My yearly service update saga continues. When I was cleaning my rear radiator I sprayed water through my fan blades with the engine running thinking that I would get better water spray to the radiator when I started getting a loud slapping noise that sounded like a broken belt flapping against the fan shroud but did not have any broken belts. I thought that maybe the water had pooled up in the fan shroud bottom and the noise was the fan hitting the water. What I found today was one of the fan blades has a piece broken off the top of one of the blades, the break is approximately 4 to 5 inches long shaped like a wedge with about 1/2 to 3/4 inch at the tip. the fan is made of plastic or some type similar material. The motor is a 3126 Cat. My question is is this a problem? When the engine is running everything seems smooth I also wondering if the fan blade is an easy do it yourself change? My bed is hinged at the front of the engine and by removing the bed mattress and the hinged section I think I can reach the front of the fan.

You need to replace the fan blade NOW.An unbalanced fan can easily throw off a blade. If it goes through the CAC, a small repair turns into a HUGE repair.

Thank-you Brett. Is this something I can do myself? I call Peterson Cat and get or order a new one.

Cat engine but is it a Cat fan blade? Just asking...

Good question Ca Traveler I assume it is the fan color is yellow and we did buy the motorhome new, but you never know about manufactures. Its on a Freightliner chassis.

Yearly Service Update Saga | Good Sam Community

wolfe10
Explorer
Feb 17, 2014
You need to replace the fan blade NOW.

An unbalanced fan can easily throw off a blade. If it goes through the CAC, a small repair turns into a HUGE repair.
Ed_Manifold
Explorer
Feb 18, 2014
Thank-you Brett. Is this something I can do myself? I call Peterson Cat and get or order a new one.
CA_Traveler
Explorer III
Feb 18, 2014
Cat engine but is it a Cat fan blade? Just asking...
Ed_Manifold
Explorer
Feb 18, 2014
Good question Ca Traveler I assume it is the fan color is yellow and we did buy the motorhome new, but you never know about manufactures. Its on a Freightliner chassis.
ScottG
Nomad
Feb 18, 2014
It could be a Horton Fan.
RayChez
Explorer
Feb 18, 2014
On my 3126-E I believe it would be a tough repair because of the rear radiator. And I know I could not get to it from the box under the bed.
I believe what I would do is remove some of the parts that are blocking you from getting to the fan. I would make some room to be able to work. I would probably remove the big CAC hose on the passenger side and a few other things to get to it. If you come in through the drivers side I would remove the muffler and air filter. It will not be easy, but it can be done. I do not believe you need to remove the radiator. Not sure!
Rollnhome
Explorer
Feb 18, 2014
On my Cummins/Freightliner rear radiator they replaced the fan from the bottom. Never went into MH. Wasn't that big of a job. But they had a pit to work from. Don't remember cost as it was an extended warranty job.
wny_pat1
Explorer
Feb 18, 2014
Yes, you can do it yourself if you have all the proper tools, where with all, and knowledge, but if you do it like you cleaned the radiator, your going to end up at a Cat Shop anyway, so best let them do it for you, cause it will be cheaper if they do it to begin with. No sense in creating work for them.
wolfe10
Explorer
Feb 18, 2014
Fan is Freightliner, not Caterpillar.

Give Freightliner, Gaffney a call with your VIN.

Freightliner 800 385-4357
wolfe10
Explorer
Feb 18, 2014
Sorry, duplicate.