Lennox ECM blower motor fail and replace

[@ThomasWalker-m2y]

Spending Real Time Video's with Unkle Ted is like Spending time in the South with the ole men playing checkers and smoking rum river crook cigars, mabeya taking a swig of shine in the front of an old gas/ grocery stores, i kinda miss those days of when things were slower and people were honest and cared about their fellow man, Yep he's a real Modern Day Genius.!!! And a Good ole southern gentleman who cares about his fellow man.

[@brandoncorrea511]

Using the least amount of tools to do a blower motor changeout is a flex man. Good job.

[@furies]

I hate KZbin’s algorithms. KZbin stopped suggesting his channel for whatever reason. It’s sure as hell wasn’t because I wasn’t watching his videos. I’m glad I remembered about you. Almost lost ya there. Thanks KZbin.

[@n.gineer8102]

Nooo, don’t reinstall the shipping bolt!!! On the other hand I really appreciate that you didn’t bash Lennox. They did do a few things you liked.

[@Garth2011]

Wonderful video Ted. Another "X13" motor that mechanically is just fine. It's the "thermistor" that fails on the module, a $2 part, that often can be replaced but requires soldering skills on a circuit board. I noticed this OEM motor is by Genteq and so was the replacement that came with the "adapter" that is just like the Evergreen motors which I beleive are also made by Genteq or now more commonly known as Regal Rexnord who bought out G.E. motor division. Probably that OEM designed the same as the Evergreen as they do not require "programming".

[@clydemcghee5631]

The thermistors on older Kohler generators also went south often, but really were tough to access. Cheap part, but a real bitch to replace.

[@marvinsellers4457]

Real time doesn’t bother me I just enjoy watching and listening to you Me Ted

[@rcdeal21]

When you’re mounting the new motor in fast forward, it’s really hard to follow what you’re saying… 🤣 That you for your videos, they are priceless 🙏🏼

[@stevebollinger3463]

You have to turn those UV lights off if you see them. If they work they are bad for your eyes. Exposure basically sunburns your retinas and will damage your vision and make your eyeballs itch. Thankfully for you most of the UV lights used for stuff like this are completely ineffective. Probably this one too. But if it is UV-C, as needed to kill germs, then it'll kill your eyeballs. So turn it off while you're in there next time. It's okay to see it for a short bit, so you see it right as you open as long as you disconnect it and you can reconnect it and ensure it is back on before you close it up.

[@rj.parker]

The uv should be shining on the coil instead of the filter. Ideally off when a guy is in there.

[@Eddy63]

When you fast forwarded the vid , it sounded just like my wife yelling at me Good blower replacement as it will help the young'ens coming up ... Thx Sir ...

[@realSamAndrew]

Here's a geeky question for you. Those extra emojis you use, I can get them when I'm typing a comment on a live chat, but they don't appear in a standard video comment. How do you get them?

[@sknight0391]

Ted is the Motor Master 😎👍

[@SCTROJAN]

Hello there Ted.. Great Vid.Thanks for posting! From your lengthy experience working on HVAC systems, which are the top 4 brands that you would recommend for purchase (Ranked 1 to 4), based on durability, warranty, repair parts availability, and cooling performance. I live in Houston, Texas., and I'm doing my homework for the purchase of a new system. I have a one story home - approx. 1900 Sq. Ft., which currently has an 18 yr old Carrier 3T single stage unit that I have had issues with over the past 4 years with a leaking coil, replaced blower/fan motor (twice), and capacitor replacement (1 per year). Popular brands in our area are Carrier/Bryant, Trane, Amana/Goodman, Lennox, and Ruud. Your opinion carries weight with me, so I hope to see your response post soon.

[@TedCookHVAC]

Trane, Trane, Trane, American Standard.

[@SCTROJAN]

@@TedCookHVAC Thanks for the response Ted! Based on the square footage of my home, would you recommend that I go with 3.5T, stick to a 3T, or jump to 4T? 1 or 2 stage?

[@chatrkat]

Another first class video Ted. 👍🏻 Those motors are great. …for generating service calls. I won’t have one in my house. With that being my strong feeling, I located a NOS Trane gas furnace in a sealed carton with a conventional PSC blower to replace my 39 yr old Heil furnace this summer. But I do like than nice blue work light in that particular Lennox. There won’t be a blue work lights in my new furnace, I can promise that.

[@TedCookHVAC]

Good call!

[@jackl9922]

You have the best videos. Thx!

[@teeg3275]

They may leak but that’s what I first installed never had many problems atleast not more than all the others do like my Lennox’s take me back to a younger time in life

[@throttlebottle5906]

0:13 that pvc flue vent. nice long radius ninety elbow, then screech into two abrupt sharp 45 degree bend pressure rated elbows. DOH! long sweep and DWV solid elbows/piping only!

[@RayRay-nb7tn]

Who says getting old makes ya slow down 😅. I agree the uv and all those toys they sell are not any good IMO. Lennox has come a long way in tech but still rather have a Carrier or Bryant and Trane. Nice to enjoy a morning cup of coffee watching and further my education on your videos. 3xs are a Good and Great way to lmake current money and future success of great trusted customers. Nice job Ted, I enjoyed it as usual. Thank you.

[@NeverEnoughPyro40]

@RayRay-nb7tn Those so called toys (EACs) actually work really well except when they are installed improperly by any one of these so-called professionals, This video is a good example of a poor install! Now you have this guy who doesn’t even know what’s going on He is just switching wires around based off of his antiquated knowledge! The first red flag is the fact that the EAC’s light is on when there is no call, And the fact that he doesn’t even pick up on that is crazy! If you’re going to diagnose a system and there are some devices installed you should probably take a look at the whole system so you can make a proper decision rather than just switching wires around and guessing! I’m not going to teach people the proper way it should be wired, Isn’t it ironic how a guy who promotes ANTI-DIY just got bodied by a Master Certified Auto Technician!

[@ryanmalin]

turn off that uv light when youre working on that stuff. Its not good for you. Love your videos. Thanks for teachin the young bucks

[@joemcfarland3491]

Gotta love a good Ole ECM‼️

[@bryansimon4072]

Anything to not go back to the truck! I’m with you on that.

[@joeshearer1247]

I’m pretty sure that 4th screw in the bracket without the rubber mounting was a shipping bolt meant to be removed at installation

[@n.gineer8102]

The moment he zoomed to the motor my alarm bell was ringing. They forgot to remove that bolt for sure. I don’t think installers read the manual. Wait, I know for a fact they don’t.

[@teeg3275]

Your 100% right that’s plastic washer got a bin full of em

[@TedCookHVAC]

Yea and that is the noise you hear when it first fires up.

[@Dillonmechanical]

It is lol. We only install Lennox and I always take those out. Manual clearly says to

[@throttlebottle5906]

no worries it will self clearance and rattle itself out after awhile. 🤪🤪

[@throttlebottle5906]

as for the UV lights, having them on both sides of the evaporator coil makes sense to keep bad things killed off(moist/humid/warm environment when between cooling cycles) make sense. but, very likely the condensate pan isn't UV rated plastic, nor other materials in there(zip ties/insulation, etc.)

[@steveksi]

I don't think the UV light should be shining on any plastic parts or wire. Kinda like the sun.

[@tomtheplummer7322]

...worse😏🤫

[@DaveBigDawg]

And should be interlock with the door switch and not come on when door is open

[@tedbell4416]

I was going to say the same thing or bare skin for that matter. I don't think it should be blasting light anywhere near that board either.

[@AmericanFarmerHVAC2024]

​@@DaveBigDawgthat would be tricky to wire up and make look right, the door on the filter housing itself does have something, you have to unplug it first to open it.

[@steveksi]

If it is placed down the return line more and shielded, should be no problem to be on. The ones I have used only shone towards where the airflow came from.

[@robalexander7348]

Well done Ted, nice video 👍 Au

[@HERITAGEWV]

I think the slight rattle was from where you took the grounding screw off of the old motor, that screw was also holding the inner shroud and that screw wasn’t put back in place. 👍🏻

[@Nick-bc2lm]

Been watching a lot of your videos. I am researching, looking to replace my 20 year old Lennox system. I hear a lot of people say find a good installer first, brand second. But with so many different manufactures... what brand of systems do YOU have the most service calls on? Or anyone on here... what systems seem to have a good life, and which ones bite the dust earlier than normal? Then my other question is which ones are easier to service. I was looking at Goodman, then I hear they don't last, and its a pain for the tech to take apart when needed to do service work. Now I did remove one of these fans from my folks house. One of the thermistors under the motor cap had popped.

[@heres1-two-cents]

U sir are brave workin with the uv light on

[@Doing_it_right_the_first_time]

Why?… It’s a UV light, not a laser!… At least he will be sanitized when he leaves the job! :-)

[@dylanb5493]

It can give you welders flash it happened to a coworker of mine. It's like getting a sunburn on your eyes. Always turn the UV light off.

[@rando_webb8704]

Have you run across those 2022 Lennox AC fan motors being completely seized up yet?

[@paradislarry]

A question ... the bolt that tightens the band around the motor (the one you praised Lenox for) if you did not remove the 3 + legs & rubber absorbers that hold the motor in place first, could you not instead just loosen the band bolt & simply slide the motor out with that band loosened, & then slide the new motor into the same loosened bracket, without having to pull the 3 brace legs off ? Or am I splitting hairs ?

[@throttlebottle5906]

sure, if you have small hands and tools to loosen the band pinch bolt between the blower wheel and motor housing(nearly impossible) and then only if the blower wheel hub and shaft are not rusted/seized and fall apart once set screw/bolt is backed off(very rarely do they come apart easily). so more or less NO, unless it's new unit that fails within a month or two at most.

[@nathandoubleyou]

I realize this might not get read as this is an old video, but I thought I might point out: that style of door switch typically has a maintenance bypass where you can just pull the pin about a quarter inch out and it will latch the contact closed. No need to remove it and manually bypass.

[@picklerix6162]

It’s a good day when the squirrel cage comes off the motor shaft that easy. I don’t think that has ever happened to me. LOL!

[@carllungwitz5171]

Is that UV light wired to be on 24/7?

[@mastadonwesley1042]

Is that insulation blowing around or is there some kind of infestation in that attic??

[@darkreaper8859]

Ted what is your expert opinion on dual fuel? I am thinking about getting a trane S9V2 & XV20i heat pump what are your thoughts on that combo?

[@throttlebottle5906]

dual fuel = always(gas/propane or electric and heat-pump). it depends on your normal climate and uncommon fluctuations. you do the research, math and figure out what's best for your needs! 😉

[@JatKal1]

If you stick the end of a zip tie into the gap of the door switch that is made when you press it, it'll hold down and stay depressed. :)

[@Ogtonyg]

Appreciate your videos. Off topic but do you have any advice for a new tech that is going on call for the first time?

[@tomtheplummer7322]

...Patrick Swayze would tell ya to be nice. 😁👍🏻👌🏻

[@DaveBigDawg]

I do Don't plan anything

[@BrendanN941]

Relax and don’t over think it. Take it one step at a time and keep a steady pace as calls can stack up this time of year.

[@brunonikodemski2420]

We have had TWO blower motors fail, due to arcing between the wire bundles, where they are compressed under a metal bracket. This is a "design defect" and needs to be addressed by the company. The motors are just fine after removal, and the wiring repaired. Our first motor ran for 13+years, until it wore out the cheap bearings, causing sinking, and caused rotor to stator interference, causing a intermittent screeching noise. Later techs put in better motors, but they failed due to the wiring arcing destruction caused by the bracketry. This is "cheap and crappy" wiring insulation, and bad design.

[@sbuzz5889]

good videos an good ground for gentex motors are very very important . speed controller board insert can be purchased separate, cost damn near the price of motor. if i sit down with old one probably find a cap/ mosfet or diodes / resistors. bad---- they reman price in florida.

[@bobn8865]

Why is the UV light on when the furnace is dead?

[@dennistreacy3595]

Poor air flow will always kill an ECM. Most all duct systems are undersized and that is not good for ECM. Be assured the indoor coil will be leaking when the unit hits 8-10 years and for sure by 15 years of age.

[@grumpygenesworld]

I wish I had seen this sooner. That light is uvc light will burn skin around 3 minutes and can cause burns to your eyes faster the closer you get, yes for disinfecting but it's super dangerous if not used correctly. If you end up seeking this make sure you turn thay type of lighting off the moment you see it. Oh yeah for air handling its not going do pretty much anything vecause it takes time for it to kill germs and not seconds. It's a waste of money on moving air.

[@bryansimon4072]

I see a Lennox and cringe and hope I can get parts. I agree with you about the blower motor change out.

[@RVail623]

So the UV light was wired incorrectly? Should have shut off with the main furnace disconnect.

[@Paul-IE-Repairs]

" if we're always having to fix em the least they can do is make em easier to fix"

[@tomtheplummer7322]

With that UV light, wear your shades 😎😏👍🏻

[@sbuzz5889]

one of them! united pos electronic speed .--motors. always fine, its the control attached that BLOWS LITERLY AND FIGURATIVELY. manufacture surge kit prior to connections helps retrofit would be best- dont need all those speed choices

[@DoeyPP]

Did ac for 48 years and never forgot to set the blower wheel and tighten it down

[@garypoplin4599]

39:05 - You didn’t show it to confirm my suspicions; but, the frost on the suction line was the result of the refrigerant not boiling off in the evaporator from no airflow across the coil.

[@blake8297]

Its surprising how often people get 3 opinions. 3rd times a charm I guess

[@rogergregory6512]

Boy, that UV light really kept that motor shaft clean 😂😂😂😂😂

[@steveg5576]

Remember the poster shops Ted...with the black lights...flashback...

[@143tinaed]

Well Ted, I'd hire you.

[@jenko701]

Psc motors are more economical, power savings and all . Buy the time you buy the ECM you could buy a lot of power for the psc .

[@paulhickey4485]

Exactly. The DOE did the consumer no favors. Actually they're probably not that much more expensive to build. It's just a poke the consumer deal.

[@HVACingMyWay]

I did that the other day got in a hurry and forgot to tighten the set screw first time I’ve ever done that

[@cmgngmc]

HOUSTON WE ARE GOOD TO GO

[@tomshelnutt2256]

Took a chance one time on a vs motor with blown MOV in module. Took module to another customer that repairs electronics and they replaced the $4 mov. Put it back in furnace and it ran fine. Saved customer $700 and cheated lennox out of $500

[@549BR]

The only thing missing from that set up is a crystal pyramid; maybe it's on the first floor near the pink salt light.

[@alex-sv8to]

UV lights are great if they are of a quality brand and installed properly. There are many that are useless.

[@tomtheplummer7322]

UV lights look cool 😎So do LEDs on kids fart mobiles and the prom limo. 🤣🤷‍♂️

[@tomtheplummer7322]

I wouldn’t want to do residential HVAC. Industrial sucked and blew and sucked bad enough as it was. I even did cooling towers in my youth. Ended up just doing controls. Less physical, but the phone never stopped. 😳🤯🤬

[@sergiohernandez4163]

One of the techs didnt realized the blower motor was not running and called it bad expansion valve.

[@pedrolopesatc6776]

UV C LIGHT Sir,, if that is a UV (C) light tube (germicidal one),, then i bet my salary that you went to the hospital , late that night in crucial pain ... much damaging for retine that if you were stick-welding without mask... stay safe

[@joez.2794]

So what you're saying is, every inch of inside duct needs to be covered by UV lights? 🙂

[@chrissipple1018]

Uv lights only disrupt or damage the DNA of virus and bacteria where the light hits. If something is blocking the rays of the light it does nothing. And most UV lights only last for about 6 months even if they are still shining. The Nu Calgon I Wave works a lot better as it treats the air with ionization. Uv lights are an old process.

[@tomtheplummer7322]

Crawl space jobs should pay 2x over basement installs 😏🤷‍♂️

[@jeffsworld2]

My local Lennox dealer tried to sell me that light thing, I felt it was a gimmick, so I passed. It was like a couple hundred dollars if I remember right.

[@valvemonky4734]

you might be getting a sun tan as you work round the UV light

[@realestateservicessaleshea99]

BiG TeD! 😐👍🏻🥃🥃🍺🍺🍺🇺🇲

[@dong4617]

The motor won't last long enough for shaft wear or bearing wear.

[@williamsmith6]

Should have turned off uv light while working on system

[@pilotboba]

Someone has a new favorite brand. :) lol

[@johnstrh1]

as an electrician that disconnect job hurt me to look at lol

[@stevedemarest276]

Dang. I woulda bet $5 bucks on that door switch staying out.

[@tomtheplummer7322]

Funny OEM means opposite things in different industries. Original Equipment Manufactured vs Other Equipment Manufactured 🤷‍♂️😏👍🏻

[@tombalboni2143]

ECM motors are a Fin joke. As are the manufacturers who "won't" sell just the ECM module. They want us to replace the motor/module when all we need is the ECM. Could be a 1 year old warranty motor with a perfect motor, but noooo, we're forced to get the motor and module. I hate Lennox.. How about the Lennox heatpumps with NO fuse or circuit breaker protecting the low voltage side, they use the transformer as the overcurrent device. Better yet, how about the Lennox Elite series condensing units where the king valves are so far recessed into the chassis you can't get the Appion core tools on there to remove the schrader valve,, they make you pull a vacuum with the cores in place. And after 10 years of complaining, Lennox finally moved the electrical knock out from blocking access to the suction all the time port. Don't even get me started on warranty evap coil replacements. Lennox, YOU &^$##$%^&... I'm sorry to be on a rant... The rain in NC this week is killing me...Oh one more thing, that belly band divot holding the bolt from spinning was actually a manufacturing defect that will be removed on the next revision..

[@Nick-bc2lm]

I have been looking around to replace my 20 year old Lennox system. Came with the house. Not looking for a 2 stage unit, I dont think, or the higher variable speed systems. What brands last longer to you? During a service call, which ones are easier for the tech to work on. Meaning 2 screws vs 20... I feel your pain. Im a maint tech and people that design the equipment layout sure dont think about the maintenance side of things. I was looking at Goodman, but hear they suck, and really make the techs work during replacement of parts.

[@zackmax7184]

It says this video is 3 months old. I have already watched it.

[@gordonpotts753]

Lennox has always been a weirdo unit. I remember when their low voltage wiring was not standard

[@Beastriderpav]

If it is UV, it very bad for your skin and eyes Ted…

[@micahpaul20]

I thought that there blue light was to help us techs see better lol

[@Mike-01234]

I bet they paid a good amount of money to install all that silly stuff.

[@kevincampbell7276]

Well at least one thing you make money given opinion there is a Freon salesman in my town that said he sold my customers 6 lb of 410A and that's real funny because his unit only hold 3 lb there is a scammer every every minute

[@eddevoe2519]

Delays, lol, try ice machines.

[@DoeyPP]

That sounded like crap needs a new blower wheel

[@tc7922]

Another poorly zoned system kills an EVM blower… what the heck is wrong with these jack leg installers taking guidance from a jack leg boss

[@UpInYa87]

*not an ECM motor

[@TedCookHVAC]

So what is it then ??