Condenser Unit Fan Noise-Solved by replacing fan blade.

PROBLEM SOLVED: This video was originally posted to get input on why the unit made noise when wet. The problem turned out to be the fan blade. Nordyne had changed the replacement part from a 2-blade fan to a 3-blade fan. Not sure why the original part got noisy when wet, but speculate the slight weight of water on the blade surface made the blades go into resonance. I put a 3-blade fan in and the noise is gone.

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• compressor
• condenser
• fan
• motor
• noise
• water
• wet
• blade
• vibration
• miller
• air
• conditioner

[phbartoli]

Do you have video of replacing the fan?

[AVontheTube]

@phbartoli No, but it is a very simple job. The fan is held in place with a set screw. Just make sure you put the replacement fan at the same location on the shaft.

[AVontheTube]

The problem was solved by replacing the fan blade. It was caused by one of the blades being a bit porous, causing it to soak up water and throw the fan out of balance until the blade dried out. It was not the impact of the water on the blade. Once the blade was wet, the blade would vibrate, even after the fan cycled off and back on. A new blade, Nordyne part #667303, was quite cheap, around $30 as I recall.

[rdr7361]

Did you replace fan blade with Nordyne part #667303?

[AVontheTube]

Yes.

[classifiedinfo]

I'm curious, is this a manufactured home? I read on the Nordyne website that Millers are built for manufactured homes.

[AVontheTube]

No, it is a regular site-built home. These Miller units were commonly used for site-built homes.

[uncreativeranter]

silly Q but if u had a bad neighbor & they water hosed your outdoor fan is it possible that it would damage or is the outdoor unit designed to withstand water? Its an Akai reverse cycle spilt air conditioner. When I turn to heat the outdoor fan works but theirs no air coming from indoor unit and when i switch to cool air then the outdoor fan stops working but the indoor fan works. I hear a click like your thermostat click maybe also the electricity hum turns on & off compressor? or capacitor?

[skip4309wtf]

Very good info to keep in the back of my brain if this scenario ever happens to me. thanks...experience is the best teacher to have around. Never would have thought of the fan blade and water being culprit.

[laterjim]

@mralph69 do you remeber where you bought your replacement blade? i have a ducane, but i would think there should be a generic blade that will do the trick....ducane OEM blades are running about 125...would love to get something for half that.

[BGreenHVAC]

I haven't encountered a problem only when it is wet. I'll remember this in case I ever do.

[BGreenHVAC]

@liennto Come on "All of them are crooks" That can be falsely claimed on any occupation. Sure crooks find all kinds of places to hide, but they get exposed. In my experience, techs develop a network and talk in part warehouses. They identify the duds and their companies refuse to hire them. There are bad apples in every job in the world. Calling all of us a fraud is very childish. GROW UP! If you feel strongly about it, contact your local BBB.

[MADBALL9991]

I have a question. We have a Goodman unit that just started making the same noise for the very first time in 10 years during an ice storm this morning. Not only is it loud but the entire unit is vibrating and shaking like a washer when it has too big of a load. Could it also be the fan?

[yantur51]

Good for you, interesting.

[Rueuhy]

@liennto I do HVAC/R for a living and just wanted you to know we are not all crooks. If there is some problem I work with the homeowner until problem is solved. I also know a few companies who won't even answer their phone from customers who they just sold to. So yes there are a few bad installers out there but not all of us are crooks. Some of us are trying to make a honest living. Sorry you were taken advantage of.