Blower Replacement...Here's how to

[epricedright]

I just replaced my blower motor and learned something I thought I'd share. For a 1994 DeVille with the 4.9, there is NO need to tilt the motor forward by removing the dog bones and loosening the cradle bolts, or remove the valve cover, or insert the blower cage first and reattach it via inside under the dash, or shoe horn it in with a prybar, or mutilate your air box by cutting it and taping/gluing it back together, as some members have done and/or advised. After much research reading previous post, I figured one of the above methods was going to be the only way, so I was avoiding this job like the plaque. Unforunately, the FSM said in order to replace the blower, simply remove the motor, and replace with new motor with no further instructions.

The new improved replacement motors with the heat shield are a little larger and do not come apart in three pieces facilitating removal and installation like the original blower motor, so replacement appears more troublesome than it really is. What I learned is there are three areas made of rubber on top, above the blower motor, where it says cut here (one area says cut here, the other two do not). Underneath that rubber, is a plastic plate that is removed w/ one screw. Remove that plate, and there is a cut out of the air box that is large enough to slip the new blower in place without having to move anything out of the way or go through any extremes.

Unfortunately, I tried at first to gain access to where the blower wheel is via under the dash...impossible! I removed the ashtray (PITA BTW unless you know there are 4 bolts and where they are), removed the carpet cover, and there is a support brace right in the way, that cannot be removed without first removing the dash, or atleast the lower half of the dash, if it does indeed come out in 2 pieces. No way was I going there! Then looking past that brace, if you did manage to remove that brace, there is no way you're gonna get anywhere near that blower wheel with your hand or socket, atleast not in a '94 DeVille.

So then I thought I'd try forcing it in with gentle persuassion...couldn't come close! That's when I stumbled on the cutout.

I hope this information helps the next guy in doing this job. I was dreading this job by reading all the post that said it was such the dreaded PITA task. Maybe for some other models and years, it may be different, and you may need to use one of the above routes, but this was the correct way for my car. Knowing what I know now, I would have done this job a long time ago, as it wasn't too bad at all. BTW, you do have to remove the cross brace (strut brace), reposition some rubber hoses and wiring harnesses, remove the pvc line that goes to the brake booster, remove the spark plug bracket that's in the way, and remove a connector that goes to a sensor. Be sure to put that plastic cover over the cut out on correctly...it is grooved and sort of slides in place. I also had to use longer screws to mount the motor, as the original ones were too short.

[Ranger]

I just replaced my blower motor and learned something I thought I'd share. For a 1994 DeVille with the 4.9, there is NO need to tilt the motor forward by removing the dog bones and loosening the cradle bolts, or remove the valve cover, or insert the blower cage first and reattach it via inside under the dash, or shoe horn it in with a prybar, or mutilate your air box by cutting it and taping/gluing it back together, as some members have done and/or advised.

I believe all those methods where refering to a vehicle with the Northstar as opposed to the 4.9.

BTW, NEVER shoe horn it with a prybar. Trust me.

[epricedright]

So are the airboxes different in the caddys with the Northstars? I wonder why Cadillac didn't put that cutout in the Northstars...that makes no sense! I was thinking maybe some people didn't notice that cut out. I've read some posts where people have mentioned seeing the "cut here" area on there airboxes, but nothing further about the plastic plate underneath that's held in place with the one screw.

[Ranger]

I really don't know if they used a different air box with the different engine. It is possible as the engines probably fill the engine bay differently. Personally I did not notice any cut out when I did mine, but that doesn't mean it wasn't there. Having just bought an '02 SLS I have noticed many differences under the hood even though it has the same engine. I am still trying to get familiar with her (so to speak).

[acklac7]

I had a "cut here" notification on my blower housing,as you describe (95 Eldorado N*)....No need to rock the engine forward or use a pry bar to maneuver the fan in (although I did have to slightly "force" it in) Only problem was tightening the bottom screw on the housing...Which I never did tighten (since it is near impossible to get ANY tool down there)... I ended up wedging a screw in-between the housing and the engine block in order to keep it secure...can we say shade-tree job?

[epricedright]

I had a "cut here" notification on my blower housing,as you describe (95 Eldorado N*)....No need to rock the engine forward or use a pry bar to maneuver the fan in (although I did have to slightly "force" it in) Only problem was tightening the bottom screw on the housing...Which I never did tighten (since it is near impossible to get ANY tool down there)... I ended up wedging a screw in-between the housing and the engine block in order to keep it secure...can we say shade-tree job?

Did you see the plastic half moon shaped plastic piece that is held on by one screw under the "cut here" rubber? If you remove that piece, R&R of the motor is easy w/ no persuassion needed.

I know what you mean by that bottom screw...PITA! That was the hardest part of the job, getting my 1/4 ratchet down there and fighting that srew. Do they make a 1/4 swivel adaptor...sure would have been handy!

[Ranger]

"Swivel adapter"? Do you mean a universal joint? Yup, they make those in 1/4".

[acklac7]

QUOTE]

Did you see the plastic half moon shaped plastic piece that is held on by one screw under the "cut here" rubber?  If you remove that piece, R&R of the motor is easy w/ no persuassion needed.

I know what you mean by that bottom screw...PITA!  That was the hardest part of the job, getting my 1/4 ratchet down there and fighting that srew.  Do they make a 1/4 swivel adaptor...sure would have been handy!

Yeah..I had the half-moon shaped plastic piece on my housing as well...As I recall I did have to bend it just the slightest bit in order to get it in.....But I had the N*...4.9 set-up may have been different? .....May need to get me one of the Universal dealy's though...If they can get to that bottom screw there priceless!