Cleaning The Blower - A.O. Smith GPVL-50 Service Handbook

Residential gas water heaters power vented gas models with hot surface ignition not for use in manufactured (mobile) homes

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Table of Contents

BLOWER

In dusty and contaminated air conditions, the interior of

the blower and the blower wheel may require periodic

cleaning. This is often indicated by nuisance failures

of the air pressure switch or the high limit temperature

control. A collection of dust or debris on the rear blower

air intakes can also indicate reduced blower capacity. To

clean the inside of the blower assembly and the blower

wheel requires the removal of the blower/motor from the

mounting plate located on the top of the heater. Tools

required include an 11/32" nut driver, small (1") paintbrush,

toothbrush and vacuum cleaner.

Set the gas control valve/thermostat to its lowest

setting by turning the knob counter-clockwise to the

VAC point (see Figure 3).

Turn gas control switch to the "OFF" position and turn

"OFF" the gas supply to the unit (see Figure 3).

Disconnect the electrical power to the water heater

from the wall outlet.

Disconnect the vent piping from the top of the blower.

Loosen the lower gear clamp that holds the rubber

coupling to the blower.

Remove and retain the (4) 11/32" nuts located on

the back of the blower with the nutdriver (see Figure

32).

Holding the blower motor and the blower housing,

pull the assembly forward to disengage it from the

mounting plate. The blower will still be connected to

the junction box so exercise care not to stress the

wiring.

Accessing the blower wheel through the outlet, use

the paint brush to brush off the outer edge of the

blower wheel to dislodge the dirt stuck on the blades

and the inside of the housing. Rotate the wheel until

all blades are clear. Note: The wheel is a balanced

component. Do not bend, dent or distort the blades as

this can upset the wheel balance and affect the blower

operation. Vacuum out the loosened dirt.

Accessing the inside of the blower wheel through the

rear of the housing, gently brush off the inside of the

blades using the toothbrush. Again, take care not to

distort the blades. Rotate the wheel until all blades

are cleaned and vacuum the debris.

Inspect the ﬂ ue collector hood (still attached to the

heater) and vacuum out the dust and debris that may

have accumulated.

10.

With all parts cleaned and the blower wheel turning

freely, reinstall the blower to the mounting plate

aligning the (4) studs and pushing tight against the

mounting plate.

11.

Reinstall the (4) 11/32" nuts and tighten securely. All

(4) nuts must be in place and secure to safely operate

the blower.

12.

Reattach the vent piping and coupling to the top of the

blower, tighten the bottom gear clamp and ensure the

piping is secure.