new motors for Harrison heaters

Does anybody know any sources for small electric motors? I'm restoring this heater that Clay gave me, and the motors are shot. NAPA has a good selection, but none that are just right. I can get a replacement for the defroster motor at NAPA, because it's exposed and I can make a slightly larger motor fit, but the main blower motor fits in a tight space and it's gotta be just right. NAPA's smallest motor is just a little too big.

I've got both motors in a shop now for evaluation to see if they can make one good one out of the two, but I'd really like to find a couple new ones if possible. Two new motors have gotta be cheaper than rebuilding.

This heater was made by Harrison, I don't have the model number here at work but I can get it later at home. Does anybody know of a parts source for Harrison heaters? Seems like they made lots of different kinds of them.

 

Ron, You looking for 6v or converting to 12v? Try McMasterCarr? They list some small DC motors.

 

Either one, 6v or 12v. I'll give them a try, thanks!

 

Could it be rebuilt with new parts? Try a shop that rebuilds starters or even something like electric tools. Just an idea....May be able to take it apart, clean it up, and lube the bearings. Might be worth a try.

 

Thanks for the input Hansh. There's two motors on this thing, and I tore 'em both down. Cleaned them both up real good, I had hopes that one would work, but it didn't.

The other one, when I took it apart, the bushing on the tail end of the shaft was siezed on it and the bushing pulled out of the housing, which junked that motor and made it a parts donor for the other.

Both motors are currently at an automotive electric shop to be evaluated, to see if he can make one good one from the two.

I was just hoping I could find someone that knows where to find these motors. These are very small motors, and finding someone to even look at 'em was a chore. I'd really like to just get new ones.

 

Steve, that link took me to a dash-mounted fan of some sort, and I can't for the life of me figure out how to search for that 53005 number on their site. I did send them a message, stating what I'm looking for and asking for help, I'll try to call them tomorrow.

Thanks for the info though, got any more? Like photos, or the name of a dealer?

 

Yeah, keep me posted Steve! It's a pretty small motor I'm looking for. NAPA came real close, but not quite.

I need a 1/4" shaft, and the two case bolts are 2" center to center. The main blower motor fits into the center of the heater core, and it's a small space, so it's a tight fit. It's like putting the motor into a can, a small can, so the O.D. of the motor case is important.

I don't have the motors in-hand to get measurements, they're at a motor repair shop. I'm still looking for new ones, because the repair shop didn't give me a warm, fuzzy feeling about their ability to make one working motor out of the two. Didn't seem too interested in even trying.

The motor for the defroster is exposed, and doesn't have to be an exact replacement. I know I can get a motor from NAPA that will work there, just have to drill a couple new holes because the case bolts are like 2-1/8" center to center. It's getting one that will fit inside the core that's the problem.

 

Thanks Steve, but those are too big. I don't have my motors on hand to measure, but the housing on mine is only about 2-3/8", and the bolts are 2" on centers. I think my only salvation will be if this repair shop can make one work out of the two, then I can get a motor from NAPA for the defroster.

 

Well, I've got the core rebuilt and all the other parts/covers beadblasted and painted. It's going under the dash come hell or high water. It may not run, but it's gonna look nice! I'll post pics when it's together, motors or not. I painted the main body hammered silver, just like it originally was underneath the WILLYS badge. The defroster housing is satin black. And the aluminum WILLYS badge polished up real perty!

Are you talking about one of these, Steve?

 

Rondog you thought that heater was free. sounds like the price is going up fast. I was under the impression they put out the same amount of heat with or without blowers? Glad to see it getting fixed good luck. Can't wait to see the before and after.

 

I knew fixing it up would be an expensive challenge, it's 50 years old after all. But I love it because it's the right vintage and it says Willys on it. Sure it needs rebuilt, but it wasn't rotted beyond repair and the covers weren't kicked in or bent and dented, and the aluminum WILLYS badge was in great shape, it shined up real nice. The fact that you gave it to me for free rather than tossing it in a dumpster makes it that much sweeter! It was ugly, but that was all superficial. It looks great now! I'll get some photos up when it's all reassembled.

I'm not terribly concerned if I never get the main blower working, I don't imagine I'll ever really NEED a heater that bad, this Jeep isn't going to be used much in bad weather. I may not even have a top on it for a couple of years. I want this heater mostly just to have it there as a period correct accessory, since I'm so anal about restoring my '56. That black heater in the above photo looks great in that white flatty. If I ever really NEED good heat, I'd just install one of those Mojave heaters, but I feel that will be in Jeep #2, down the road.

And yeah, the hot water going through the core would still produce the same amount of heat, but it would only be radiant...you need the blower to push the heat out into the cabin. I can still have a working defroster too, that motor isn't a problem.

This is the same core I have, the motor comes into the center from the back side, and has to fit inside a small space, like inside a little fruit can.

 

I had another thought. You could try Wally's Sales & Service Auto Parts, 966 Sheridan Road, Kenosha, WI 53140, (262) 552-8330. He deals in a lot of older Jeep parts, new and used. They only deal in Jeep products. I do not think they have a website. Talk to Will, he may be able to help you, or direct you to someplace that can. It is about 45 min. from my home. Good Luck.