Need advice on replacing t41p fan

[DeAnna]

So my fan died on my T41P. I had noticed it getting hot, so shut it down, and when I attempted to boot it up later, it just said Fan Error then shuts off. Preload diagnostics says same thing.

My warranty expired last spring, so I'm guessing the thing to do is to replace it myself, and I'm nervous. I've read the manual and threads here, and it looks straightforward enough, but before I delve in, I have a few questions I hope y'all can answer for me if you'd be so kind.

1. Do I really need to buy new screws?
(I don't travel with it. It stays on my desk or in my lap at home, and always on a wooden cutting board.)
If so, where?

2. Do I need any special tools besides a screwdriver and a hex the size of the drive?

3. Is there anything not mentioned in the manual that would be a good idea to do? Or a common "gotcha" to watch for?

4. I can't find a listing to tell which fan I need to get, so I was going to open it and see, first. But what's the deal with long vs short fans? Should I buy a long one even if the current one is short?

5. Is there a better way to deal with this than doing it myself? ie, where would I find someone else to do it for me?

Thanks!

[richk]

I vote "no" on the new screws. You need only a good size "00" phillips screwdriver. All T41p machines use the long fan. It isn't hard to do. Just be sure to unplug the machine and remove the battery before starting. You need thermal paste to seat the fan. Clean the old paste off with denatured alcohol.

[Nick Y]

2) Don't think so. Some people recommend using dental floss to break seal between heatsink and GPU.

3) YES. Mainly taking care with the GPU -don't twist the screwdriver.

4) The hardware manual -find on Lenovo site - will help you tie your model to the fan number. It also has details of fan replacement. ftp://ftp.software.ibm.com/pc/pccbbs/mo ... 192_01.pdf

Have a look around here. There are several recent threads on fan replacement, dangers and simply lessons learned with photos, etc. (I have a bookmarked youtube video on applying arctic silver at www.youtube.com/watch?v=xekr6eQL62U)

(Waiting here for fan for T41p myself; out of stock in UK, which is a bit annoying!)

I hope that this helps you.

Edit: Take very great care around the GPU with the T41p. See 't42 shuts down when i move it:' http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?t=33952 for the problem. Like many others, I had a new motherboard fitted, although fortunately under warranty. (pre-fan failure)

[DeAnna]

Excellent. Thanks, you two.

I'll go ebay a long fan, then. I did look at the hardware manual for which fan to use, but it skipped my particular model number for some reason. I guess any long fan meant for a t41p would do, but I'll look to see what's in there now, before I order one.

I had read those threads about the difficulty and caution required in removing them, which is one reason I keep hesitating. I'll definitely try the denatured alcohol and dental floss. Thanks!

[rbena]

I guess any long fan meant for a t41p would do, but I'll look to see what's in there now, before I order one.

The long fan extends over the graphics chip, but a number of fan models differ in noise level. The FRU# 91P9252 long fan is rather noisy, as is the 13N5442.

The 13R2657 long fan is one of the quietest. I've installed these last year in two of my T42's and can vouch for their quiet running. My T42's previously had the two noisier models mentioned above (both fans were almost new), and the difference in the replacement fans is certainly noticeable.

As you're out of warranty, you may want to source the fan from a third party vendor, as it may no longer be available from Lenovo. Be aware that 'equivalent' fan models may not have the same low noise characteristics. And a new fan vs used is preferrable, if you can find one. Finally, if you can get a reliable computer store to install it (aprox $40) it might be worth it to you.

[Nick Y]

The 13R2657 long fan is still sold by Lenovo; you can check availability on-line (4-6wks in UK, as I know! Another 2 weeks to go....) Also 13R2657 appears to have alternative part number of 41W5204.

One or two comments I have seen re buying on Ebay is that they have ended up with a dead fan!

Also, just in case it is not the fan, which it most probably is, you can unplug the old fan, plug in the new and just check that it works before dismantling the old fan.

[rbena]

Also 13R2657 appears to have alternative part number of 41W5204.

Don't know if 41W5204 is a quiet fan like the 13R2657.

One or two comments I have seen re buying on Ebay is that they have ended up with a dead fan!

A good reason to go for a new fan (as well as no wear). Is worth searching the internet as well as EBay.

[DeAnna]

Thanks for the great advice on the fan to choose.

If I had any idea where to start finding a reliable place to install it for me, I'd jump on it. Anyone know of a good place north of Dallas? Plano/Frisco, even Denton? lol

I can buy the fan myself, either way. If I do it myself, I've got to go buy one of those and some arctic silver. I'm guessing Radio Shack is the best place to go for those, huh.

[rbena]

You need to simply identify who in your area does IBM Thinkpad warranty work. You could call the IBM general number and get a list of warranty service firms in your area.

I would then talk to someone from the firm I'm considering, in order to establish they have experience replacing fans, working with thermal paste, and properly installing the copper heat sink onto the graphics chip of the T41p.

Quick web search identified a firm in Nth Dallas -
http://www.richardscomputer.com/services.htm

and reviews from customers -
http://www.insiderpages.com/b/3721754787

[DeAnna]

Thanks, rbena.

My experience with service places like that for my towers has been disappointing enough that I like to have personal recommendations.

Actually, my T23's fan sounds like it's at least in need of a cleaning, and the red hue of the screen suggests it needs a new back-light. So I think I'll go find a 00 philips screwdriver and paste, and practice on it, first. If I don't destroy it, I'll risk working on my T41P.

If it's too much, I'll give these guys a call.