Anyone know where I could find a replacment fan for the power supply?
The fan in the black power supply (dating from MK4 days) has recently started making noise. A week ago, it was silent, not any more. It's silly to buy a new power supply for $110 + shipping, when a less than $10 fan could fix the problem.
Anyone know what fan it is? Voltage?
I can disassemble the power supply safely. Have all the proper equipment. If someone has already been down this path, it would be nice to know, so I could order parts that would work (the first time). Have to replace thet fan, it's increasing the ambient noise in the room by a bunch. Turning off the idle printer restored the quietness of the room.
RE: Anyone know where I could find a replacment fan for the power supply?
I once managed to save a small laptop fan with bearing problems. It took one drop of silicone oil from a copying machine service kit, and it went totally quiet. It was unbelievable (and yes, quiet while still spinning 🙂 ).
You might give it a shot, if there is a sticker to peel off on the hub.
RE: Anyone know where I could find a replacment fan for the power supply?
Adding oil is definitely worth a try. At that point, I'd also be able to possibly read a part number, or get some measurements, and order a replacement. I'm sure it's not a super quality fan in the power supply, they rarely are. I've replaced a noisy fan in a power supply and it went from a squeal to silence, while even cooling!
Bad bearings (if they are bad) don't fix themselves with time. They just get noisier and noisier until they seize or otherwise fail. But maybe I'll be able to buy some time.
RE: Anyone know where I could find a replacment fan for the power supply?
>> Bad bearings (if they are bad) don't fix themselves with time.
they even might - brass bushings will necessarily wear down but are designed to age in a controlled manner, e.g. with lubricant in the bulk of the metal.
I'm no mechanical engineer, my expertise ends at the electrical interface ("red is black and plus is minus") but I've witnessed this one miracle cure and it's the explanation I came up with 🙂