Blower Motor Resistor - Really stupid questions (Page 2/2)
theogre DEC 01, 12:53 PM
Don't put screen on drains.

Might keep mice out but will plug w/ crap and water can flood the car.
Because a lot of rain and snow flows down over windshield faster that partly or completely plug drains handle. Then the sump fills and water goes into the heat air intake.

Cowell have screens but still have holes big enough to let crap in the sump.
Broken Leaves , pine needles, and more are sitting in many sumps but drains sit above lowest point so don't plug easy for trash that sinks. Anything floating is down the drains and out of the car.
Even still the drains can plug easier for people that park under trees.

adding screen(s) to heat intake often isn't simple...
Many put screens and never check wiper parts don't hit and cause wiper problems or motor dies first time driving in the rain.
P-side arm and link has low clearance w/ intake parts. And not just a Fiero issue.

[This message has been edited by theogre (edited 12-01-2022).]

Romsk DEC 01, 08:17 PM
Those are great questions.

You inspired me to make my post: "Mouse Proofing the HVAC System".

I am not sure why GM went with that resistive wire concept. They knew it would get hot and they know mice can get into automotive HVAC systems.

I think it is for feedback to the fan speed controller, sort of like a flow regulator. Current flow though the wire is a function of its temperature. If the air flow is below the set point for the selected fan speed, the wire will get hot, current will change, and the fan will be sped up slightly until speed vs. temperature balances out. It's inexpensive and clever, but if it were me? I would have used a PWM controller for fan speed and not have the fire hazzard of that resistive wire at all.

I am putting 1/4 inch galvanized steel mesh all around my Fiero where mice can get in. This includes the outside air inlet located under the Wiper Cowell and under the car where the Wiper Tray Drain Tubes open out.

TheOgre gives sound advice, but this time I don't fully agree with him. I would rather keep mice out as much as possible (maybe if not even 100% mouse proof - but that is a goal).
I can quickly look into the Wiper Cowel to see if it is blocked with leaves and such. And I can use my Inspection Camera to quickly and periodically check that the Wiper Tray Drain Tube outlets under the car are clear. I can also run water onto the Wiper Tray and see how quickly it drains. Since my car is inspected every year for New Hampshire registration renewal, my mechanic will check/clean the mesh if he finds any blockages. This might not work for most people, but since I drive my Fiero only for "fun" occasions, I just added to check the mesh locations to my pre-start check list - its has gotten quite comprehensive over the years. I now plug my engine exhausts with heavy duty stainless steel pot scrubbers (chipmunks stored a whole cache of tiny nuts in there from the ornamental cherry trees in my yard). I even put a red hanging ribbon "REMOVE BEFORE STARTING" on them - much like they put on aircraft: "REMOVE BEFORE FLIGHT". Friends think it is cool.

I think car manufactures pass on putting heavy duty mesh over mouse entry points because they are afraid that owners will not be diligent and check them regularly. They would rather let a mouse tear up the car (and gag the owner with fowel smells) rather than let water leak into the car (which makes sense because leaving a car out in the rain unattended occurs more often than a mouse getting into a car).

Romsk

[This message has been edited by Romsk (edited 12-01-2022).]