cleaning viking hood model 4848

Question

Viking no help. I can get the baffles out , etc.  However, I CANNOT get the two fans out to clean (or replace) them.  I think I need an allen wrench and the space is very tight.  I want them clean;  grease continues to drip from the right front corner of the hood when I cook and I cannot find the problem.  I am not the only person to have reported this issue in other places, but no one has provided a satisfactory answer.
Help??  Thanks, Jean

KMS Woodworks · Answer

Jean I worked on a similar hood last year for a client...it was some Italian thing...to get to the fan ( which was a squirrel cage style) the entire stainless shroud had to be removed, and then some support brackets. We replaced the fan assembly as a whole unit from a factory part. most of the screws holding the thing together were TORX style which is a type of star drive. Once the covers were off it was only about an hour worth of 'mechanical surgery' Here is an installation manual from viking that may be helpful... http://www.vikingrange.com/MEDIA_CustomProductCatalog/m1750052_F20470_EN.pdf Would would not say it was a total pain in the kester...but way more complex than most over the range hoods.

Jean · Answer

Thank you for the suggestions but this doesn't answer my question because the installation manual does not detail my specific problem:  removing and cleaning the two 'ferris wheel' like fans.  I can clearly see they are caked with grease;  just cannot get them out!  I do, however, appreciate that you have taken the time to offer your expertise!  Jean

Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com · Answer

The two fans which I believe you have are powered by a single motor mounted between them. The entire fan assembly is dropped by removing the barrel nuts that hold them into place. Be sure to unplug the fan motor before you drop the fan out. 
This is not a pretty job. Its hard enough to do when the fan is clean, once greasy it becomes a nasty job. Be sure to wear gloves as there are many sharp parts that can easily cut you if the fan slips in your hand due to the grease build up.

From what I understand once the barrel nuts and perhaps wing nuts are removed the fan tips out and comes out of a small slot that holds part of the fan in place.

There are several versions of this hood available, and the removal of the fan is exactly opposite of the install process. As the fan assembly is installed as part of the fan install process just look for the barrel nuts and perhaps a wing nut located between or on the corners of the fan blower assembly itself.  Be sure to shut off the power supply before working on the hood. You do not want the fan to turn on by accident when you have your hands on it.

Hope this helps.

Jean · Answer

That does help my understanding of the problem.  Thank you.  I still would like to know if anyone has been able to clean the grease off of the fans without removing the entire assembly...that job is really above my pay grade!  Has anyone cleaned these???  Jean

Jean · Answer

Thanks for the answers, but I'm still hoping for more ideas.

Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com · Answer

Jean, if there is substantial grease on the blades of the squirrel cage blower, the answer to doing this without removal is no.

And it is not because you cannot clean the blades themselves, but the amount of cleaner and water needed to do this would simply make a real large mess. The round cover will contain everything you spray into the blower wheel and it would take several days for it to stop leaking out of the tiny holes on the housing.

Your best bet is to take the blower down, then carefully spray the housing and the blower fins themselves with a good quality oven cleaner or automotive engine cleaner. Be sure to prevent this from getting into the blower motor as best as possible. Tin foil or plastic taped around the blower motor can help with that.

Let the chemical sit for a short while. Then using a garden hose spray it clean. Let dry and put back in. If some water gets into the motor housing, its not the end of the world, just try not to spray it directly and limit the amount that does get into the motor.  Be sure that it is really dry before plugging back in and it will be fine.

This will be the shortest time spent. If you attempt to do this while still installed, Even with the issues taking it down and putting it back in, it will be faster and much more successful then doing it in place.

Jean · Answer

Probably all of my questions are answered.  I think that if I want the grease cleaned from these fans I must find a commercial company who can remove the motor and the fans to clean them.  This does not make me 'happy'...but I do very much appreciate all of the help that hometalk has offered.  If anyone else checking these responses out sees a different (cheaper) solution... I would be gratified to hear from you!  Jean

Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com · Answer

Jean if  your abilities allow you to remove the fans which is really not that hard of a project. The cleaning is the easy part. 
Any HVAC contractor can do this project for you. You do not need a specialty company to do the work for you.

Jean · Answer

The two fans are connected to a central motor in the middle.  The unit is entirely too heavy for me to lift!  Did you mean that any HVAC contractor would be willing to remove and then replace the fan/motor unit so that i can get it clean?

Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com · Answer

Exactly.  The often do hood cleanings as well as blower removal cleanings in heating systems all the time. Not much of a difference. Just in kitchen then in furnace room.

Jean · Answer

Thanks...I will give it a try!  Nice of you to stick with me through all of this.  Jean

Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com · Answer

Glad to help! Keep us posted on how you make out.

Justin · Answer

Hi Jean,

Were you ever able to get this cleaning project done? I have the same Viking model and am wondering the same thing about how to clean the messy grease out of the blower. It's a PV00003 blower. None of the manuals seem to help.

Jean · Answer

Hi Justin,

It was a surprise to see your note after all of these years! I had a Viking repair man help me remove the fan for cleaning..it was a very hard job. Shortly after that he stopped working for Viking! Frankly, this hood has never been satisfactory. I inherited it when I bought this house. Little by little I am getting rid of all the Viking kitchen appliances. The double oven is next. None of them ever worked well and were in constant need of service. If I had it to do over again I would have dumped that hood and started over! This may not be the advice you were hoping for..but..I could not let your inquiry go unanswered. Best to you, Jean

cleaning viking hood model 4848

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