In a message dated 2/8/02 6:37:37 AM, erikvaleur@SVERIGE.NU writes:

<< I recommend oiling the bearings to make it last longer >>

I've tried to lubricate Oilite style sleeve bearings on more than one
occasion with results that are temporary at best.  The material of this type
of bearing is porous and it is not proper to even ream them to size as this
can clog the pores.  I imagine that they fail because these pores become
clogged and result in the shaft running dry.

Lubricating them externally may cause more harm than good as the oil seems to
mix with the fine dirt present to create some kind of slurry which soon dries
into a gummy substance which the starting torque of the motor cannot
overcome.  I have also tried to flush the dirt from these bearings with
various solvents before I have oiled them.  I understand that Oilite style
bearings can be renewed through some process which involves soaking them in
heated oil, but who would go to that trouble considering how inexpensive the
smaller ones are?

The replacement of a blower motor in a Volvo 240 makes the Vanagon blower
replacement look like child's play.  Because it is so difficult to replace,
at least one jobber will modify a 240 blower with ball bearings.  While this
may seem like the ultimate solution, I have to wonder if these ball bearing
blowers are really any more durable than the sleeve bearing originals.

Rich