Replace fan in SVT 2 Pro?

StuartV · #1 08-05-2010, 11:05 AM

When I turned on my SVT 2 Pro last night, the fan was making some weird noises. Like it was struggling to get going. It finally seemed to get fully up to speed and quieted down.

This seems like a good indication that I should go ahead and replace the fan as preventative maintenance.

I'm very handy with tools.

Is replacing the fan (I assume there's only one in there) something I could reasonably do myself?

If so, can anybody point me to a place to get an appropriate replacement?

If it matters, it's an SVT 2 Pro that was made in the USA in 2005 (I believe).

Thanks for any help!

StuartV · #2 08-05-2010, 07:57 PM

Anyone? Anyone? Bueller?

MIJ-VI · #3 08-05-2010, 08:14 PM

Have you tried Ampeg?
http://www.ampeg.com/support.html

StuartV · #4 08-05-2010, 08:20 PM

Not yet. I usually figure the manufacturer will recommend Genuine OEM replacement parts. And, often in cases like this, those that are "in the know" will know of a better-than-OEM replacement part.

MIJ-VI · #5 08-05-2010, 08:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StuartV

Not yet. I usually figure the manufacturer will recommend Genuine OEM replacement parts. And, often in cases like this, those that are "in the know" will know of a better-than-OEM replacement part.

Do you have a copy of your amp's schematic? It should identify the fan type.

Does said fan look like this one (it's for a vintage SVT)?

http://www.fliptops.net/catalog/prod...roducts_id=844

--------

Another prospect?..

P-HFAN

Fan - 115V - AC 50/60 HZ, 1 Phase
Super low noise 115V-AC.

Dimensions are 4 11/16" (height) x 4 11/16" (width) x 1 1/2" (depth).

The distance between mounting centers is 4 1/8" x 4 1/8".

http://www.tubesandmore.com/

--------

EDIT:

There are some SVT 2 Pro schematics here: http://music-electronics-forum.com/t6121/#post124344

KramerBassFan · #6 08-05-2010, 08:41 PM

Is it dirty? You could try cleaning it.... Then again, replacements aren't that much. Providing you dont need an AMPEG branded one or something like that.

StuartV · #7 08-19-2010, 08:04 AM

Still hoping somebody can tell me if this is a job I could do myself or should I take it to a tech?

Pointer to a direct replacement fan?

I appreciate the replies so far, but so far, I have avoided even trying to open it up and look at the fan, since I don't know if this is something where I could easily screw something up.

geggy spoiger · #8 08-19-2010, 08:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StuartV

I have avoided even trying to open it up and look at the fan, since I don't know if this is something where I could easily screw something up.

I guess you're not that handy with tools...

Just pop the top man to see if it's not anything obvious obstructing the fan. Dirt and the rest.

And yes there is only one fan, isolated from the tubes, looks like it's used only as an exhaust, rather than a cooling system.

geggy spoiger · #9 08-19-2010, 08:25 AM

I used to own a 2-Pro by the way. Mine was a 2001, owned it till 2008 and the fan did need some cleaning after a few years.

StuartV · #10 08-19-2010, 08:31 AM

Ha ha! What I'm not as "handy" with is electricity. Particularly high voltage analog applications. The bulk of my experience falls into two categories: wrenching on race bikes (motorcycles) and "wrenching" on computers.

I'm a little leery of getting inside my SVT and frying something - particularly myself!

Bassamatic · #11 08-19-2010, 08:41 AM

Replacing a fan should be pretty easy if you are handy with hand tools. The only potential problem I could see is if the fan has some kind of connector on it that your replacement does not. Then you would need to cut it off, solder on to the new one with shrink tube for insulation, etc.

You can most likely get a much better fan than the one you have. Look for one with ball bearings - it will last a lot longer.

Check computer stores, appliance repair places, etc. for a new one. Take the old one with you. Good luck

StuartV · #12 09-08-2010, 09:34 AM

Just for the record, the fan was $29, shipped, from LOUD/Ampeg.

When it gets here, I'll find out whether it's plug & play or requires cutting/soldering. The folks at Ampeg couldn't tell me. :-\

StuartV · #13 09-21-2010, 08:18 AM

Fan arrived yesterday. I installed it last night. Works fine. Much quieter than the one I took out.

The install was:

- Remove bottom cover (about 18 screws).
- Unplug fan power wires from terminals. The wires had female spade connectors on the ends.
- Remove top cover (about 17 screws).
- Remove 4 screws holding fan in place.
- Pull fan out, pulling wiring through hole from bottom side of amp and out the top.
- Route wires for new fan through hole in amp chassis deck (not sure what else to call it) from top side to bottom and pull slack through.
- Replace 4 screws holding fan in place.
- Route wiring like original.
- Crimp 2 female spade connectors on ends of wire (which were bare, stripped, and tinned). I think the spade connectors I used were 3/32", for 18 - 22ga wire, and they seemed just right.
- Plug power leads into power terminals.
- Replace covers.

I powered it up before replacing the top cover to visually verify fan operation.

Glad to have it done and not have to worry about it any more.

MIJ-VI · #14 09-21-2010, 10:11 AM

Good.

Did you clean the amp out while you had it open?

The detritus which accumulates inside of fan-cooled electronics can form a fire and health hazard (if inhaled).

Here's a thread which discusses the issue:

Do clean Your amps every once and a while. NOT for the faint at heart.

svtb15 · #15 09-21-2010, 10:19 AM

FYI.. if you open an SVT BE CAREFUL !!!
Even when unplugged the Filter Caps will hold a charge for hours if not days.
If not discharged properly and you touch the cap leads by accident .
It could stop your heart and kill you.. Just a little FYI.
SVTs may have up to about 600 V just hanging in there ready to let go..

If you someone doesn't know what they are doing in there . Take it to someone that knows about high voltage amp repairs.

MIJ-VI · #16 09-21-2010, 10:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by svtb15

FYI.. if you open an SVT BE CAREFUL !!!
Even when unplugged the Filter Caps will hold a charge for hours if not days.
If not discharged properly and you touch the cap leads by accident .
It could stop your heart and kill you.. Just a little FYI.
SVTs may have up to about 600 V just hanging in there ready to let go..

If you someone doesn't know what they are doing in there . Take it to someone that knows about high voltage amp repairs.

Could filter caps be discharged by unplugging the amp from an AC wall socket while the rig was powered up and notes were being played through it?

svtb15 · #17 09-21-2010, 11:20 AM

To be honest with you.. I really do not know the answer to that question..
I am not an amp tech but i have worked on my gear, and only after much experience in the electronics world many years ago....
And i did get hit by an SVT many years ago.. in my 20s... It was unplugged for about an hour.
I do remember flying backwards. Hitting my head on the floor and telling myself to breathe... No Joke..
After that i have extreme respect for any high voltage power source Plugged in or not... I discharge my SVT through a resistor to ground and leave it there until i am done working on the amp.
Its a good thing my heart was in good condition back then.. Not sure these days.. hahha
It is serious business

Quote:

Originally Posted by MIJ-VI

Could filter caps be discharged by unplugging the amp from an AC wall socket while the rig was powered up and notes were being played through it?

MIJ-VI · #18 09-21-2010, 11:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by svtb15

To be honest with you.. I really do not know the answer to that question..
I am not an amp tech but i have worked on my gear, and only after much experience in the electronics world many years ago....
And i did get hit by an SVT many years ago.. in my 20s... It was unplugged for about an hour.
I do remember flying backwards. Hitting my head on the floor and telling myself to breathe... No Joke..
After that i have extreme respect for any high voltage power source Plugged in or not... I discharge my SVT through a resistor to ground and leave it there until i am done working on the amp.
Its a good thing my heart was in good condition back then.. Not sure these days.. hahha
It is serious business

!

I'm glad you wound up as a student instead of a casualty.

StuartV · #19 09-21-2010, 12:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MIJ-VI

Good.

Did you clean the amp out while you had it open?

It was actually amazingly clean inside. A bit of dust fell out onto the towel I had it sitting on as I turned it over and back over several times. Otherwise, the only dust I really saw in there was on the old fan blades.

StuartV · #20 09-21-2010, 12:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by svtb15

FYI.. if you open an SVT BE CAREFUL !!!
Even when unplugged the Filter Caps will hold a charge for hours if not days.
If not discharged properly and you touch the cap leads by accident .
It could stop your heart and kill you.. Just a little FYI.
SVTs may have up to about 600 V just hanging in there ready to let go..

If you someone doesn't know what they are doing in there . Take it to someone that knows about high voltage amp repairs.

THAT is the kind of info I was looking for when I started this thread - BEFORE I opened it up.

Now, the fan is replaced and I hope I won't be opening it up again any time soon.

Either I got lucky or leaving it off but plugged in for 24 hours before I opened it up drained the caps.

I'll go with I got lucky.