Hi Folks,
The KOOL-O-MATIC vent fan in galley has died. I do not think repair is practical. Motor squeals, cover is cracked, isolators fell apart and probably more. What make and model do you recommend to replace it.
By the way I think (hope) nearly every mechanical system in my 89 Grand Villa 3300 has been rebuilt or replaced. Looking forward to some pleasant use soon. It has been a real challenge so far. Thanks so much for your help.
John
Many have been replaced with a fantastic vent which is a powered vent
I replaced mine recently with a Fantastic Vent. Fits in the 14 inch opening without issue. Any vent/fan will fit. I know the Kool a Matic looks huge compared to the Fantastic Vent fan but the hole is the same size.
Regards
Ed
Sent from my IPhone
Thanks Ed and Red. I will order one today.
FWIW,
I got one of the napa motors that others have talked about and put it in and also put in the new resistor for my Kool-o-matic and it is like new again. The cost of the motor and resistor for the fan speeds was less than 100.
Best of travels
Charles, was the resistor required because of the new motor or had your speed control stopped working? Also, wondering if anyone has done a variable speed motor with a potentiometer control... The two speeds are okay, but it would be nice to have some in between choices.
Don
Charles,
I considered the NAPA motor as an option, but there are other issues with the unit. Isolators are bad and it looks like reaching the outside nuts on them will require complete removal. Did you replace them? Beyond that, the vent cover is cracked. The screen is damaged. I also read on another RV forum that a NAPA motor they used was a higher rpm and amp draw and might be too much for existing wiring. Did you have any problems with that?
Is the Fantastic fan preferred over the Maxxaire fan and cover? I think I will wait for more advice before ordering anything.
Thanks for the post. John
Charles, was the resistor required because of the new motor or had your speed control stopped working? Also, wondering if anyone has done a variable speed motor with a potentiometer control... The two speeds are okay, but it would be nice to have some in between choices.
No, the dang thing (resistor) fell apart when removing the wires. They work by heating up a wire (to provide the slower speeds, just like my ford truck heater blower). I guess the long term heat output of the wires just plain ole cooked it.
I haven't had mine repaired all that long and so far so good. I don't think there is an issue with the wires being heavy enough. It does seem to move the air very well.
It really is not a big deal to repair either.
While the motor was out, I used some rustoleum to freshen up the opening too. There was a little corrosion that I just sanded and sprayed. So far the shroud (outside portion) seems to be OK. I think when it gets time, I will address it also. I plan on using some epoxy resin to apply several coats and probably some more rustoleum to make it white and to protect from UV light. My screen was OK.
Some have said in the threads that one needs to use just a little longer bolt to hold the Napa motor (as it is slightly larger). I did not have that issue. The OEM bolts were fine. Yes it is a little larger but the length was not a problem for me.
Best of Travels.
NAPA part number is 655-2378
Here is a replacement switch Part Number: 119-9910 for the Kool-O-Matic fan.
Resistor Blower Fan Switch - AC Blower Switch
I think that motor number is different from the one that had the high amp issue. So maybe it will work ok. Any thoughts on R&R the isolators? I looked again and see no way to get to them without removing the whole thing.
The below is from Michael J: I could not get the internet link to reappear (Reply #63)
I would recommend to do a search on the forum for a "Koolomatic resistor". That is how I found it. Looks perfect. With regard to the isolators. That I think is the rubber things that hold the brackets to the wall. I just used some goop stuff for one of mine that was loose and it so far is holding just fine. I thought about some JB Weld too.
Reply #63 – 2 years ago
Here is a replacement switch Part Number: 119-9910 for the Kool-O-Matic fan.
Resistor Blower Fan Switch - AC Blower Switch
"331119
Is the new fantastic fan comparable to the kool-o-matic? I mainly worry that the fantastic fan doesn't 1) flow as much and 2) is louder than the kool-o-matic.
The fantastic fan in the bathroom is louder and it doesn't flow nearly the amount of air.
Went with a maxx air to replace the kool-o-matic.
Well, I finally finished this repair. I used the NAPA fan you recommended. Replaced the isolators after hacksawing the old ones out. It was a real PITA. After that it all went smoothly. I used 3M 5200 and pop rivets to repair a 4 " crack on the rear of the outside cover. That seems to be pretty strong but have not road tested it yet. That new motor really moves a lot of air on high and is pretty loud. Much quieter on low speed. My old one was shot when I purchased so I have no reference point about sound and speed. At any rate I am satisfied with the result. Thanks a lot for the replies. I could not find much by searching the forum. Maybe using the wrong terms.
Thanks again,
John
How does it compare performance and noise wise?
Much less noise according to DW. Plus the remote. And in and out.
Lots to like. Seals better
I will cry when mine dies - and then I will do everything in my power to make it work again. I've never had a fantastic fan that moved even close to as much air as the koolomatic and they constantly squeak, squeal or make other obnoxious noises.
I have the complete, working kool-o-matic unit I removed. All the parts. Big aluminum parts also.
Have not had time to put it in the ads here. ???
Bob, if it is not already spoken for I would like the Kool o Matic. Thanks.
jor (using joody's login)