3

My AC is not working. It is a Trane AC (Model 2TTB0030A1000AA). In the process of diagnosis I tried replacing the capacitor, and that did not help. I tested the fan blades and they no longer spin easily. I purchased a new AC fan motor (the blades now spin effortlessly).

I have a problem trying to install it. There are 4 holes where the motor should mount to the top grill of the AC. The motor came with 4 fine-threaded bolts that presumably go into the holes. The bolts do not have thread cutting tips and those holes are not threaded! See attached photo.fan motor hole

Notice that the hole (where the sharpy mark is) is not threaded. The bolt in the image holds the housing together.

EDIT Below I added is the corresponding hole in the old motor (notice the whole is threaded).old motor END EDIT

Question :

Did I get a defective fan motor, or am I expected to tap these holes?

Improve this question
4
  • 1
    the screws probably cut their own threads
    – jsotola
    Commented May 25, 2019 at 0:59
  • please post a picture of the new and old screws (both screws in one picture ... side view)
    – jsotola
    Commented May 25, 2019 at 19:48
  • Does the motor fit in all respects except the threads not being tapped?
    – Harper - Reinstate Monica
    Commented May 25, 2019 at 22:30
  • Yes. The specs are all the same other than that. The technician at the Trane supply store confirmed that it was the correct motor for my model of AC.
    – irritable_phd_syndrome
    Commented May 26, 2019 at 13:07

2 Answers 2

Reset to default
2

Today I visited the parts store that I bought this from and they insisted that this was normal. He suggested that I use a power drill to drive the bolts into the case (no tapping of holes involved).

I followed his instructions and it attached easily and solidly. I suspect that the screws are a stronger metal than the holes in the case and the increased friction from displacing the softer case metal prevents the screws from loosening over time. This must be their solution in place of using loc-tite or lock washers.

Improve this answer
0

Defective is a strong word. It most likely works, lets just put it in. It looks like aluminum, so a steel screw should have no problem threading itself, if you can get it started.

Stick it facing up in the box with the Styrofoam. Get a hand held nut driver and push down really hard to start the screw. 'thread' all four holes while it's benched, and then go put it in.

If that fails, then it's 'defective' (because I'm not sure how you're supposed to thread a 1/2" deep hole with a tap where the cutting threads start a 1/4" up the shaft). And then we get another one at Trane's expense, until they send you one that's threaded (even if that's not how they come). A direct OEM replacement part should not have to be field modified.

If none of that is an option, my last resort would be to use an impact driver to drive my own (not fine thread) sheet metal screws in and call it done. Which is not ideal; something that shimmies that much should probably be fine thread.

Try their screws first, then give up and use whatever you have to.

The rest of this answer is wrong. The comments below it might help though.

What does the "other screw in the image" look like on the other end? If there's nuts, you take the nuts off, pull those ~8" long bolts out, then you can install it. Don't let it fall apart while you do it.

Usually replacement motors have these bolts going the other way, with studs sticking out that you put cap nuts on.

I think it's the wrong motor. When I google 2TTB0030A1000AA condenser fan motor, I get this:

enter image description here

Improve this answer
7
  • I'd assume on the left is a blower motor; you'd need the armature from the old one. On the right is a condenser motor, as listed.
    – Mazura
    Commented May 25, 2019 at 1:23
  • I picked this motor up from the Trane supply store, so hopefully they know what they were giving me
    – irritable_phd_syndrome
    Commented May 25, 2019 at 1:26
  • @irritable_phd_syndrom - Yeah, a blower motor for your furnace ;) What's the model number on the replacement motor?
    – Mazura
    Commented May 25, 2019 at 1:27
  • Note : I edited the question, from screw -> bolt. This is the top view of the motor, so it does not have the bolts extending above like in the right image. The motor number is MOT10515. Also the unthreaded hole in the above image corresponds to the same location as a threaded hole on the old motor (which is where it was attached to the AC).
    – irritable_phd_syndrome
    Commented May 25, 2019 at 1:32
  • @irritable_phd_syndrom - Ok, it seems to be the correct motor. I've just never even seen one that comes with lose screws. Which are fine thread? Then I'd say it should be tapped; can't say if that's how it should come tho. I'd try driving them in with a nut driver; if they go in like butter, then w/e. If not, get the taps out. Or waste time trying to get an answer out of the company. Or wait for a 2nd opinion...
    – Mazura
    Commented May 25, 2019 at 1:44

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.