Did a one hour project that turned into all day...

[MikeP]

But it didn't have to!

Yesterday I was pulling elec wire for our 53MY's new galley oven (GE Advantium). I chose to run the cable through one of the galley cabinets and, in doing so, decided to open an access panel at the back of the cabinetto see if I could use some existing space behind the cabinet to run the wires as opposed to through the cabinet. Short story on that part, no - I drilled the holes in the cabinet and did the wiring in about 45 minutes.

The rest of the day was spent dealing with the forward head exhaust blower which is located some distance behind that 12" x 10" access panel - a loooong arm stretch with head jammed up inside the cabinet. Wires to unit have no slack and are cable clamped behind another panel that is absolutely not accessible from the access panel. I have been annoyed by the blower's obvious need for lubrication for years. By the time I had pulled it, disassembled/cleaned lubed it and then figured out how to reach the wires that I had to cut to get the unit out and install crimp connectors on them, it was getting dark! f you had the headliner out, blower access would be quite easy from the head itself but the access panel for that purpose is a challenge! The bearings (bushings) were totally dry and desperately needed some oil.

Now for the "it didn't have to take very long" part...after I got the blower out, I discovered that the motor has two oil holes...both easily accessible from the access panel opening! Could have done the 4-5 hour job in about 30 seconds with my oil can!

 

[Bill Allen]

Suprise always the easy ones that seem to bite ya in the A. Bill

 

[jim rosenthal]

Another "while you're in there" that got ya....

 

[MikeP]

The funny part is that for most of the time I was cursing Hatt for having an access panel that for all practical purposes, wouldn't allow you to do anything to what it was accessing. Turned out that the panel is fine for oiling the motor or changing the exhaust tube. Which is pretty much what needs to be done for routine maint.

 

[RT46]

dont feel bad,
many of my quick projects turn into all day events,
and sometimes multi day events for the same reasons.

 

[Sailor John]

Man... Thats like finding out a bird built its nest in your dryer vent hose!
Not to worry...Your faux pas secrets are safe with us!
(Don't tell anyone, but we all learn when you post this kind of 'nautical trauma'; we've all been there at some point...)

Sailor John

 

[Andy B]

That was a doh' moment, I have had similer projects myself cursen' and complaing at the manufacturer only to find out I was the one
who wasn't quite thinking it all through.