GCI60, GC60, M55 Convection Fan Bearing

Based on some informal research, seems this is a common issue with these stoves. The end bearing on my fan would squeak every so often or make a little noise on start up. This week, it started making a constant noise when the stove was set to "2". Figured it was time to dig in.

Pulling the fan wasn't that difficult at all. It's held to the stove with two bolts. You have to disconnect 3-4 wires as well. Once done, the unit slides out.

To get to the bearing, you have to deal with 5-6 Torx screws. The bearing is on the end with the rubber cap. Once I had the housing off, I could spin the rubber cap and hear the noise from the bearing. With the cap removed, I could see the bearing. I couldn't move the bearing and based on some online reading, it's pressed to the shaft. Removal would not be an option. And since I didn't have a spare, something I was wasn't considering.

To me, this looked like a standard sealed bearing. I've restored two older (1996 doesn't seem that "old" to me, but alas...) snowmobiles and replaced a number of sealed bearings. I've had luck popping the seals, inspecting and re-greasing if the bearings were good. I've even re-greased new bearings with high quality grease. The amount they put in from the factory is a joke...and it looks low quality.

So I popped off the seal here. Unfortunately, I damaged it a bit. I popped it off from the center using a razor blade. Some of the center seal broke. It was rather brittle; probably from the environment it lives is. I was able to get a little "Gunk Super" oil in there and things quieted right up. A good sign! The seal popped back on and held. Getting that rubber thing on was a chore, but I did it.

So, it's been together and chugging along since Thursday evening with nary a noise. It seems this works...but I do have a few questions.

What's the best oil to use to lube a bearing like this?

Would grease be an option?

Has anyone successfully replace this bearing? It's hard to find giving the part number.

The only other option seems to be replacing the fan itself. The fact that it's +/-$300 for a new one is preposterous. That's like dropping a new engine in your car because your water pump went south.

 

I guess I run my stove more like a race car as I have a spare blower (engine) for it to throw in should I need it in the middle of heating season (a race). I haven’t opened the bearing on my buck, but I have removed the squirrel cage from the electric motor that drives it.. After the first blower started making noise, I got the spare. Now, I try to clean the blower once per year and lube the bearing. I’ve been using Marvel Mystery Oil. I put a few drops on the top of the bearing and use compressed air to spin the fan around to slowly work the oil into the bearing. Probably not the best method, but it works for me. Sorry, no pics of it right now but this is a stock photo of it... as it sits, it is upside down. To oil it, you remove the three nuts on top which releases the motor and cage from the housing. Then you need a long Allen key to remove the set screw that holds the cage on the motor. The point where I oil the motor is on the top of the motor, which would be on the bottom as depicted in the picture...

 

That bearing is easily removed with a small bearing puller.

To reinstall just be sure the shaft is clean an free of burs or nicks.

Toss the fan assembly in the freezer for a while and then just before you install the bearing, warm it up pretty hot (just not to the point the grease boils out.

Get the fan out of the freezer and slide the bearing on.

Have a plastic hammer handy if the bearing hangs up so you can tap it on.

A piece of hard wood across the entire bearing surface and a tap or two will seat it just fine.

These little bearings are not a heavy press fit.

Care and patience is the key words.

With the squeak gone you are likely good for now..

 

What Snowy said^^.A cheap top post battery puller usually works fine.Usually these bearings have hi temp grease in them,and a bit of oil can free the grease up a bit,for quite a while.I prefer Anderol 465,same as used in blowers with bushings.Also,an old trick,buy some insulin needles,point is small,can slip under the seal without removing,and squrit in some oil.

 

That bearing is very easy to find.

Its a 608RS
EBAY ITEM

It's a common skateboard bearing

Get ya a buttload of em cheap.

Or go to your local bearing house or parts store and get a top notch brand one for a bit more $$

Depending on the bearings used originally the grease can dry out and harden up until its just nearly dust (Squeak time)
If you want to take the time..

Get the thing back apart, seal off and then take the beast outdoors and wash the bearing out really good with Brakekleen to remove all the old grease.

Dry well and then carefully squeeze in high temp "Disc brake" rated moly wheel bearing grease.

Just work the grease into the bearing with a pinching action to fill the areas between the balls and turn the bearing to get the grease distributed all through the unit.

Put seal back in and good to go.

10 Pieces ABEC-9 608RS Roller Skate Wheel Bearings Seal Ball Bearings | eBay

Car Battery R2 Terminal Bearing Wiper Arm Removal Remover Puller Tool 6-28mm | eBay

You might need a short piece of steel/brass rod to go between the pusher and the shaft that is slightly smaller than the shaft...

 

I purchased skf 608ZZ bearings off ebay and installed them (M55). The motor takes 2 bearings; the rubber end cap at the far end of the impeller takes one. I don't have fancy tools but got it done (twice!). The first time I took the fan to a local electric motor shop. Unfortunately the guy thought he was doing me a favor; he repacked his new bearings w/ grease. The grease he used made the bearings too resistant and the fan couldn't turn freely. I replaced his bearings w/ new sealed bearings; problem solved.

 

Great advice everyone! I was concerned that those bearings were somewhat special given the numbers and letters after the "RS" on the seal. I did find out they are made in China bearings.

So interesting about the grease...on the fence on greasing vs oiling. I was thinking of using a few small dabs of wheel bearing grease next time I have it apart.

I haven't taken the motor end apart yet. How hard is that to remove?

Is the shaft tapered or is there a mark regarding how far the bearings are installed on the shaft?

 

Use the moly type grease....its far less sticky, especially when cold.

The moly grease also is not as likely to harden and dry out as some of the other types of grease.


Actually there is another great choice....TEFLON GREASE
This stuff can handle the job well in these small bearings

Comes in a small tube too.

 

The only challenge w/ accessing the motor bearings is breaking free the set screw holding the impeller to the motor. You will need a long allen wrench. I had to use a long socket on the end of the allen wrench to get sufficient leverage. Just pay attention to parts as you disassemble and note their location. Once you've reassembled it, check that the impeller moves freely prior to reinstallation in the stove.

 

Thank you both! I'll go ahead and grease again this season. Hoping that should keep things happy in there.

Has anyone had issues with the motor side bearing or is it mostly the rubber end cap bearing that gets noisy?

 

Best grease to use is the red Mobil 1 synthetic, or Red Line CV-2. Only issue is finding it in small quantities. If you repack wheel bearings on cars/trucks, just spring for the $10 and buy a tube or can.

 

The cats meow would be a low fiction oil/grease that is used in computer fans.SKF makes a version.I have used moly,works fine.However,this is not an automobile wheel brg.,so rule of thumb to packing it is 30-50%,you do not pack the bearing full.

 

JUST AN FYI

Always use some Never Seaze on the set screws on any of the fans....especially exhaust fans.

 

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The fan started making noise upon startup recently. Figured the oil had finally dissipate...lasted a little less than a month.

So I opted to use a little semi synthetic wheel bearing grease I had. Figured this would hold up pretty well given the application. I put some in there, not a lot. I didn't want to over grease and risk popping the bearing seal and having grease slinging around the fan area. I'm sure that would make a nice messy slurry mixed in with a bit of pellet dust. I used a very small pick I had to put the grease in the bearing. I spun it around for a bit to ensure it got to the entire bearing since I only removed one of the seals.

So far, so good! No noise at all. Hoping this keeps things quiet for awhile. I may pull things apart the next time I do a deep clean to see how it's holding up.

PS: I'm sure my wife would be delighted to know I was messing with a dusty fan and wheel bearing grease on that lightly colored area rug!

 

Any stains can be cause for ---

 

Playin' with fire there my friend.

 

Thankfully, Mrs Skier doesn't view the forums here!

Still chugging along noise free. Fingers crossed.

 

Here are 2 more of those blowers that need bearings cheap for our members!!
For Sale - Used Enviro M55 / Hampton GC-60 FS or Insert Convection Blower just needs new bearings!