Found a weird fix for my swamp cooler that actually worked

My swamp cooler on my house near UNM was making a loud grinding noise last week. I tried the usual stuff, like checking the belt and oiling the motor, but it didn't help. On a hunch, I took the side panel off and found a small rock, about the size of a quarter, stuck in the squirrel cage fan. Pulled it out and the noise stopped completely. Has anyone else found weird stuff blocking their cooler up here on the Westside?

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3 Comments

michaelf515mo ago

That "loud grinding noise" you mentioned is the worst sound in the world. I spent a whole weekend convinced my motor was toast, only to find a kid's action figure arm jammed in mine. Felt pretty dumb after buying all those new belts.

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phoenix295mo ago

Ever check the easy stuff first? @michaelf51 I always pop the cover and look for junk before I even grab a tool. That grinding noise is usually something dumb like a toy or a chunk of plastic. Saves you from buying parts you don't need and feeling silly later.

2

troythompson5mo ago

Honestly, I've started checking the easy stuff last just to feel like a real mechanic first.

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