Furnace blower issue

[arm2000]

My 12 yrs old Keeprite gas furnace started making an annoying noise. I opened the cover and it seems that the noise is coming from the blower, something wrong with it. I looked for a new one and it's just shy of $400 in Canada and a little less in US. Also it looks like it's not so hard to replace, some screws and a bunch of electrical cables. However there is a narrow flexible hose connecting the blower with the box above it. I have no idea what is for, I guess it's for water or air, but could it be for oil ? So I have some questions:
1. Anyone tried replacing the furnace blower?
2. Is there any chance, after getting it out, to make it somehow work well, so I don't have to buy a new one? It looks like a pretty closed device, I don't know if I can open it and look inside but I've heard it may have some spots to put oil, maybe that was the problem (although I doubt, it's too much noise and happened too suddenly)
3. Any idea of what can be that hose on the blower?
4. Other than noise I didn't see anything wrong with the furnace, it heats as usual. However how long can the blower go in this condition? Is there a chance it could crash?

[Maymybonneliveforever]

Without knowing the model number or pictures of the motor assembly, based on your description it can be either the motor the blower shaft and bushings, misalignment, or worn belt or a combination. Being that it's 12 years old it's either a one speed or two speed motor with maybe a bx cord going to it. As for the hose, without a picture we can only guess. If it's the motor and it's been replaced it the belt needs to be adjusted and aligned. As for oil, there maybe one or two spots for a couple drops of oil, but normally they're a sealed unit. Be very careful when working with electricity and moving parts.

[arm2000]

Without knowing the model number or pictures of the motor assembly, based on your description it can be either the motor the blower shaft and bushings, misalignment, or worn belt or a combination. Being that it's 12 years old it's either a one speed or two speed motor with maybe a bx cord going to it. As for the hose, without a picture we can only guess. If it's the motor and it's been replaced it the belt needs to be adjusted and aligned. As for oil, there maybe one or two spots for a couple drops of oil, but normally they're a sealed unit. Be very careful when working with electricity and moving parts.

I will post the model and picture later, I don't have them handy now. But anyway, the hose it's not in the picture. I don't understand what you say in the bold part. What belt you are talking about?

[Maymybonneliveforever]

What belt you are talking about?

Different furnaces depending on age, model, efficiency have an ecm motor or other that does not require a belt, and then there are those that have a electric motor with a pulley that uses a belt to drive a blower which creates air flow to supply the hot air throughout the duct work.

[Hexavalent]

He isn't talking about the furnace fan motor, he is talking about the "ventor motor" and they are not a serviceable part.

[CF77]

If it is the vent motor.. likely you need to replace the whole unit if the turbine fins all crumble on you...vent Motor usually last a long time. it is the plastic broken down from hot steam acidic condensate.

Main blower box.. is different story..could be cheap..that you pick up a replacement from Princessauto, or get rebuilt motor.

for noise is likely what "mybonnie" said bad bushing or cage adjustment, lube..etc.

post pictures

[arm2000]

He isn't talking about the furnace fan motor, he is talking about the "ventor motor" and they are not a serviceable part.

If it is the vent motor.. likely you need to replace the whole unit if the turbine fins all crumble on you...vent Motor usually last a long time. it is the plastic broken down from hot steam acidic condensate.

Main blower box.. is different story..could be cheap..that you pick up a replacement from Princessauto, or get rebuilt motor.

for noise is likely what "mybonnie" said bad bushing or cage adjustment, lube..etc.

post pictures

Oops, I didn't know there are more motors in a furnace. I thought there is only one, which you see when you open the cover. I looked after it and it's described as "venter motor" (official wording, I still have to post pictures) and, indeed it looks like it's not serviceable. I don't see any other motor, where is it, and what exactly is it called?
But that explains something that happens and I didn't know why. So, to the end of the heating cycle (3-4 min before), the noise stops but the air is still circulated. Which of the 2 motors still moves the air? Because it's the one that stops early that it's making the noise and I may be wrong in my initial thoughts that the venter motor is at fault.

[arm2000]

OK, here is the link:
http://www.bestbuyheatingandaircondi...ode=fasco-temp

[Hexavalent]

Yes that's the one that ends it's cycle first, the other motor is in the lower cabinet behind a control (circuit) board. That is the one that pushes air throughout your home.

[CF77]

Main motor is likely located at the bottom.. If you couldn't hear noise after the heat but air still circulating..It would be the vent motor. Vent motor has bushing. if your turbine fins crumbled..the pieces will sit at the bottom..turn the spindle by hand to hear and feel..if your motor has small piece stuck out. power off first...
If your furnace is still firing up, you have enough vaccum from vent motor to allow power to the furnace.

If you are not handy, get a good techn.to take the assembly out for inspection..check out which company you should not call in this forum.

I am handy and changed mine long long time ago...I have high temp silicon (orange red color) . I got it from CT or Princessauto. I turn off furnace..then I undid the assembly and inspect. Check the chamber for any crack .as this is best time you can peek into the combustion area. Clean out old gasket. and re apply silicone seal. put it back. don't over torque screws. wait for silicon to start cure before using furnace. not sure your model need to undo exhaust pipe.. if you do re seal with silicon at the joint to prevent gas leak.

Problem is you will have hard time buying replacement assembly in Canada if you are not in the family. I got mine replacement from State internet. If you can wait until summer. it is the best time. Half the the part cost and there is no overprice ripped off emergency fee. My mom got ripped off once and got me is that emergency means 12 hrs late in the morning.

[arm2000]

OK, thanks everybody. If it's a matter of sealing and and possible gas leaking I think I'll call a technician.

[Hexavalent]

OK, thanks everybody. If it's a matter of sealing and and possible gas leaking I think I'll call a technician.

Always the best answer

[CF77]

http://www.furnaceparts.com/Search.aspx?q=fasco

I dealt with..

[Maymybonneliveforever]

He isn't talking about the furnace fan motor, he is talking about the "ventor motor".

I appreciate the clarification, that deserves a "thanks" by me.