its getting power and making a buzzing sound what can be the cause and how can i fix it

[@davidg865]

U gotta spin it manually like a old school propeller

[@davidg865]

Happened to me w several fans including one that looked pretty similar to this

[@puzzleable]

I have a metal fan that needs to get clean. Do you think you can help me take it apart to clean it out

[@g.e.5723]

At 5:15, what size was the bit used, (since you didn't have metric allen key) to remove blade assembly?

[@JordanU]

I don't know. Asking multiple times isn't going to get you an answer. Just buy a set of keys with different sizes, they're not expensive.

[@save2rave61]

I’ll be doing the same thing on mine. But I suspect the capacitor is out. It does nothing now. But before was intermittent. Now nothing.

[@Patrol-POV]

I wonder…. Could you drill into the motor case to create your own “quick oil hole”? What are your thoughts?

[@Gkitchens1]

He says you can do so in the video but he also says there's not kuch point because by the time it needs more oil it's time to disassemble and clean anyway

[@stilllyte]

Good day. What type of oil should i get & would i be able to find at a Home Depot? 9.17.23 est@1553hrs NYC

[@LandonKeith-y1m]

i like the fact that you have a video at the Mainstays 20-Inch High Velocity Fan Two Wide Feet. it also looks alot better than it was the fan does not come with enough lubrication. it will cause the bearings to wear out faster, or even the motor to lock up and fail. This is no mistake-this is intentionally done so the fan doesn't last long, then you'll hopefully buy a new one when it quits. Here's how to fix this problem so you can keep the unit going for many more years. and it's from 02/19. and it's a Model:SFC1-500B. it runs really well i really like the fan that It was made in 2019. and also the fan itself is branded under Mainstays, Jaingmen Keye Electric Appliances Manufacturing, Commercial Electric, HDX, Utilitech, Mastercraft.

[@JordanU]

OK

[@2umrdad]

Might I add that using some 000 or 0000 steel wool to polish the shaft and bushing was a tremendous help as well. The shafts can often build up minor surface rust and general environmental gunk that hinders efficient operation.

[@peter-pg5yc]

3k 4k then 3m polish paper and a drill.. till shiny and no finger nail catch

[@luismedina3477]

This is exactly what I needed. Thank you for making this video.

[@JordanU]

Glad it was useful to you.

[@Espeon_freak189]

Thank you for the video, i been having trouble with these fans doing this. Took it apart an put motor oil in it have no 3 in 1 atm, do you think grease would be good for long lasting in it? Like axel grease? I have doubts about the motor oil lasting long term

[@JordanU]

Grease will ruin the bearings. The oil will last for years if you properly fill the wicks.

[@Espeon_freak189]

@@JordanU well I'm glad I use oil an not the grease, thanks for the info, an yea the rear wick I just filled the shaft hole with oil an let it slowly soak into the wick. So motor oil will probably be fine long term?

[@JordanU]

If both wicks are filled, I would expect it to be.

[@WiPri0371]

I think the stripped screw is in the design. My cousin has this same fan and wanted me to work on it because it stopped working. I had one screw in just about the same location if I remember correct that would not back out. It's almost bone dry on lube. And the blade set screw is 3mm. Just fyi.I think the thermal fuse is the culprit on his fan, but I'll have to cut it out of the system to check it for the same reason I can't tell what type it is; it's buried behind the windings. They literally wound the motor around the plastic form ring with the thermal fuse in place. On top down view, you can't even see the top of it. You can only see 2 white wires disappearing behind the windings. From the bottom, you can only see a tiny bit of the top of the thermal fuse as the core is in the way. Plus they covered it all in plenty of adhesive. It's a little insane to me for them to put it where they did.

[@JordanU]

These were designed to be disposable. The expectation is for the unit to be discarded and replaced after a season or two once dust accumulates. Quite a sad state in my opinion. If designed properly, there's no reason something like this shouldn't be able to provide decades of reliable service.

[@WiPri0371]

@@JordanUYeah, but there's no money in that. A little sabotage here, a little sabotage there, go back and buy another one. And with as many brands using this one product aimed at the lower to middle income household ... built in repeat business. It's a running scam really.

[@dbrown7698]

What size screwdriver do you need to take the grills off

[@JordanU]

I don't remember, it's a pretty standard household size screw driver.

[@sccpsteve]

@@JordanU @dbrown7698 You'd need a PH2 screwdriver.

[@Patrol-POV]

When that wicking material gets aged is it possible to change it? And if so, what material would you pack inside? Thank you in advance!

[@JordanU]

I've never encountered it having trouble with age, even on fans from 50 years ago. I'm not sure where replacement material could be sourced.

[@Patrol-POV]

@@JordanU I was an idiot and thought it was dirt build up so I blew it all out with an blow gun :( first fan motor I had ever disassembled. Live and learn I suppose. Keep up the good work with these videos. They provide so much experience

[@JordanU]

@@Patrol-POV I see...Any kind of material that will absorb the oil and hold it against the bearing should work.

[@timziegler8848]

Ever have to change the start up capacitor...or even bother?

[@JordanU]

I have not, but it should be easy.

[@bubu_lubu]

Just bought one, I can feel it "hum" when I turn it on but the blades don't move. Not sure what could be wrong?

[@jed-henrywitkowski6470]

the shaft is seized up, ultimately a bearing issue most likely. Did the blades turn, when you first got it?

[@2umrdad]

Did you purchase new or second hand? If it wasn’t new or I suppose even if it was, the shaft could have some minor rust or other build up of contaminates from what ever environment it is used in. In my situation my house is really dusty and a few dogs so it’s was dirty. And if you store it in a garage when not in use that could build up surface rust on shaft. I used 000 or 0000 steel wool to polish the shaft and inside the bushing. Helped tremendously!

[@hopethecreativeone]

Do you know how I can get replacement screws that hold the fan up on stand?

[@JordanU]

I doubt you can get parts for these. You'll probably have to make do with a new set of nut&bolt you can find that fits through the hole.

[@stephenvarnedore6091]

I have a Jiangman Keye fan that is missing some fan shroud screws. Can you tell me where I could find some ? Model # SFDRO-200BPTM

[@JordanU]

The Home Depot.

[@stephenvarnedore6091]

@@JordanU I found some at our local Lowes, thanks.

[@benjaminduhamel2922]

Thanks man, I have a similar fan that I bought approximately 7 years ago... It was always a good runner until recently I noticed it was really struggling to get up to speed, and after running it for a bit (on the 2/3 setting), I'd feel the motor area and it was hot enough to cook an egg! Took it apart and used some motorcycle chain lubricant to lube up the bearings, that and a quick dust cleaning, it's running as good as new! Thanks a bunch!

[@JordanU]

I'm glad the video was helpful, but you may need to revisit your repair in the near future. That kind of lubricant will probably gum up in the bearings overtime and have an adverse effect; a lightweight non-detergent oil is what the bearings are intended to have.

[@shaniceblake268]

What sew do u need to take the fan apart

[@g.e.5723]

What size Allen key to remove set-screw for taking blade assembly off?

[@JordanU]

I don't know. Asking multiple times isn't going to get you an answer. Just buy a set of keys with different sizes, they're not expensive.

[@seanlove2000]

I've gotten 4 summers out of my SFC1-500B with nothing more than blowing air through it when summer starts. Ive been lucky but I do notice it gets really hot in the back and is starting to make noise. I probably need to do this but I'm weighing the job against just buying a new one when it fails. Decisions, decisions.

[@JordanU]

I prefer to repair rather than replace, but you probably already bought yourself a fair bit of extra time with it by cleaning with the compressed air.

[@cv4wheeler]

Don't any of these fans have sealed ball bearings?

[@kylelovell121]

What kind of lube should i use

[@jaden2884]

I have that same type of fan. I bought it in about six months later it locked up. I still have it. I just use some lubricant and sprayed it to the front bearing and it fixed it and now it runs again, but the bearing is messed up in the back and it grinds a little bit.

[@JordanU]

OK

[@christopherbrock6226]

Hey sir I just ordered one of these fans and I’m wondering what type of oil should I use for lubricant

[@JordanU]

Watch the video to find out.

[@JordanU]

@Richey Rose It absolutely does.

[@zoomzoomboomboom]

@Richey Rose while he doesn’t specifically show you, you can see it at 15:47. I think it’s Zoom.

[@dar52666]

What do I do if the fan is stuck rotating backwards how do I fix that please help me

[@JordanU]

That could be a capacitor failure.

[@Gkitchens1]

What kind of oil do you recommend, or at least what weight of oil do you recommend we use on bearings like this and the wick? How often should it need oiled?

[@JordanU]

You can use Zoom Spout or the 3-in-1 oil in the blue can.

[@MrWolfSnack]

SAE 30 non detergent oil for electric motors. DO NOT use "zoom spout" or any 3-in-1 oil. It is not for a high RPM fan and will not last. It will slough off the shaft and burn up. If grease is required, Mobil Polyrex EM you use for that.

[@JordanU]

@@MrWolfSnack Myself and tons of other techs use both Zoom Spout and the 3-in-1 oil and it works well.

[@MrWolfSnack]

@@JordanU Just because you see the blades moving does not mean it works. I have already explained why not.

[@JordanU]

@@MrWolfSnack Your alleged explanation is incorrect.

[@Drunk_Bishop]

Well I put mine back together and now it won’t spin. All I hear is a mechanical sound as I test it and no clue what to do now. UPDATE: need to lock the motor in place using screws or it will dislodge and kink up. Once it’s locked in place it spins freely

[@JordanU]

Thanks for letting me know.

[@paytonjames2149]

This fan is also sold in Home Depot under the Commercial Electric brand and in Lowes under the Utilitech brand. The motor gets super hot and shuts off in less than an hour.

[@JordanU]

It's sold under quite a few brands.

[@SirAzur3]

My friend has this fan and the bearings got so bad that the motor overheated and the fan stopped so i'm gonna try to replace the blown thermal fuse as well as replace the bushings and oil them. I ordered some 10mm bushings on a whim and hopefully they will fit.

[@JordanU]

Good luck. These are decent fans if kept oiled.

[@KingShadStarSeed9]

Fan sounds so amazing. I almost fell asleep

[@321homewrecker]

Can I oil the fan with regular motor oil? I dint have the money right now, so I'm trying 2 use what I got.

[@JordanU]

You can, but it will cause issues over time. The proper oil is only a few dollars. The bottle is good for hundreds of uses and saves you the cost of buying a new fan. Well worth the purchase.

[@RustyNailGaming]

Thank you so much. I'm scooter mechanic and I have all my tools in my workshop but I will take my fan to the work one day to fix my floor fan bearing there as well. Its so loud like a mice on a megaphone or max volume speaker when I turn it on.

[@JordanU]

You're welcome.

[@knuckles1006]

Thanks for the video, but I believe that the ring of material at the back of the fan motor is for filtering air to help keep the inside of the motor clean, it's not an oil wick. I clicked on you video to see what kind of oil you use for the bearings.

[@JordanU]

Your belief is not true.

[@knuckles1006]

But the bearing has no drilled cross holes to let the oil into the bearing.

[@JordanU]

@@knuckles1006 The bearing is porous, the oil seeps through as needed.

[@munikawhite5313]

What tool did you use to get the screws out

[@JordanU]

A screwdriver.

[@thetrashpanda6944]

what other alternative types of oil could i use, if any?

[@JordanU]

Zoom Spout or 3-in-1 in the blue can are the best ones to use.

[@orthogluchensnable6777]

Are you an engineer,a lot of R&D goes into these fan designs and there not bearings there bushings

[@jjeremy350]

What if u did that and still wont turn

[@barbaraespino62393]

How many years of service can this fan run until it needs lubricant?

[@JordanU]

This one needed it right out of the box.

[@theshroomer9825]

I'd just like to add, I have one of those Mainstays 8" retro metal oscillating fans (got it around 2 years ago or something), and I have to say, that when it was still new, it would actually DRIP OIL onto the base, (which i'm guessing is) because of how much they put in there. Mine seems to have come with a faulty capacitor because it would spin really slowly on the first speed and take forever to fully get up to proper speed, or at least what I think is proper speed. Just another modern fan which seems to have good lubrication. It also uses machine-threaded screws with a nut at the end to hold the grill in place. Seems like it's a high quality fan.

[@theshroomer9825]

Wow, I just took this fan apart so that I can take a look at the capacitor. I honestly think you'll have fun servicing this thing. Everything seems so accessible. The capacitor is screwed onto the base plate btw.

[@JordanU]

Too much oil is not a good thing either. If the oil is leaking out, then it's not in the bearing where it needs to be.

[@theshroomer9825]

@@JordanUstrange fan this one is.... I remember seeing oil collecting under the motor when i peeked in through the vents.

[@ashleymendez832]

What kind of oil is that & where can I get some

[@JordanU]

Zoom Spout, you can get it at most hardware stores or the Amazon.

[@coolelectronics1759]

what I did on my 9inch variant is do away with those horrid screws it came with and replaced with computer case ones. U could probably also come up with some kind of wingnut or thumbscrew solution for it.

[@JordanU]

Thanks

[@jeannineslack9992]

It’s loud But it gets the job done My front room has never been cooler than it is now!

[@falloutmaster7378]

I just want to say thank you I have the exact same fan and it just keeps squeaking when it's on I'm just assuming this will help but I can't test it out as it this 1:45 a.m. but I will in the morning

[@JordanU]

You're welcome. Hope you can get it working properly again.

[@FluidITGuy]

Do you know where we can order parts for that fan?

[@JordanU]

I do not know if parts are available.

[@PerpetuallyAnnoyed]

Will this fix a really obnoxious squealing sound? I just got mine in March and the noise is driving me insane!

[@theoneandonly3836]

Mine was making the noise and it keep getting worse until it finally froze, the fan got messed up fast

[@PerpetuallyAnnoyed]

@@theoneandonly3836 Does yours overheat too? I'm also worried about how hot the motor gets :/

[@theoneandonly3836]

I haven't noticed any over heating but if it does I would think that it needs to be oiled, I don't think you have to worry about it starting a fire, only a space heater would do that

[@PerpetuallyAnnoyed]

@@theoneandonly3836 Ah ok. Good to know! I was worried.

[@JordanU]

Lubrication would probably fix a squeaking issue.

[@snowangel5707]

Hi there I have this fan and I wanted to ask a question?

[@JordanU]

OK

[@brettfavrewelfarequeen9886]

Thanks for the great video. I'll be doing the exact same thing to my fan in the next couple days. Luckily, I have 3 in 1 oil on hand.

[@JordanU]

You're welcome.

[@brettfavrewelfarequeen9886]

@JordanU Hey, I ended up buying the Supco MO-98 with the zoom spout. Good stuff and works great. Also, bought a plug in fan speed controller to tame down the velocity. Works really good too.

[@bensgoofyahhfancollection9997]

can you do a old vs new comparison with these high velocity fans

[@JordanU]

What high velocity fans?

[@bensgoofyahhfancollection9997]

@@JordanU lakewood?

[@LeoA2600]

Can't even get the screws out. All I've done is gouged out the metal on the soft heads of them. Going to have to try to cut a channel in each for a flat head screwdriver or drill them out and replace with something else, I guess. :(

[@JordanU]

They're easily replaced with a nut and bolt.

[@---H_M]

I drilled a hole where you pointed out on the same model and no more barring squeel! Thanks for the tip!

[@JordanU]

Glad it was helpful!

[@tripjet999]

Was ist "barring squeel"?

[@rinorush7041]

Will car bearing grease work

[@JordanU]

No.

[@magnusthesheltie6167]

a big thank you for the excellent video. I was able to fix the fan!!!

[@JordanU]

You're welcome.

[@Jackman66666666]

Thank you sooooo much for doing this video. I took my fan apart and couldn't remember how it went back together.

[@JordanU]

Glad it was helpful to you.

[@DuckboyTheDuck]

For a fan that was made in China is actually a pretty decent fan

[@JordanU]

I agree.

[@lipripper3410]

Mine seized up and I got it to spin but it still won’t work now, any ideas?

[@JordanU]

The thermal fuse probably opened.

[@yesitsmecsd]

@@JordanU any way to fix that aside fun just replacing the whole fanm

[@JordanU]

@@yesitsmecsd The fuse can be replaced.

[@davidbusch9948]

my fan is 5 years old and its starting to shake and i would like to know why

[@JordanU]

Maybe it got bent, I have no way of knowing without looking at it.

[@davidbusch9948]

@@JordanU i looked at the back its the motor and in 24hrs i got worst and i dont have a key to get the blades off to find what happened the same thing happened to my Grandmothers vornado floor fan intill the motor went bad 50 years later i think my fan was not made that great

[@napalmjack]

i dont the exact model number but mine is a stand stationary utilitech i got from lowes for about 200 bucks almost and i just used 2 cycle/stroke oil on it until i can buy some oil like the stuff you used in the video

[@JordanU]

Not good, that type of oil will clog the bearings' porous material.

[@willyg7287]

I have this very same one And i did everything you did as well , i even changed the small fuse that has where you plug it in and it does nothing

[@JordanU]

The thermal fuse probably spoiled.

[@timziegler8848]

What kind of oil do you use?

[@JordanU]

Zoom Spout.

[@timziegler8848]

@@JordanU Thanks

[@mikesjunkytech9425]

Definitely runs alot smoother now.

[@JordanU]

True.

[@davidzeringuethefanman6292]

I have the same exact 20 inch from 2017 it’s really powerful but it’s always oiled my fans always have a good spin down but its just as powerful about the same

[@JordanU]

Thanks for letting me know.

[@AlergicToSnow]

I don’t understand how orientation would make it run in reverse. I’m also not sure how you would ‘screw up’ the orientation. Polarity would reverse it.

[@JordanU]

This is an AC motor, polarity has no effect on the direction of rotation. The orientation of the stator decides the direction of the motor, and if put in backwards, it will rotate the opposite direction.

[@theshroomer9825]

@@JordanU how does that vintage metal Lasko box fan with the Westinghouse motor that you videoed work then when you set it to exhaust (it spins the other way) ?

[@JordanU]

@@theshroomer9825 Different windings.

[@tjdd8474]

yes started watching and can't get the screws out

[@JordanU]

OK.............

[@jade8568_VR]

I have a smaller metal fan that makes a sound almost like how a mack truck sounds backing up....like a high pitch whir or whistle almost. So hard to describe ugh... but I oiled everything I could and it still makes the noise...more so on high than low. Any ideas?

[@JordanU]

It could just be the sound of the motor resonating through the metal guard.

[@peter-pg5yc]

Ok so fans are my hobby, ge is 60 years old box fan bearing goes thru motor solid wow..works great. mbath fan is 16 years old..My window 20 inch is from 2000.. .mark motor halves i scratch an x.. next replace lost packing use felt, I block bearing ends after clean with a q tip ND ISO soak in non detergent oil only i add tpfe. as long as possible..the i use my drill to polish the shafts if you dont do this its worthless.. 3k,4k,sand paper then 3m polish paper remove all black and groves polish to shine takes a while clean run finger nail till its smooth shiney.. Now i soak packing if missing add felt, I do it till i can touch packing and its oil shiny all around.. I add some oil to shaft at bearings reassemble. be careful of alignment you marked.. MARK BEARING WASHERS ON BOTH SIDES I WIRE TOGETHER EACH SIDE FOR INSTALLATION.. put the unit together. reattach nuts try to spin shaft... is it easy ? very smooth, does it bind.. if so ..1 loosen nuts till spins freely(important or motor fails fast) re tighten smooth now? if not take a hammer or other item rap on end of shaft not rocky style just a solid hit. trick from pros this can and will re aligh bronze bearings kinda like a drive shaft.(there are 2 halves). spin nice now? try it again not rocky style.. when shaft is smooth reassemble done... I do my fan yearly i use it all summer. a lot.. A problem on mine is one side oiler doesnt get to packing wet so I manually disassemble polish yearly and lube as above.. now in its 23rd year..I mix tpfe into oil and my fan end shaft stays cool to touch even in super hot nights.. This is also for bath fans, box fans , pedistal fans, kitchen fan hoods I do neighbors too.. to last one must polish shaft ends at bearings.. another point i use a watts /amp meter to see if motor is within spech of label on motor if its high time to lube.. My 20 inch commercial fan is going right now.. I keep a log(anal me) remember its my hobby.. If maintained last decades and decades, my ge all metal box fan is running 60 years see one grab it.. they are amazing.. took me years to fine tune my method... now its yours..

[@JordanU]

I have several of those old GE units. Very good equipment.

[@joelgholami2672]

Thank you so much for this! Too many videos from India piggy backing off each other, with no solution to fix this problem! Why doesn't youtube crack down on those guys?

[@JordanU]

You're welcome.

[@godfirst6880]

I got 2 fans exactly like this one. I ordered and replaced the fuse at the end of the cord, and nothing(for both fans). I don't hear a buzzing sound or anything or even the motor trying to come on. Is this an no lubricant issue, or something else? These fans haven't even worked for a year after buying them..😔..need some advice.

[@JordanU]

If the blades turn freely still, then it's probably not a lubrication issue. I've never seen a case where the fuses in one of the plugs gives out. Usually it's the thermal fuse within the motor that fails. If there is a lot of dust in the motor, that could have caused it to run hot and blow the internal fuse.

[@cjpwolf2436]

Great job for oiling a fan. Is there a custom way that you can make it to a heater blower? [you have a heater but you want more speed, this is something]

[@JordanU]

No.

[@barrywarren8623]

This was very helpful thanks a lot 😊

[@JordanU]

Glad it was helpful to you.

[@williammchugh4361]

Don't try this on a POLAR WIND fan. I had disassembled/lubed the one here years ago but when it started acting up again, I totally forgot just what a PITA it was to work on. The wiring on that thing is tightly packed in the rear end. it's extremely difficult to reassemble properly. The casing is so incredibly tight that the Through Screws actually screw into the casing itself (to compress it all back together) before reaching the end nuts. You're not just slipping it back together by hand. This time after disassembly, I said the hell with it and pitched it in the trash. If you have one of these Polar Winds, I recommend only trying to oil it through the ends. It's not worth $50 to deal with the aggravation of working on one of these fans.

[@JordanU]

I can service one of those no problem.

[@stevejette2329]

Yesterday someone left a Patton floor fan on the curb for 'free'. Looked like a cat lady had it on her floor for 20 years. Dust, super-fine hair. Cleaned up, oiled, works great. But motor gets too hot to touch for long. hmmm

[@JordanU]

The motors on these fans typically run very hot.

[@stevejette2329]

@@JordanU Ok. Thanks !

[@suephillips2191]

I bought this fan on clearance from Walmart, lost my receipt, and when I got around to unboxing it, what I had was a extremely dirt encrusted fan that looks like it was outside for a long time. I took it back but of course WalMart wouldn't exchange it or anything. I have it here and no amount of lubricant will allow me to remove the screws to clean it. It also has the wrong size fuse in it, and the motor sparked when I plugged it in. I can't find a new fuse so I can possibly get it working.

[@JordanU]

Not good at all.

[@vernon8337]

The protection plan is only $6.00 for 3 years !! If every buyer had the protection plan, the company would start oiling them from the start after loss profits from replacement !!! I'm going to run mine 27/7 to see how many fans they have to replace in 3 years !!! :)

[@JordanU]

Something tells me making a claim on that protection plan isn't going to be easy.

[@ki66143]

Use your credit card extended warranty and it's free

[@MrWolfSnack]

The "protection plan" does not do jack shit. They will not honor it, and if you start claiming so many replacements in a row they will just deny you. Plus you have to pay to mail it back.

[@savygarnr9526]

The notch on the spindle has to line up with the the screw once you put it back together my choice would have been lithium grease it will never dry up and it will always be there