I wonder who the genius was that decided to make the newer Field Controls SWG4/5 replacement PV motor kits without oil ports for the motor bearings. It seems ironic how they stress the need for annual PV maintenance and cleaning of the blower wheel, but then they do away with what is probably the most important aspect of this maintenance.
These things are not cheap and the old Fasco motors would last for many years if you routinely added a few drops of turbine oil or the special FC silicone oil during the annual cleaning.
I installed one of their new and improved oil-less ones less than two years ago and naturally it’s starting to make noise already. I’m not sure if it’s motor bearing or just the smaller motor cooling fan blade inside making contact with the housing, but I will find out when I tear it down next week.
These things are not cheap and the old Fasco motors would last for many years if you routinely added a few drops of turbine oil or the special FC silicone oil during the annual cleaning.
I installed one of their new and improved oil-less ones less than two years ago and naturally it’s starting to make noise already. I’m not sure if it’s motor bearing or just the smaller motor cooling fan blade inside making contact with the housing, but I will find out when I tear it down next week.