Foretravel Motorhome Forums => Foretravel Renovations => Topic started by: Jerry Whiteaker on July 04, 2018, 05:22:41 pm
Title: Kool-O-Matic Replaced
Post by: Jerry Whiteaker on July 04, 2018, 05:22:41 pm
My Kool-O-Matic kitchen fan was still working, but the plastic hood was beginning to show it's age (23 yrs), so I have replaced it with a MaxxAir Maxxfan. Also replaced the bath fan as sometimes it would take some coaxing to get it to run. The bath fan was easy, even the corner screw holes for the base plate lined up. The kitchen not so easy, the old base plate with many screws is much larger than the 14 X 14" roof opening. I didn't take it apart correctly which is to loosen the 3 nuts on the outside of the verticle part of the base plate and just lift off the hood, fan and motor. I drilled out all the pop rivets that fasten the top and bottom parts of the hood together, then removed the fan and motor. The old base plate was well bedded with butyl caulk under the screws and a rubber type of caulk toward the opening. The rubber caulk discolored the gel coat
To patch the screw holes, I used a counter sink and a burr in a drill to enlarge the top of the hole and feather the gel coat. I then filled the holes with an epoxy mixed with a filler but still runny so I could pour it into the holes and fill them. After it hardened, I used the burr again to scuff up the filler and make sure it was below the thickness of the gel coat. I had some unused gel coat that I bought from Extreme about a year ago and tinted to match the off white gel coat on the coach. After mixing with a hardener I put enough liquid gel coat on each hole so that it was higher than the surrounding surface.. I then used a rotary disk to sand it down almost level with the surface. Next I hand sanded (for control) starting with 120 thru 320 until level with the surface; then wet sanding up to 2000 grit at which point it was looking smoother than the rest of the roof. I didn't try to do anything about the discolored gel coat. It's on the roof and impossible to see from the ground.
I splurged on the fans and bought the model with the remote control, but controls are also on the fan. I bought the model with a white cover as that matches my roof. It doesn't let much light in, the dark cover may let more light in as I believe it is clear rather than translucent. Either remote will operate either fan, but as they are infared, no interference in most cases.
Title: Re: Kool-O-Matic Replaced
Post by: Mike Leary (RIP) on July 04, 2018, 05:26:34 pm
Don't throw anything away, Jerry. Our's still working fine, so far! ^.^d
Title: Re: Kool-O-Matic Replaced
Post by: wolfe10 on July 04, 2018, 05:27:08 pm
Good, professional-looking job.
Yes, please save the old parts for a fellow Foretravel owner.
Title: Re: Kool-O-Matic Replaced
Post by: Caflashbob on July 04, 2018, 05:36:09 pm
I do have a good kool o matic roof unit here. Rubbers good, top good. Reasonable if someone wants it?
Title: Re: Kool-O-Matic Replaced
Post by: Hans&Marjet on July 05, 2018, 12:27:00 pm
My Kool-O-Matic kitchen fan was still working, but the plastic hood was beginning to show it's age (23 yrs), so I have replaced it with a MaxxAir Maxxfan. Also replaced the bath fan as sometimes it would take some coaxing to get it to run. The bath fan was easy, even the corner screw holes for the base plate lined up. The kitchen not so easy, the old base plate with many screws is much larger than the 14 X 14" roof opening. I didn't take it apart correctly which is to loosen the 3 nuts on the outside of the verticle part of the base plate and just lift off the hood, fan and motor. I drilled out all the pop rivets that fasten the top and bottom parts of the hood together, then removed the fan and motor. The old base plate was well bedded with butyl caulk under the screws and a rubber type of caulk toward the opening. The rubber caulk discolored the gel coat
To patch the screw holes, I used a counter sink and a burr in a drill to enlarge the top of the hole and feather the gel coat. I then filled the holes with an epoxy mixed with a filler but still runny so I could pour it into the holes and fill them. After it hardened, I used the burr again to scuff up the filler and make sure it was below the thickness of the gel coat. I had some unused gel coat that I bought from Extreme about a year ago and tinted to match the off white gel coat on the coach. After mixing with a hardener I put enough liquid gel coat on each hole so that it was higher than the surrounding surface.. I then used a rotary disk to sand it down almost level with the surface. Next I hand sanded (for control) starting with 120 thru 320 until level with the surface; then wet sanding up to 2000 grit at which point it was looking smoother than the rest of the roof. I didn't try to do anything about the discolored gel coat. It's on the roof and impossible to see from the ground.
I splurged on the fans and bought the model with the remote control, but controls are also on the fan. I bought the model with a white cover as that matches my roof. It doesn't let much light in, the dark cover may let more light in as I believe it is clear rather than translucent. Either remote will operate either fan, but as they are infared, no interference in most cases.
What model #'s did you purchase Jerry..?
Title: Re: Kool-O-Matic Replaced
Post by: Mike Leary (RIP) on July 05, 2018, 01:12:13 pm
Curious: I know Brett has replaced the bottom screen assembly, but I have no files as to anything else done. I had the roof re-sealed last year, they did a good job, too good if that hood (which is still in good shape) has to come off. Can all the guts be removed from down below should the motor go south? :facepalm:
Title: Re: Kool-O-Matic Replaced
Post by: wolfe10 on July 05, 2018, 01:15:10 pm
Yes, should be able to remove the motor from below-- but I have never had a reason to try it.
A good idea to remove the vent (louvers) once a year or so and clean with 409.
Title: Re: Kool-O-Matic Replaced
Post by: kenhat on July 05, 2018, 02:57:40 pm
Nice write up Jerry. This has been on my project list for a while. I know lots of people love their Kool-O-Matic's I'm not one of them. :)
Have been looking at the MaxxFan. Please report back after you've used them a bit to let us know how you like it.
Also did you remove the old KOM control? And if so what did you cover it with?
see ya ken
Title: Re: Kool-O-Matic Replaced
Post by: Mike Leary (RIP) on July 05, 2018, 04:03:14 pm
Yes. Three nuts and and a couple of wires and it drops right out.
YOU are one darned good photographer, John! ^.^d
Title: Re: Kool-O-Matic Replaced
Post by: Sven and Kristi on July 05, 2018, 10:15:16 pm
I did this project about a year ago, replacing with a Fantastic Fan. I left the old controller where it was, rather than have an exposed hole. The is a much more efficient unit and I am able to insulate with the square pillow sold at Camping World. Curiously, the old Fantastic Fan in the bathroom runs quieter.
Title: Re: Kool-O-Matic Replaced
Post by: Jerry Whiteaker on July 06, 2018, 01:22:40 am
752 date=1530817060] Nice write up Jerry. This has been on my project list for a while. I know lots of people love their Kool-O-Matic's I'm not one of them. :)
Have been looking at the MaxxFan. Please report back after you've used them a bit to let us know how you like it.
Also did you remove the old KOM control? And if so what did you cover it with?
see ya ken
Haven't used it of course except to test it. On full speed seems to move about the same amount of air as the K-O-M on low. We rarely used high because of the noise. Yes I removed the control, haven't covered it yet. The hole for the wires is in the inside corner next to the refrig, may be different on other coach models. Thinking of putting a piece of triangular oak in the corner from ceiling to microwave to cover the hole, the finish that was under the control is slightly lighter than the rest, plus 2 small screw holes, maybe put short screws in them.
I have the KOM parts, but I doubt if anyone would want anything except the motor. All of it very dirty, but could be cleaned up. The bottom half of the hood has a course screen to keep out large insects and birds. It has some spots that do not reach the outer edge. The plastic hood is crumbling around the edges in places. Unless someone asks, I am going to throw most of it in a dumpster in a couple of weeks. May keep the motor, mounts, and Control. It's free if you pay the shipping although I don't have a box large enough for the hood. I also have the fan for the bath and a maxair cover for the lid.
Title: Re: Kool-O-Matic Replaced
Post by: Old phart phred on July 06, 2018, 01:52:27 am
I replaced my KOM this spring after it was struck by a limb this spring during an intense storm. Maxair deluxe is a good choice in my opinion.
Kool o matic blues (http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=33553.msg305908#msg305908)
Title: Re: Kool-O-Matic Replaced
Post by: Old phart phred on July 06, 2018, 02:05:44 am
I also have controller left over, if anybody needs it. Indoor magnetic cover was gifted to nighthawk along with my built in vacuum cleaner stuff.
Title: Re: Kool-O-Matic Replaced
Post by: Mike Leary (RIP) on July 06, 2018, 09:56:40 am
Don't throw the motors and controllers away, please? I'll PM one of you guys and we'll set something up. BTW, I LOVE giving things away to a good home! ^.^d
Title: Re: Kool-O-Matic Replaced
Post by: Jerry Whiteaker on July 06, 2018, 11:10:44 am
I will hang on to the small stuff for awhile. Hate throwing away stuff, but have too much junk lying around. PM me if you want it.
Title: Re: Kool-O-Matic Replaced
Post by: Jerry Whiteaker on November 20, 2018, 12:03:29 pm
After taking a trip, very happy with the new fans. There are a few weird things. One is that the vent, if open, will close if you kill and then restore power such as turning the battery switch at the door off and then back on. It doesn't close when the power is turned off, but it does close when it is turned back on. I like the wide speed range and the remote control. Seems to leak a little bit of cold air, but the KOM leaked more. PS, all the parts are gone.
Title: Re: Kool-O-Matic Replaced
Post by: Mike Leary (RIP) on November 20, 2018, 12:28:32 pm