Ok I realize now I have the two fans and their locations confused.
The main question is then, is this odd sound and overheating a pretty
sure indication that the fan is dying?  I am tempted to order the $199
model from gowesty as it seems they are usually twice that.  Just
didn't want to buy without being sure.

Thanks

On 1/13/07, ertrob bellcamp <mantid@gmail.com> wrote:
> Hello all-
>
> Recently temp light in my 87 GL started flashing.  Last time this
> happened, indeed lowspeed fan operation was not occuring, and I
> replaced the resistor as well as the temp sender, and all has been
> well.  With those two out of the way, I was a little worried.  Coolant
> level is ok.  Someone else recently asked about this, but the answers
> seemed to mostly be regarding eliminating false warnings, where I
> think my problem is actually the fan.
>
> Using the steps here:
>
> http://www.vanagain.com/How2fan.htm
>
> I tried to manually start the fan, and it does work on both speeds.
> However, it sounds very "wheezy", like bearings or something are
> rattling around.  I made sure the sending unit was plugged back in
> (and all the terminals looked good) and ran it up to temp to see.  I
> couldn't get it hot enough for the light to start flashing, but the
> needle did go above the LED a bit, so I got out to listen for the fan.
>  Usually I can hear or feel it through the dash, but could not.  So I
> stepped in front and could hear it, again, acting pretty wheezy.
>
> In my newbie view, this seems to indicate my fan is on its way out and
> needs replacement.  I believe this is a pretty difficult/expensive
> repair, but am willing to do it if that is what is needed.  Is there
> anything else I should check before taking it in?
>
> Also, if memory serves, the expense of this repair is because the dash
> has to come out and that is a ton of labor.  This would be a good time
> to also replace my (totally dead) ventiliation fan, right?  I guess
> that is the silver lining of this dark cloud.
>
> Thanks for any advice,
>
> rob in long beach, ca
> 87 westy gl
>