Oscillating fan blow out
- Thread starter LaBoySM
- Start date
OldMedUser
Well-Known Member
What actually happened to it? If it's seized up you can easily fix it. The cheap $20 12" ones I use will usually go a year of 24/7 then the bushings in the motor dry out and the blades get really hard to turn. A Philips screwdriver gets it apart then a little wd-40 to dissolve the gummy shit in the bushings spin for a bit then a couple drops of light machine oil like 3-in-1 oil and she'll work like new for maybe another 6 months. When I see them on sale I grab a couple so I always have a spare. You will probably have to remove the oscillating mechanism at the back of the motor to access the rear bushing.
As to your original question, it's not going to hurt for a day or two but I wouldn't wait too long. The main reason for something like an oscillating fan is to move the air around the plants so they can 'breathe'. With dead air they quickly use up the CO2 molecules under the leaves and growing slows. Even a light breeze brings fresh CO2 within the reach of the stomata so they get what they need. Visit your plants lots until you get a new fan so you moving around can get that air exchanged plus your breath will add some CO2 in the vicinity.
LaBoySM
Active Member
Thanks for that. The blades are still running free. The fan is like 6 months old. There's a burnt like splash on the wire where it fizzled out. The way this thing was manufactured is very silly I think cos the main power supply is in the joint that allows the fan to turn. So every time it was turning it was kinking that one spot over and over until it finally blew. It tripped my circuit board and I only saw that after sunrise. Waiting for supplier to reply to my email about warranty so I can take it from there.
OldMedUser
Well-Known Member
Ah. Can't just fix the wire eh? Most fans have a thermal fuse built into the motor windings so if it gets too hot that blows and there's no fix for that but that's not your problem.
Just grab a cheap fan even a little 6" clamp on one to move air around a bit. Have you got a small heater that can be run with just the fan blowing room air? Doesn't take much. That cardboard thing will help but is a real PITA.
LaBoySM
Active Member
Warranty was out. They said 6 months so just missed it. Sorted it out. Made a few mods to with some insulation tape. Thanks for the help.
Ah. Can't just fix the wire eh? Most fans have a thermal fuse built into the motor windings so if it gets too hot that blows and there's no fix for that but that's not your problem.
Just grab a cheap fan even a little 6" clamp on one to move air around a bit. Have you got a small heater that can be run with just the fan blowing room air? Doesn't take much. That cardboard thing will help but is a real PITA.
