Fan Replacement on Older Trane model - http://www.hvacmechanic.com/ Forums
Original message
| amicus7curiae
 |  "Fan Replacement on Older Trane model"
, posted Sat 19 Jun 11:48  
Hello,
I just purchased a townhouse with a trane system that is 20 years old. So, I knew that I would have to replace it soon.
Last night, it stopped blowing cold air. It just blew room temp. I checked the outside unit and it was running, but the fan wasn't. So, I shut it off.
The tech came out today and said that because it is a trane, I have to get a factory fan motor and it will be at least $500.00. He suggested that I just replace the entire system. He sprayed some wd-40 on the motor and it loosened some, but he said that it was beyond repair. I asked why he couldn't but a different fan motor in and he said that trane uses smaller fan motors, so you have to purchase from them.
He then said that it would be ~$1800 to replace the outside unit and that they could do it today. (it's saturday) My townhouse is under 1000 square feet.
We just replaced our unit at work, we got a 4 ton unit and it was only $3000.00 for a complete new system indoor and out. I don't know if I should trust this company. I don't know enough about this to make an informed decision. Every fan motor I see online is no more than $200.00 and most are cheaper. Is $500.00 accurate for a new fan motor? Any help is appreciated.
My trane model number is: BTB718A100A1 and it is a 1984 unit.
Thanks.
Ben
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Replies:
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| HVAC Doc
| "Re(1):Fan Replacement on Older Trane model" , posted Sat 19 Jun 15:41
Sometimes manufactures make it tough for a "non dealer" to put anything but an OEM part in. I am not in my office so I cannot pull up the exact specs on that unit for you but many of the Tranes had small frames and/or lower rpm motors than "generic" a/c units. Also keep in mind, Some brands make it costly for a "non dealer" to buy replacement parts for their equipment. So while Trane Dealer X may pay 200 for a part, Lennox Dealer Y may have to pay 300+ for that part. Was that price at overtime rate? If you go installation, keep in mind to compare equally on replacement costs.Other things will factor into the cost of installation/parts such as the companies overhead etc. Just shopping by price alone will not yield you the best deal. That is not saying the biggest and most expensive company is the best, it is saying to compare more than just what the bottom line price is. If a dealer pays good wages to his employees, keeps them up to date and well trained, maintains a good inventory of parts for service, keeps the newest up to date service tools/diagnostic equipment on hand is that the type of thing that is worth paying for? Also remember not every maker sells their equipment to dealers at the same costs and not every dealer (even within the same brands) pays the same cost for equipment.
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| | amicus7curiae
| "Re(2):Fan Replacement on Older Trane model" , posted Sat 19 Jun 18:03
Thanks for the reply.
The company claims not to charge overtime rates. Also, he said that just the motor was going to excede $500.00 not including labor. I just found a company online that has the motor for sale to consumers for $320.00. I would imagine that dealers get a much better deal.
Also, everything that I have read today says not to use wd-40 but to use oil to try and get the fan going. He used wd-40 and said that it was no use, the fan would not work again. Just for the heck of it, I took the top off and used 3in1 oil on the fan and restarted the system, and currently it is working.
I don't know how long it will work, but I don't know why he didn't at least try that. Especially considering that it is in the upper 90's today with 96% humidity.
I don't mind paying for a quality product and good service. But I am also weary of being taken to the cleaners. I am going to get some quotes this week on the fan and on replacing the entire system.
Thanks for your reply.
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| | HVAC Doc
| "Re(3):Fan Replacement on Older Trane model" , posted Sat 19 Jun 19:28
Glad you are keeping a watchful eye on it. Especially since he already had WD-40 running around in the motor. 3-n-1 with the red cap is a little better than WD-40 but will still cause problems. The 3-n-1 blue is better and of course 20w turbine oil is the recommended stuff. The price you found on the motor is in the ballpark of what you would pay for an OEM motor. I say ballpark due as explained before. I can say I don't blame you on the $500. I thought it was part and labor maybe even overtime in it. Good luck and glad to hear you have some relief.
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| | amicus7curiae
| "Re(4):Fan Replacement on Older Trane model" , posted Mon 21 Jun 18:30
FYI
Just thought I'd fill you in.
I called a different company (recommended by a friend) and they found the motor I needed for $120.00. It is not in town, but it should be here tomorrow (or wednesday at the latest). Labor is $75/hr so the total should be around $200.00.
I called the first company and asked why their tech was so far off base. They said that they will have the service manager contact me. I don't expect them to admit it, but I'm certain that the tech was trying to take advantage of the fact that it was a saturday and it was very hot. So he thought he could easily sell a new system.
I realize that is a cynical view, but the figures do not lie.
_______________________________________
"I have not failed. I've just found 10 000 ways that won't work."-Thomas Edison
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| | amicus7curiae
| "Re(4):Fan Replacement on Older Trane model" , posted Sat 19 Jun 20:25
thanks for the tip on the 20w turbine oil, I had never heard of it. I will certainly get some.
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