[G4] Replacing G4 Power Supply Fans

[Mel Krewall]

Power supplies, hard drives and CRTs are the least reliable parts of 
any computer. High voltages, high temperatures and moving parts are the 
enemies of any mechanical object. The lubrication idea is a good start, 
just make sure you keep it on the fan and don't let it get into the PS 
or other parts of the computer. And yes, the fan is something you can 
replace. The main problem you will face is finding a replacement that 
is fit and function compatible. If you have a Fry's Electronics store 
near you that would be the best bet. Otherwise, an industrial supply 
house like Grainger's would be a good source. If you can replace it 
with an identical model it will make things easier. The fan will likely 
be marked with the required voltage on it; if not measure it with a 
multi-meter. Then get a fan the same size and voltage to replace it. Be 
careful when you disassemble, make sure you don't drop any screws into 
the body of the PS (that could be disastrous). Also take care to stay 
away from the capacitors that could carry high voltages.
Good luck on your repairs.
Mel

"It is almost impossible to remember how tragic a place the world is 
when one is playing golf."
~ Robert Lynd

On Nov 12, 2003, at 3:51 PM, sr ferenczy wrote:

> try simply lubricating the fan first. some type of silicon based 
> lubrication should suffice. (note-WD-40 is not a true lubricant)
>
> oh, and as far as the "bullet proof - ness" of power supplies-thats 
> what surge protectors are made for.
>
>
> sandor
>
> On Wednesday, November 12, 2003, at 02:48  PM, John Erdman wrote:
>
>> I'm working with a 400MHz Sawtooth AGP G4. Unfortunately budget 
>> constraints won't allow me to upgrade to the latest and greatest > 
>> yet...
>>
>> Trouble I'm having is with the power supply. The one in it now is the 
>> third I've installed. Two earlier ones died from lightning induced 
>> power surges and the other one died for unknown reasons. They're 
>> certainly not very bullet proof are they?.  Anyhow the latest one 
>> recently started making a loud noise which I've traced to the fan in 
>> the power supply. It appears that the fan motor bearings are showing 
>> audible signs of failure.
>>
>> As the rebuilt power supplies are fairly pricey I'd like to fix this 
>> before it fails completely.
>>
>> 	
>> Two questions for the group:
>>
>> 1) Is the power supply fan something I can replace myself? ( I am 
>> dextrous and have some experience working in the guts of computers)
>>
>> 2) Any suggestions for a source of an appropriate power supply fan?
>>
>> Thanks
>> John
>>
>>
>> ----------
>> G4ist, a listserv for discussion of everything G4.
>> FAQ at <http://www.themacintoshguy.com/lists/G4.html>.
>> Send a message to <G4-DIGEST at themacintoshguy.com> to switch to the 
>> digest.
>>
>> XRouter | Share your DSL or cable modem between multiple computers! 
>> Dr. Bott | Now $139.99      <http://www.drbott.com/prod/xrouter.html>
>>
>> Dr. Bott LLC   4-port USB Hub in translucent Graphite!
>> Dr. Bott LLC   <http://www.drbott.com/prod/ghub.html>
>>
>> Small Dog Electronics   http://www.smalldog.com  | Canon Digital 
>> Cameras |
>> --Quicksilver & refurbished G4's arriving daily! |   and Camcorders!! 
>>    |
>>
>> MacResQ Specials: LaCie SCSI CDR From $99! PowerBook 3400/200 Only 
>> $879! Norton AntiVirus 6 Only $19! We Stock PARTS! 
>> <http://www.macresq.com>
>>
>> OS X News, Dr.Mac, Forums, Tutorials, Tips, Hints, FAQ?s - 
>> http://www.osxfaq.com
>>
>
>
> ----------
> G4ist, a listserv for discussion of everything G4.
> FAQ at <http://www.themacintoshguy.com/lists/G4.html>.
> Send a message to <G4-DIGEST at themacintoshguy.com> to switch to the 
> digest.
>
> XRouter | Share your DSL or cable modem between multiple computers! 
> Dr. Bott | Now $139.99      <http://www.drbott.com/prod/xrouter.html>
>
> Dr. Bott LLC   4-port USB Hub in translucent Graphite!
> Dr. Bott LLC   <http://www.drbott.com/prod/ghub.html>
>
> Small Dog Electronics   http://www.smalldog.com  | Canon Digital 
> Cameras |
> --Quicksilver & refurbished G4's arriving daily! |   and Camcorders!!  
>   |
>
> MacResQ Specials: LaCie SCSI CDR From $99! PowerBook 3400/200 Only 
> $879! Norton AntiVirus 6 Only $19! We Stock PARTS! 
> <http://www.macresq.com>
>
> OS X News, Dr.Mac, Forums, Tutorials, Tips, Hints, FAQ?s - 
> http://www.osxfaq.com
>