Unless the bearings in the old fan are truly shot, a drop or two of light oil in the right place might be all that's needed to quiet the fan back down.
I thought of trying that, but when we opened the power supply, we found that the fan motor is a sealed unit. I suppose if I had a long enough needle I could reach the inner bearing, but if what I'm told in this thread is true, then I can replace the fan with a case cooling fan. I'm really not too fond of that idea, although if others can attest to this replacement, I will try it.
On another note, and still on topic: Between the two of us, both Ed Hall, and I have our own XT computers. Both have bad power supplies. (funny, huh? Is it that common of an issue?) In mine the power supply is completely DOA, but on his, the power supply still works, although its only providing 80% of its required output in both the 12 volt, and the 5 volt sides. 80% isn't enough to get the hard disc to spin up, or to boot the computer. It is also clear that Ed's 5160 had been run quite a while without a cooling fan in the power supply, as there is a burn pattern on the case's upper, right where the power supply sits underneath. So right now, we need to replace his power supply. So, I want to replace it entirely. I see no reason to even try rebuilding it, because of burning on the power supply circuit board, and I'm not sure of how extensive the damage might be. I don't want to waste the time, and money for something that MIGHT work.
The power supply in MY 5160 is completely dead though. But at least there is no burnt area, and the circuit board looks OK. Still, I would rather replace this power supply before trying a rebuild.
As for the power supply in my IBM 5161 Expansion Unit, I really worry about makeshift repairs. However, if others can attest to this practice of replacing the power supply fan with a case cooling fan, on their own power supply, then I'll try it on my own. But if nobody else has done it previously, then I don't want to try it.
If I do attempt it, what size of cooling fan would I need to purchase? It looks pretty simple to replace the original fan with a nice upgraded ball bearing fan.
Lastly; I have been searching E-Bay for XT power supplies for several months. I just can't seem to have any kind of luck in locating one to use as a replacement for the power supply in my XT with a decent price. I don't call $50.00 to $95.00 decent. When I needed one for a friend of mine a while back, there were plenty to choose from and I bought one for only $25.00. Now, it's become a rarity.
So does anyone here have a power supply I can buy at a reasonable price, maybe two so I can fix Ed's XT at the same time?
Again, as always; Thanks in advance everybody.
