Series 3 Heater Fan/Hamster Wheel removal

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ORJIP

Member
Posts
51
Location
Stroud
Having kept the heater motor frm screaming with WD40 this winter, I thought it was time to get it on the bench. It is covered in rust, but runs sweetly on the bench with some oil in the right places. Whilst ion the bench, thought that I would de-rust the snail, the fan and the motor components in an acid bath, ready for some cold gal spary. Having removed the allen key bolt retaining the heater fan/hamster wheel, the wheel still wont come off. Have checked the manuals. No mention. Is it a case of applying a little heat and further WD40, or does it just need pulling off - or does it turn an odd way. Was so baffled I put my pasty down somewhere and cant now find it - think the Jack Russell might have found it, the greedy bu99er! Any help or tips on how to get the fan wheel off the motor spindle would be appreciated! Now wheres that bl00dy pasty gone.
 


You can see the brass bush on the motor spindle, that may be your problem ...

Try a legged puller type thingy ...
 
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And while you are in that area, treat the heater matrix to a good de-scaling, unless you are fortunate enough to live in a soft-water area ...

A couple of overnight soaks in a de-scaler solution and good hard flush through with a hose should do the job, the stuff that comes out looks like worms, very nasty ...
 
Wow, thanks DippyPud, realy helpful links. I think you are right. The brass bush is the problem. Might try some heat on it afterall.
 
Thanks Blackburn. Yes, removed the grub screw and it would not budge. In the end I applied a blow torch (a kitchen version) under a tight flame. Threw in some WD40 and then left it for an hour. After a pot of team it would move, but not come off the shaft. It was a rusty drive shaft retaining it. After sanding it back, it slipped off. That grub screw is metric, so I did need to file back a 3mm allen key. Its all off now and soaking on an acid bath. Wonder if it will all back together - I do hope so. I have generally put back most original parts, although painted all cold galv spayed. Thanks again Blackburn.
 
Wow, thanks DippyPud, realy helpful links. I think you are right. The brass bush is the problem. Might try some heat on it afterall.

Nope, the bush should stay in the hamster wheel ... try cleaning the spindle and that should be fine ...
 
Yup, your right! The spindle rust was preventing any movement up or down. Now resolved! Thanks again. Best Wishes
 
You need to get the grub screw out. I fu cked around for days nearly destroyed the whole thing until I figured out the grub screw, after that it eased off quickly. I have a contact who can supply new snail housing powered coated paint. It fitted perfect and was reasonably priced. I remounted the whole assembly with rubber tap washers between the snail and the bulkhead to give air gap and cushioning.
 
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