Powerbook G3 fan died, should I worry?

[InuNacho]

On my Wallstreet PB the side fan has apparently stopped working and the guide on how to repair it on iFixit is extremely daunting. My question is, running solely 68K applications should I be fine without a working fan or should I bite the bullet and attempt to fix it?

 

[mzs.112000]

You should attempt to fix it. Otherwise, you will end up burning out your GPU, and CPU, no matter what you are doing.

 

[MacCubed]

The fan on my G3 Lombard rarely turns on, are you sure yours is broken?

 

[CooperBox]

If it were me I'd definitely attempt to repair it.
I've only recently acquired a very nice Wallstreet, and recall being advised that the disassembly is somewhat more challenging than a Pismo and some other earlier PB models - which is not to say really difficult.
A year or so ago I'd shy away from any iFixit repair which gave a 'Difficult' mention. But there's no need to. If one follows the instructions to the word (and also watch and study any relevant Ytube videos, and take a methodical record of exactly where each screw and feature came from) it becomes like a fascinating 3d jigsaw puzzle. With the same great satisfaction when that last piece is fitted.
Oh, and I always take macro photos along each step, which helps to identify cable runs etc, and makes re-installation much straight forward.
Bite the bullet - get into that Wallstreet! And pose any questions here if you should experience difficulties.

 

[iModFrenzy]

Didn't iBook G3 clambooks use a fanless system and they also had a higher clock as well. I don't think it would be a big deal to run it without the fan. I could be wrong though.

 

[CooperBox]

Didn't iBook G3 clambooks use a fanless system and they also had a higher clock as well. I don't think it would be a big deal to run it without the fan. I could be wrong though.

Agree that the iBook G3 Clamshell is fanless, but the post refers to a PowerBook G3 'Wallstreet' which is a slightly different beast.
Just checked and the G3 Wallstreet fan is Apple Part #: 922-3370. A quick web-search shows they are available for less then $5.

 

[weckart]

Make sure you read all of the comments below the guide before you start pulling your Wallstreet apart so you can see feedback from those who have followed the guide before. Many of the iFixit guides have one or two unnecessary steps added in, which you can skip. Guides rarely seem to be edited once uploaded.

 

[bunnspecial]

Make sure you read all of the comments below the guide before you start pulling your Wallstreet apart so you can see feedback from those who have followed the guide before. Many of the iFixit guides have one or two unnecessary steps added in, which you can skip. Guides rarely seem to be edited once uploaded.

In many cases, I will simply scan the iFixit guide to see where the part I'm trying to place is located and what's in its way then "wing it" from there.

The guides are helpful on some laptops-such as when AlBooks when you're trying to figure out which screws should stay, or when something isn't coming loose because of a screw you missed. Otherwise though many things are pretty well self explanatory once you understand the general layout.

One of my favorites is the hard drive replacement in a Unibody iMac, which shows you virtually taking the computer completely apart. I've only done one, but-once the glass was off-I only found it necessary to "unhook" the LCD and hinge it partially out of the way. It was a bit cramped to do it that way, but saved unhooking a lot of cables and the potential risk associated with damaging a connector each time this is done.

I've often found the Apple service manuals to be among the best references for tear-downs on older computers.

BTW, if the computer in question is the original Wallstreet and not the Wallstreet II(AKA PDQ) I'd hate to run it without a fan. The Wallstreets have serious heat issues-this was one of the things addressed in the PDQ.

http://tim.id.au/laptops/apple/powerbook/powerbook_g3_series.pdf

 

[InuNacho]

Didn't iBook G3 clambooks use a fanless system and they also had a higher clock as well. I don't think it would be a big deal to run it without the fan. I could be wrong though.

That was my main thought, the iBooks didn't have fans so why should a roomier battery-less Powerbook be any different.

BTW, if the computer in question is the original Wallstreet and not the Wallstreet II(AKA PDQ) I'd hate to run it without a fan. The Wallstreets have serious heat issues-this was one of the things addressed in the PDQ.

Ahh yes, I forgot to mention that this model is indeed a 266 PDQ. Thanks for that repair manual, looks easier to digest than the iFixit one.