My new Classic 150 has very noisy cooling fan(s). With the old Classic 150 the fans make a smooth sound which increases in noise level when the second? fan starts. The new one makes a high pitched rubbing/whirring sound which is quite annoying and also quite loud. When the second fan starts it does not seem as loud but it is hard to tell as the first one is already running and covering the noise the second one is making. I do seem to get cooling and seem to have comparable air flow to the old Classic. My temps after the Classic was producing about 60A for an extended period of time were:
FET 70.0
PCB 66.6
Remote 44.4
I am getting a warm chemically smell but the Classic is new and this may be initial start up smell? I can't remember if the old Classic produced this smell or not. If it was not for the noise I think I would not worry about the smell but would wait a few days to see if it stops.
I have not taken the Classic apart to see what I could see. Maybe someone else has experienced similar symptoms with a Classic on start up? The noise does not seem right to me as the old Classic does not make these kinds of loud rubbing / whirring sounds.
Thanks
Will
The noise was getting to me so I took the Classic apart and looked at it. I find one axial type fan - 2 speed? It makes the noise on start up even with the cover taken off. When I spin it (with the Classic safely de-energized ) it does not seem to rub but when it is running it either rubs or the bearings are u/s. I suspect a new fan is called for.
Will
Hi Willl, IIRC there is a MidNite video made about replacing a noisy fan etc. Something about a spot of glue comes to mind.
try here https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=midnite+solar+classic+fan
The spot is silicone on the turbo fan plastic to the metal body to stop the plastic rattle .
Fan spin quite while out ? Or !
For the time , use both & if its new , submit a help ticket with a copy of purchase & ask for a pair of Warranty fans to be sent.
They (the two fans , single speed) are squeezed in & need to be carefully tucked into the area they live .
I pulled mine apart to make sure they were real DBB type .
VT
Agreed, I would email support@midnitesolar.com and let them know the fan noise is out of line, Jim or Roy will get you fixed right up
I have put in a support ticket for this problem and received a preliminary reply. Thanks for the help. I think I will carry spares for these fans as I live off grid and having one of my Classics u/s for any length of time would not be good. Little fans like this are usually very reliable however hopefully they don't cost much either.
Will
Jim has replied and states he will fill out a parts request for the required replacement. Yay!!!. Not good to have a failure but it happens. Very good to deal with reputable people who stand by their product.
Will
Will , Good folks there .
Let us know the outcome !!
I love to hear the fans , normal tone.
VT