🚀 go-pugleaf

Oz wrote:

> Have tried both types of fan over the years, including expensive papst fans.
> IME (which is quite a bit) the cheap fans last longer.

If we're going down memory lane: I've sometimes lubricated fans as an 
emergency measure. I use an oil which works at high temperature, and 
is OK if it gets in food (this shouldn't be relevant for people with 
normal habits, but may help to identify the oil). It is clear with 
cloudy sediment of teflon or something, and comes in small vials with 
pocket clip. The type of oil is important; many soon break down to a 
gummy state. Pull the sticker off the bearing side of the fan, add a 
single drop of oil, and reseal. When this was last discussed about 2 
years ago Oz pointed out that this was only temporary. A fan I oiled 
"temporarily" before then has worked ever since without trouble -- 
being on a machine of mine, I haven't bothered to replace the fan.

While this repeated discussion will surely provoke groans, it is the 
sort of thing that can save time and trouble for people not around 
the first time.

Some other tips: 
- if a machine which was working OK starts to crash or show errors, 
  check the fans. 
- Some cases have "cooling" holes placed to allow cool air in from 
  one place and out of another without passing over the processor and
  other hot bits. Typically, a row of circular holes above the 
  expansion board slots. Blocking off these holes with insulating 
  tape can effect a miracle repair.

HTH,
-- 
Michael Salem