Honda blower troubles

[tstewart]

Just did the Honda blower motor swap in my 73. Trying to get the A/C up to par so it can be driven in the summer down here on the Gulf Coast.

I purchased a new blower from O'reilly and did the installation. I hooked up my manifold gauges to the A/C system, started the car and turned on the A/C. The blower was in the HI position and moving LOTS of air compared to the old blower. After a few minutes, I checked the interior and it was cooling nicely. Closed the door and went back to the gauges. The clutch on the compressor disengaged which I thought was odd because it shouldn't have been cool enough in the car to shut it off. I opened the door to the car and the blower was not running. There was a strong burning smell in the car.

I shut everything off and began exploring. Checked and double checked all fuses by swapping, then pulled out the multimeter to recheck fuses. No bad fuses. This car has about 90,000 miles on it, has ALWAYS been garaged and has not been tampered with. Absolutely everything on the car works like new. I'm aware of the fact that the electrical system is 35 years old, but most everything in this car is in exceptional shape and has been well cared for.

Having said that, I'm afraid the current draw for the Honda blower may have been too much for the stock wiring. I know this is popular swap and I've never read about anyone having any issues with their wiring. Anyone out there experienced problems with the Honda blower and their old wiring?

This weekend I intend to pull everything back out and try and locate the problem. I'll keep you posted.

[EScanlon]

Check the inline fuse for the blower, it's separate from the ones in the fuse box.

Also, check that the blower is still operational. Depending on whether you bought it new (doubtful) or from the boneyard, you may have gotten a unit that was just about to fail.

FWIW

E

[hls30.com]

... Depending on whether you bought it new (doubtful) or from the boneyard, you may have gotten a unit that was just about to fail.

FWIW

E

...

I purchased a new blower from O'reilly and did the installation....

E,

It's late here in Georgia, what's your excuse?

Will

Edited August 27, 2008 by hls30.com

[EScanlon]

I should have known that you southern boys would know who O'Reilly was, I just figured he was another boneyard....

Then again, it may be that you southern boys don't know the difference between "new" and "fresh from the boneyard...new"

Other than that one item, my comment still stands. The fuse or the unit may have blown.

So what's your excuse for not offering a helpful hint?

2¢

E

[doradox]

Strong burning smell? Sounds like you let the smoke out of some electrical component. That's usually bad. Check your blower switch.

Steve

[tstewart]

Just located the inline fuse for the blower motor... found the source of the burning smell. Fuse holder melted nearly in half at one end. Probably corroded at the contact. Will replace fuse holder and try again.