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Kool-O-Matic

When I purchased my 295 the 12V to the fan was spliced into the line for the kitchen fluro(ceiling) light because it didn't work with original wiring. The fan now works on low but the control box would get too hot on high. I noticed using the fan on low that the metal coil above the small switch near the fan motor was red hot. The fan will not be used again until this is corrected. Does anyone have any experience with this type of fan. Any help or who might be able to help me sort this out will be greatly appreciated.

                                                    Thanks again,
                                                            Josh
Josh
2000 U295

Re: Kool-O-Matic

Reply #1 –
Quote from: pedalman –
When I purchased my 295 the 12V to the fan was spliced into the line for the kitchen fluro(ceiling) light because it didn't work with original wiring. The fan now works on low but the control box would get too hot on high. I noticed using the fan on low that the metal coil above the small switch near the fan motor was red hot. The fan will not be used again until this is corrected. Does anyone have any experience with this type of fan. Any help or who might be able to help me sort this out will be greatly appreciated. Thanks again,  Josh

Sounds like the motor is pulling too many amps on high and maybe blew the fuse or breaker when it was on the original wiring. It might be doing the same thing on the new circuit to the lights. If you made any splices to the wiring ,make sure the wire was large enough and you have solid tight connections.  I think parts might still be available. Here is some additional troubleshooting and parts information. kool-o-matic-fan-replacement-parts
The selected media item is not currently available.Barry BEAM #16014
2003 U320 40' AGDS
Beamalarm, Foretravel technical help and specifications
"Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve"

Re: Kool-O-Matic

Reply #2 –
Replacement parts are just about all gone as to my knowledge.  Think I got some of the last available parts last year.  Don't think he had any motors left.  There use to be electronic shops that would rebuild those type electric motors, but they have become a thing of the past.  There might be one left in your area if you are lucky - check the yellow pages.  That motor would be worth rebuilding if you can find someone.  Many have removed the Kool-O-Matic and gone with the Fan-Tastic Ceiling Fan Vent or the SHURflo Comfort Air Fan.  I'll let you decide who has the better following.  They are pretty much drop in the same hole, plug in and play, units.
1994 U225
build #4514

Re: Kool-O-Matic

Reply #3 –
Josh,
Our wiring diagram show the kitchen 'ventilator' is on the same fuse as the water heater. These fuses are in the 12-volt fuse panel located on the front of the bed. Check your wiring diagram to see how yours is wired. If hot water was changed maybe some wiring was changed. It may be that the Kool-O-Matic (KOM) is drawing more amps than the current jury-rigged wiring can handle.

Try to figure out why original wire is dead. Run a temporary large diameter wire from house battery positive & negative through a window to the KOM to see if wire size is the problem. Then just use the positive from battery and the normal wiring negative and visa versa to see if the problem is with just positive or ground. There are probably several places you can pick up a new 12-volt wire source to make a permanent change, like furnace where you would not run both furnace & KOM at same time. Refrigerator also has a large size wire to tap into.

Run KOM with all other lights on the same wire/fuse turned off, which gives KOM a dedicated circuit, to see if it runs normal. Also be sure all connection splices are clean and tight in your jury-rigged setup. In our coach all fuses are 15-amp #14 wire which should be able to handle the KOM with much voltage drop. Also check wire connections in fuse box to be sure they are tight. Problem could be a loose ground wire too.

Measure voltage at KOM before a change to determine how much voltage drops when it turned on and compare to a temporary fix and a later new permanent repair. On low-speed the KOM resistor coil may normally get pretty hot. KOM  New KOM parts are not available as the company is long out of business and does not have any way to contact them, that I am aware of. Earlier this year we were unsuccessful in trying to contact them.

Barry

Re: Kool-O-Matic

Reply #4 –
Thanks for all the info. Does hot on low mean (red) glowing hot? Any suggestions for installation of new fan and what to do with all the screw holes on the roof.

                                              Thanks again everyone,
                                                          Josh
Josh
2000 U295

Re: Kool-O-Matic

Reply #5 –
I cannot remember well, but there was a thread quite some time ago about the Kool-O-Matic and re-wiring the control.  Did a search and could not find it.  Am wondering if that info might be a help to you.  If my memory serves me right, it seems that there are 4 speeds for the fan, and the switch only controls 2 of those speeds only and can be rewired to the spare 2 speeds. 

Anyway, maybe my mentioning this will jog someone memory and they will post the link to the other thread.  Possible it will help.  Seems to me that it was on this board, and not on the Yahoo group, so maybe that will help.  Narrows the time anyway. 
1994 U225
build #4514

Re: Kool-O-Matic

Reply #6 –
Quote from: PatC –
I cannot remember well, but there was a thread quite some time ago about the Kool-O-Matic and re-wiring the control. 

Are either of these useful?

KOOL-O-MATIC FAN TROUBLESHOOTING..........

FOLLOW UP: Parts for KoolOMatic Fan

Michelle
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: Kool-O-Matic

Reply #7 –
Thanks to everyone for the info. I'm not sure what my solution to this issue will be but all of these resources should be of great help.

                                            Thanks again,
                                                  Josh
Josh
2000 U295

Re: Kool-O-Matic

Reply #8 –
I suggest that you pull the grill off and disconnect the wires going to the fan motor area. 
The tri-angular mount for the motor can be removed fairly easy by carefully stressing the rubber isolators until the assembly comes free. 
Once you have it out, you can bench test it a lot easier than trying to do something up over your head.
If you replace the grill while you bench test the motor, you;ll never notice the motor is missing..........

I have a good used motor back in Michigan that I might be able to get shipped to you if my friend is still there to be able to ship it.
Regards,
JON TWORK KB8RSA
Full Time RVer (10+ Years) & Dedicated Boondocker
Retired, Unemployed, Homeless Transients
1996 Foretravel U270-36 w/24' Timberwolf Trailer
I firmly believe that tomorrow holds the possibility for new technologies, astounding discoveries, and a reprieve from my remaining obligations.
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The Second Amendment is in place in case they ignore the others.
 

Re: Kool-O-Matic

Reply #9 –
Jon,
   
    Thanks for the help! I am on the road for awhile but will try what you suggested. ?$ for your used motor. It might be a good idea to have a backup.

                                        Thanks again,
                                              Josh
Josh
2000 U295