If you want to go all out
http://www.amazon.com/Flex-lite-180-Reversible-Electric/dp/B000CNHFNA/ref=pd_sbs_263_5?ie=UTF8&dpID=41HTLfMM4uL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR160%2C160_&refRID=0Z94A30JWYRD5HZBM6GQ

Do some careful measuring before ordering. 

Dennis
 

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of Dennis Haynes
Sent: Thursday, April 7, 2016 1:30 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: Squealing Radiator Fan Motor

Something like this:
http://www.amazon.com/Flex-lite-398-Reversible-Electric/dp/B000CNHG34/ref=pd_sbs_263_4?ie=UTF8&dpID=51Q-vdnkc3L&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR160%2C160_&refRID=0RW5A5MDV4KXKP7YE3Z3

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of Richard Koerner
Sent: Wednesday, April 6, 2016 10:28 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: Squealing Radiator Fan Motor

Thanks Dennis for the advice....and now you've got my mind working "outside the box".  Yep, the universal 16" radiator fan with "some creativity for mounting brackets" seems like a great idea.  After all, it's only a fan.  Something to suck air in through the radiator.  Doesn't have to be a VW fan right?  I looked (briefly so far) at replacement fan/motor assemblies for my 85 Vanagon on the web and didn't have too much luck.
But yes, somehow mount a fan assembly up in there; I mean, I think you would only need to find some way to attach the thing.  Four points ideally, in the corners.  Surely most of these radiator fan motors can handle the "low" and "high" electrical currents for the different fan speeds....I mean, most cars are similar methinks.....needs a little or a lot of cooling depending on the situation.
So, provide a fan blade of the proper diameter (Dennis says 16") to provide proper airflow, an electric motor, solid mounting, maybe even some sheetmetal or plastic shrouding to enhance airflow, and I think it would work.
As these Vanagons age and parts are NLA, we may have to all orient our thinking to alternatives, not obvious at first.  Hey, after all...I just put a Subaru motor into my Vanagon with hopes of 20 more years.  

These last few days, the "squealing" has not re-appeared, but it's probably only a matter of time.  But I want this potential problem FIXED.  Here at home, not 500 or 1000 or 4000 miles away when its WAY more expensive and difficult.
RichSan Diego

      From: Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM>
 To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM 
 Sent: Tuesday, April 5, 2016 6:43 PM
 Subject: Re: Squealing Radiator Fan Motor
   
The squeaking and squealing could be either the bearings or brushes. These motors are not readily serviceable. At 25 to years old these motors owe us nothing. There are some vendors offering replacements. You can also fit a universal 16" radiator fan with some creativity for mounting brackets. 
Yes the easiest way till have to remove the fan and housing is to lower the radiator. You will have to drain the coolant and disconnect the radiator hoses. Remove the brackets holding the AC hoses on the chassis rail as far back as possible. Then you lower the assembly without disconnecting the AC hoses. As you begin to lower remove the two top screws holding the condenser to the radiator. When it is down far enough tilt the radiator back and the condenser will separate at the bottom. Now you can do what is needed. Reverse to get it back together. 

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of Richard Koerner
Sent: Tuesday, April 5, 2016 7:42 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Squealing Radiator Fan Motor

Lately I've had a couple incidences of squealing from my radiator fan motor.  You know, when you are in stop-and-go traffic and the fan comes on.  (BTW, just did a cross-country trip from CA to Florida and back and had some heavy rain; maybe water got into the bushings?)  I figured I would lower spare tire carrier and take a look, maybe spray in some lubricant on shaft bushings.  But it all looks pretty closed up on the motor, no readily available access points (which I think is a good thing for this electric motor in a wet environment); not sure how to address this.
And to get the motor out, looks like removal of radiator and A/C condenser would be required.
I did a search of the archives, and didn't get any help.
Any ideas on how to proceed?  That is, how do I lubricate radiator fan motor?

RichSan Diego