How to Grease the Bearings of a Swamp Cooler
- Step 1: Turn Off the Power Before lubricating the bearings, turn off the circuit breaker supplying the swamp cooler at your home's breaker box.
- Step 2: Turn Off the Water Supply ...
- Step 3: Remove the Side Panels ...
- Step 4: Unplug the Motor Cord ...
- Step 5: Locate the Caps ...
- Step 6: Add Lubricant ...
- Step 7: Fill It Up ...
- Step 8: Reinstall the Panels ...
Where is the oil in a swamp cooler?
Can you replace bearings on swamp coolers?
Where do I oil my swamp cooler motor?
0:011:17How to Oil the Bearings on a Swamp Cooler - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThing as this that pulls out and feeds into it. But so there's one on that side then on this sideMoreThing as this that pulls out and feeds into it. But so there's one on that side then on this side there's going to be another. One. Right up here on the top.
What kind of oil goes in a swamp cooler motor?
Zoom spout oil is high-grade turbine oil. Use it for evaporative cooler bearings and motors. The bottle features a spout with an extra reach for oiling in tight places.
Do you need to oil a swamp cooler motor?
Note that most swamp cooler units have sealed bearings that do not require added lubrication. If you have an old unit that has a lubrication port on the top of each bearing (usually there is one bearing on each side of the fan), this is an indication that you need to lubricate the bearings.
How often should you oil swamp cooler bearings?
every 90 daysNew coolers need bearings oiled right out of the box. From that point, bearings need two drops of oil every 90 days of running time.
How do you lubricate swamp cooler bearings?
So, how do you lubricate the bearings for your swamp cooler? Well, each bearing should have a cap. All you need to do is pop the caps off and put a couple of drops of bearing oil in and replace the caps. The oil should be free of detergent so don't use motor oil.
What causes a swamp cooler to squeal?
The belt on the motor of your swamp cooler can make a variety of sounds. For instance, if it's too loose, it might start squealing. The belt might also make a thumping noise when it's bad. The repair technician can probably diagnose problems with the belt just by listening to the noise your swamp cooler makes.
How long does a swamp cooler motor last?
But, while swamp coolers don't cost much to buy, they are a lot of work and money to maintain. Not only that, they are only warrantied to work for 5 years. Refrigerated air systems can last up to 20 years if properly maintained.
How can I make my swamp cooler quieter?
Tips for Reducing Evaporative Cooler NoiseStand it on a mat. One of the biggest sources of noise with evaporative coolers is transmission into a surface. ... Place a barrier in front of the unit. ... Build a quiet box. ... Run the cooler on a lower setting. ... Keep the cooler away from walls. ... Buy a higher end unit.
What is the best lubricant for bearings?
While some bearing applications use oil as a lubricant, grease is the lubricant of choice for 80 to 90 percent of bearings.
How do I know if my swamp cooler motor is bad?
Signs Your Swamp Cooler Needs a New MotorAir Isn't Cool. If outdoor temperatures are in the 70s and low 80s and your swamp cooler isn't blowing cold air, something's wrong. ... System Doesn't Turn On. A swamp cooler that doesn't work at all could have a failed motor. ... Equipment Is in Bad Condition.
Should you leave swamp cooler pump on?
You need to have the pump on while running the cooler, to keep water running through the unit. A lot of times we will respond to repair calls where the pump was not turned on and only hot air was being pushed in the home by the fan.
Can you put CLR in a swamp cooler?
Use CLR PRO to clean and rejuvenate HVAC systems, swamp coolers, tools, humidifiers, and dehumidifiers. It even removes deposits from coffee pots and glassware!
How do I know if my swamp cooler motor is bad?
Signs Your Swamp Cooler Needs a New MotorAir Isn't Cool. If outdoor temperatures are in the 70s and low 80s and your swamp cooler isn't blowing cold air, something's wrong. ... System Doesn't Turn On. A swamp cooler that doesn't work at all could have a failed motor. ... Equipment Is in Bad Condition.
How do you maintain a swamp cooler?
Here's what you need to do to keep your cooler cooling:Have it cleaned and serviced annually.Replace water pads at the beginning of each cooling season. And check them every month the unit is in use. ... Empty the drip pan when the cooler isn't being used. Stagnant water is a breeding ground for bacteria.
Do swamp coolers actually work?
According to the US Department of Energy (DOE), an evaporative cooler can successfully reduce the ambient temperature by 5 to 15 degrees—but even the DOE is quick to clarify that this process works only in areas with low humidity.
How do you tighten a swamp cooler belt?
0:121:16How to adjust the belt tension on a swamp cooler - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWith the bolts loose I'll take a big screwdriver. And carefully pry. The motor outward holding theMoreWith the bolts loose I'll take a big screwdriver. And carefully pry. The motor outward holding the motor in place I'll squeeze the belt again to see if the tension is correct.
How to Grease the Bearings of a Swamp Cooler | Hunker
Swamp coolers, also known as evaporative coolers, need to have their bearings oiled annually. This can be done by shutting off the cooler, unplugging it, and applying either 20-weight nondetergent SAE oil or high-grade turbine oil.
horrible noise from swamp cooler - DoItYourself.com
Evaporative Water Coolers - horrible noise from swamp cooler - we oiled the bearings, belt is firm but not too tight I guess? But whenever we turn it on the cooler makes an AWFUL howling noise! The higher the speed the louder the noise! What do we do? We don't have alot of money, hoping to do this ourselves, thanks! &nb
What weight oil on fan axel (Swamp Coolers) - DoItYourself.com
3in1,household,sewing machine,30 wt,10w40. Those brgs don't care as long as they're oiled at the start of every summer.Also be sure to oil motor brgs.
Where is the oil in a swamp cooler?
There are two bearings in a swamp cooler on each side of the rib cage fan. The oil is dripped into small covered holes located on the top of each bearing housing. A small tab will cover the hole and simply needs to be lifted up on one side.
Can you replace bearings on swamp coolers?
Replacing the bearings on a swamp cooler is a straight forward task but can be a real pain to do so. Which is why keeping them maintained is always a good idea.
Where are the grease fittings on a swamp cooler?
Take the cooler panels off the sides of the swamp cooler and locate the grease fittings on the top of both bearings. The bearings are at both ends of the blower shaft.
How to connect a motor to a cooler?
Plug the motor cord into the receptacle, if applicable. Fit the side panels back into place on the cooler housing.
Why do swamp cooler bearings chirp?
The grease fittings on the top of the swamp cooler bearings require regular maintenance in order to prevent the bearings from drying out. When the bearings are getting dry you will hear a "chirping" or squeaking in the cooler as the blower fan turns.
What oil do you use to lubricate a zoom spout?
You will need to use a special oil to lubricate the bearings. You can use 20-weight nondetergent SAE oil or a high-grade turbine oil, such as the lubricant sold in a Zoom Spout Oiler. This oiler is particularly handy because it has a long tube that pulls out of the spout; you fit the end of the tube into the oil port and squeeze the bottle to add the oil.
Where is the power cord on a cooler?
Look for a power cord near the top of the cooler housing, just inside one of the side panels. If there is a power cord plugged into the receptacle (outlet) on the housing, unplug the cord and set it aside. This is just a secondary safety precaution to ensure the power to the motor is off.
Is swamp cooler good for dry climates?
Wirecutter: Swamp Coolers Are a Cheap AC Alternative for Dry Climates. Here’s What to Know Before You Buy.
Do swamp coolers need lubrication?
Swamp coolers need annual maintenance to work efficiently. On some older cooler units, this includes lubricating the bearings of the motor-driven fan. Note that most swamp cooler units have sealed bearings that do not require added lubrication. If you have an old unit that has a lubrication port on the top of each bearing (usually there is one bearing on each side of the fan), this is an indication that you need to lubricate the bearings.
How to access swamp cooler motor?
To access the internal components of your swamp cooler including your swamp cooler motor you must simply remove the screws from the back side panel of the swamp cooler. Once the screws are removed you should easily be able to slide out the back panel and wetted cooling mat to expose interior components.
How does a swamp cooler work?
Your swamp cooler works using a pump to recycle water through a wetted mat. Your swamp cooler motor turns a belt-driven fan that sucks air through this wetted mat. As the water evaporates, the air being sucked through this mat is much more cool and humid than the air in a hot dry climate.
What happens if you run a swamp cooler?
The motor in your swamp cooler is set to run at or below a specific voltage. If too much voltage is put to the motor, it can overheat. Too much voltage can cause damage to internal wiring and circuitry. Make sure that the proper voltage for the motor is what is being applied to avoid damage and overheating. The voltage capacity for the motor will ...
Why does my swamp cooler slide off?
The sides of your swamp cooler will slide off very easily and doing this will expose the water pump, motor, and belted fan inside. Once inside check the tension of the belt running from the swamp cooler motor to the fan. It should not be too tight or too loose. Incorrect fan belt tension could cause your swamp cooler motor to overheat.
Reasons for replacing a swamp cooler capacitor
Within a circuit, capacitors store and release energy as needed. Larger capacitors are capable of tolerating higher current loads and have more charge storage capacity. Because some A/C compressor motors require a pulse of energy 300 to 500 percent of normal to start, these features are well suited for air conditioning machinery.
What is a Swamp Cooler Motor Capacitor, and what does it do?
A motor capacitor in a swamp cooler helps manage the flow of power to the motor so that there are no large up and down spikes. That can assist in extending the motor’s life and maintaining it spinning at a constant speed.
What causes the motor to shut down, overheat, and then restart once it has cooled?
If the sheave on the motor isn’t adjusted correctly, it will overheat and shut off until it cools down. Operating the unit without the front discharge grill on any window or mobile type will cause the motor to overheat and shut off until it cools down.
Why are swamp coolers called swamp coolers?
The name probably comes from the awful smell that occurs when you don’t keep the cooler clean. If your swamp cooler isn’t working, check these five things.
Why does my swamp cooler rust?
Mineral tablets can soften the water and prevent damage by reducing mineral concentration. High humidity levels are another reason that swamp coolers rust. When the humidity is repeatedly over 50% or more, the swamp cooler isn’t going to work effectively.
Why won't my evaporative cooler start?
Because evaporative coolers have less electronic parts than air conditioners, the most common reason that the unit doesn’t start is due to a blown fuse. Check the breaker and see if a fuse was blown. You may also have a breaker inside the unit that may need to be reset. If none of those seem to be the problem, you’ll need to dig a little deeper. If you constantly need to reset the unit or replace fuses, you probably have a problem with the electrical wiring that should be checked out by a professional.
How does an evaporative cooler work?
It works much like your home’s thermostat. You set the temperature and when the temperature of the room matches the thermostat, the cooler shuts off. When the temperature goes up, the cooler comes back on.
Why won't my fan turn on my cooler?
If you still haven’t found the problem, it could be the internal components of your cooler. The belt connects the fan and the motor. If it breaks or comes off, the fan doesn’t run. You may hear the motor running, but the unit isn’t producing any air, because the fan won’t turn. It’s easy to get a replacement fan belt, but you do need to check to see why it stopped. If it got soiled or broke, replacing it should get your unit going again. If it slipped off, you may want to ask a professional to take a look at the motor.
Do coolers need maintenance?
Regular service and maintenance will keep your cooler working well for a long time, but as with any electrical appliance, parts wear out and stop working. Usually, at the least convenient time. Fortunately, these coolers don’t have a complex system. They are reliable.
Can you add vinegar to a sump?
The water in the sump can get old. When you add new water to your unit, include a teaspoon of vinegar to help keep the water cleaner. You still need to add new water to the unit to keep it clean. Your evaporative cooler shouldn’t leak water. There are a lot of reasons your unit could drip water. It might need cleaning.
Where is the oil in a swamp cooler?
There are two bearings in a swamp cooler on each side of the rib cage fan. The oil is dripped into small covered holes located on the top of each bearing housing. A small tab will cover the hole and simply needs to be lifted up on one side.
Can you replace bearings on swamp coolers?
Replacing the bearings on a swamp cooler is a straight forward task but can be a real pain to do so. Which is why keeping them maintained is always a good idea.
