1969 Blower Motor - Joe Lucia Part No. Help?

[Jim R.]

I have a 1969 small block 350/300 with A/C. The original blower motor was replaced and it does not push much air into the car. When I change the 4-position fan switch there is a very slight change in air flow, but not enough for comfort. I looked through my AIM but cannot find an original part number for the blower fan. I have the original fan with the cooling hole in the side of the motor housing. The replacement blower is sealed and does not have the cooling hole. The replacement came in a plain white box with red panels - no manufacturer's name on it. The only markings are:

On the front of the box:
REPLACES 22020943
15-893
Motor
731-21R

On the bottom of the box:
1746 FE
72324

Can you tell me if this is a standard replacement part?

How important is the cooling tube and connection? The tube is missing, and it seems to be in short supply - unavailable.

Would either the condenser or the resistor in this curcuit be the cause of the fan running at very slow speeds?

Any other ideas?

Thanks,
Jim #33086

[Joe L.]

Re: 1969 Blower Motor - Joe Lucia Part No. Help?

Jim-----

The original blower motor for your application was GM #4914916. In July, 1972 this was discontinued and replaced by GM #4960538. In March, 1982 the latter was discontinued and replaced by GM #22020943. That part was discontinued in April, 1984 and replaced by GM #22029905 and, in July of 1993, it was discontinued and replaced by GM #22098839. The latter was discontinued without supercession in April, 1993. Quite a trail of part numbers.

In any event, it appears that the part you have replaces one of the GM part numbers used for your application, so it should be the right one. Beyond that, I don't know too much about the part. "No-name" boxes always worry me. There MUST be a reason that the manufacturer or source doesn't want to put their name on it. However, as I say, the GM part is long-discontinued. So, some sort of aftermarket part is about the best you can do. At least, they DO have a correct GM part number on the box and that number is one of the GM part numbers that would be correct for your application.

I believe that some of the later A/C blower motors, and possibly even the 22020943 are designed for use without cooling tubes. If the motor has no provisions for a cooling tube, then you won't be able to use one even if you have one. Like I say, I think that this requirement was "designed out" of later motors. Technology does advance.

I think it's very possible that the resistor could be the cause of your problems. I'd replace it. GM #3942651 is what you need, but it's discontinued. I think these are available in reproduction, though.