Mill cooling fans inop.

Those fans are induction motors with no brushes, not much to wear out on them. After all
the years, they probably need a few drops of 3 in 1 oil or similar. It's worth the effort and
at virtually no cost to you so give that some thought before getting out your wallet.
 
I’d go with the cheaper fans in a heartbeat. I’m not opposed to throwing a few extra dollars at a manufacturer who keeps inventory on parts, but realistically a fan like that is pretty generic. Sure, more $$ fans *may* have better bearings, less noise, more CFM, longer lifespan. But not for 8 or 9 times the cost worth.
 
Winegrower said:
How about watching the temperatures awhile and then decide. My guess is you won’t need them.



This is what you had to say at the dealership, right?
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Let me qualify/quantify my opinion.
Companies offer all kinds of products to make your new truck look cool, shift better, produce more horse power, etc.
The factory engineer, designers, safety consultants, environmental people spent millions coming up with a product to perform well, to run clean and to last hundreds of thousands of miles as delivered.
So yeah, I was the guy who had to tell the customer that the performance chip caused his check engine light to stay on, and your vibration is coming from your 38” tires and wheels not the driveshaft as the tire company told you.
Oh and, I’m really sorry but your turbo overboost caused a valve to hit your piston and this is nit under warranty.
Thus will cost you over $20,000 to repair.
Like I said, if it ain’t stock, it ain’t sh@$&#it :)
 
I also have a a similar mill, but it is a direct belt drive. The fans are their to cool the variable speed drive. Not a big deal, unless you are using the mill continuously, I would find an inexpensive metal body fan replacement and be done wit it. Sharp charges excessive prices for replacement parts for their machines.
 
Janderso said:
Oh and, I’m really sorry but your turbo overboost caused a valve to hit your piston and this is nit under warranty.
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If the smart fellows in the factory designed a non-interference engine, that wouldn't happen. Or if your timing belt or chain breaks, you wouldn't need a new engine. Not everything the factory does is smart for the consumer. Might be smart to reduce their costs though.

That being said, it's quite different being the stand up guy for the company, than being a hot rodder, or DIY guy. You aren't working for the factory anymore, you have a lot more freedom. And come on, face it, it's just a couple of simple fans. They won't be worse than no fans!

But yes, give the fans a squirt of light machine oil and a spin, those fans may still have some life in them yet.
 
Janderso said:
I just got a reply from Sharp Industries.
$179 for the set of cooling fans plus shipping.
I’m an idiot. These are bolt in ready replacements.
So why is my finger moving toward the order button? If I can retro $20 fans?
Decisions decisions.
I need to remember, I’m retired now. Fixed income and all………
I have a saying, if it ain’t stock, it ain’t sh#@$&#it!
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$179 won't even fill a pickup gas tank twice. $179 just ain't what it used to be. That doesn't hardly cover groceries for one week.
You would feel better in the long run if you put the OEM fans in. The worry would be gone.
 
Forty Niner said:
$179 won't even fill a pickup gas tank twice. $179 just ain't what it used to be. That doesn't hardly cover groceries for one week.
You would feel better in the long run if you put the OEM fans in. The worry would be gone.
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Fixed income = don't spend all your money foolishly. Spending $179 when you can spend under $40 is just plain dumb. That's only my opinion. There's a saying, a fool and his money are soon parted. Don't be that fool.

Edit: that was a little strong. But still, look at it this way, if the quick oil job doesn't fix the fans, then spending $40 on new fans gives you $139 to spend on tooling or materials. Honestly, I think you would be far ahead that way.
 
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What I would do, and I'm not you, would be to monitor the motor temp for a few days or weeks with my trusty Radio Shack thermometer.
Then I would decide whether they are really needed.
I might actually spring for the stock ones since they are still available. Just something about stock is cool. Get it? Ha Ha
-M
 
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