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Topic: Furnace squirrel cage noisy (Read 614 times) previous topic - next topic

Furnace squirrel cage noisy

Fired up the bedroom furnace last night for a final system check before using the mh and the bedroom cage is squeaking.  I'm sure it needs lubed. Can you oil anything without disassembly? Figured the Livingroom will need it as well. Thanks
1996 U295-36, Cummins 300hp, 8.3. Build number 4864. Vin number 1F97D536XTNO54271. Purchased October 31, 2019.

Re: Furnace squirrel cage noisy

Reply #1 –
A light viscosity non-detergent oil (like sewing machine oil) can be put on each end of the squirrel cage motor shafts to wick into the bushings.

Some use a long spout oil can, but you can even put it on the end of a long screwdriver or even end of an opened coat-hanger and apply a couple of drops.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Furnace squirrel cage noisy

Reply #2 –
Ok. You open the door on the outside and enter from there?
1996 U295-36, Cummins 300hp, 8.3. Build number 4864. Vin number 1F97D536XTNO54271. Purchased October 31, 2019.

Re: Furnace squirrel cage noisy

Reply #3 –
Yes.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Furnace squirrel cage noisy

Reply #4 –

As mentioned, you can oil it but that is a temporary cure at best. I think you should plan on replacing the motor when you get a chance. 80 bucks and you're good for the duration. furnace motor
jor

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93 225
95 300
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99 320

Re: Furnace squirrel cage noisy

Reply #5 –
Just rebuilt mine,got the rebuild kit with new burner and elctrodes.
96 U270 BUILD 4810
85 380SL
Drummonds TN.

Re: Furnace squirrel cage noisy

Reply #6 –
Make sure you double, triple cross reference of the numbers on the motor. Just giving the model# of your heater won't always work. You need to pull the motor, and get the numbers off it.They made a bazzion motors that look alike, changes came all the time.

They may look the same and bolt in, some go opposite direction, run at slower or faster speed's.Some have different shaft length's on either end.

Slower speed may not engage sail switch, and faster may kill efficiency.

At the minimum, get the spec's off the motor (amp draw, voltage etc.) and match the the shafts.

I was told once at school, the motors have about a 1000 hour life. Can't verify that. Oil is only temporary as others have said. They are pretty sealed up.

Chris
Chris and Tammy White  CDA Idaho
Previous owners 1997 U295 36' 3126 Cat 300 HP Build # 4998
Former Foretravel tech & RVIA certified tech
Former owner Custom Satellite home/RV satellites 
Former owner Vans LTD  van conversions
Unemployed, panhandler, drag racer NHRA #6348

Re: Furnace squirrel cage noisy

Reply #7 –
Ok. I'll call FT tomorrow if they are open and get the part number from them. Thanks
1996 U295-36, Cummins 300hp, 8.3. Build number 4864. Vin number 1F97D536XTNO54271. Purchased October 31, 2019.

Re: Furnace squirrel cage noisy

Reply #8 –
You can get the model number off the furnace motor and order it lots of places. If is not a Foretravel-specific part.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Furnace squirrel cage noisy

Reply #9 –
Whether Suburban or Atwood, the model number will be on the motor.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Furnace squirrel cage noisy

Reply #10 –
Ok. Oiled both furnace motors best as you can, let them soak a bit and now both are quiet. They look brand new. The previous owner didn't live in it and used the heat strips on the roof air for morning heat. I think they just need to be used but the motor numbers are clear on both units, so if I replace I can get the correct motor.
Thanks to all
1996 U295-36, Cummins 300hp, 8.3. Build number 4864. Vin number 1F97D536XTNO54271. Purchased October 31, 2019.

Re: Furnace squirrel cage noisy

Reply #11 –
I had the same issue and ended up replacing the motor.
1993 U300 40ft GV SE
Build # 4344

Re: Furnace squirrel cage noisy

Reply #12 –
With more regular use mine has quieted down. Been using the motor home as my quarantine quarters. Two more days and I can stop camping in driveway. I'm going to try and add a few drops of oil to see if it can keep on humming along.
1998 36 foot U270 Build No. 5328 WTFE, 900 watts solar, Victron controller, B2B, bat monitor, 600 AMPH lithium with 2018 Chevy Colorado toad, SKP #110239, Motorcade #17781, 2021 Escape 17B for when Coach is broken down and campsites are too small, retired and full-timer since Dec. 2020. Part of RV family since 1963.
 

Re: Furnace squirrel cage noisy

Reply #13 –
Agree with Brett,the oiler is only a temporary fix,the new Atwood/Dometec motor is an updated model.
96 U270 BUILD 4810
85 380SL
Drummonds TN.