Box Fan Maintenance

[rp2813]

Since summer got off to an early start around here, I've been using my Kenmore omni-directional box fan on a regular basis.  Last year I gave it turbine oil, but I haven't done so yet this year. 

 

Is there a ballpark number of run time hours that should be followed for routine oiling?  I really like this fan with its large motor and beautifully balanced blades.  It takes about 45 seconds for the blades to come to a stop after shutting off from the highest speed.  No other fan I've ever owned comes close to that, and I want to make sure the motor remains in optimum running condition.

 

The pictures were taken over ten years ago after I first brought it home from a yard sale where I paid $5 for it.  It has been cleaned up since.

 

Thanks for any advice.

 

[fan-of-fans]

Generally I believe portable fans were meant to be oiled once every season, so once a year if you only use it in the summer. As long as the spin down is long and the ramp up to speed is quick it is probably fine.

Those fans were made by Signal, by the way.

 

[yogitunes]

I just saw a video of adding oil to box fans.....I have a Lakewood P88/M all metal

it was just recommended to add 7 to 10 drops to each side, usually at the beginning of the season....

 

[rp2813]

That Lakewood looks to be of similar vintage as a small two-speed one I picked up a couple of years ago.  I did put too many drops in its oil ports and it did leak and make a mess.  I like the fan, but the blade design creates wind noise that sounds like thunder.  I can't use it in a room I want to sleep in.

 

[dermacie]

I oil the bathroom exhaust Emerson fans in my 1968 home once a year with 3 in 1 oil. They run very quiet if you do it once or twice a year. There is a wick that you can stick the oil tip in.