fcino wrote:
> the original prob. was:
> the blower knob was getting harder & harder to turn.

That's a new one on me. OK, bad switch or something binding on the switch
shaft.

> this was my father's (new) & then my brother's car. he didn't really
> need/want anymore & offered to give to me. i had to get (& pay) to get
> some things in better running condition... like the exhaust.

How many miles on the car, by the way?

I just replaced the exhaust on my '88 last weekend after about 120,000 miles.
Boy, those flange bolts were really on there tight.

> then needed a battery & alternator, starter wire...

Reasonable.

> then last inspection i needed rear rotors & brakes, 2 fuel injectors, tune
> up, 3 tires... & got the blower motor & switch done then... ouch!
> i don't really need the car, so i'm selling it & now the "fan's
> rumbling"...

Keep it! You don't have many things left to do.

> anyway, i mention all this in case u guys had any of this work done along
> the way. my brother had to have the "trans. rebuilt" a few year ago.
> i like the zippy feel & the steering, but overall, it's been costing me.

Has the timing belt been changed? That should happen every 60,000 miles. Do
the water pump at the same time. If the timing belt goes, you will need some
serious and expensive engine repairs.

> so do u think it's the actual motor that's bad?

I wonder where your mechanic got the blower? It might be an inexact replacement
or one taken out of a wreck.

In the interest of science, pull that blower out and run it on the bench.
Here's how: Remove the glove compartment and frame. Remove the heater duct
which is held in place by four screws. Remove three mounting bolts. Disconnect
the electrical connectors for the blower motor, resistor and recirculation
control motor. Then remove the blower.