Replacement fan choice for T61

[pointyhat]

Hi all,

I've got a 14.1" widescreen T61 (7661-12G) with Intel integrated graphics. Recently it occasionally throws "Fan Error" on power up and the fan is suffering from pulsing/accelerations. Looking at CoreTemp, it's not getting that hot (around 60oC tops). The fan itself seems to spin fine which is weird.

I've blown dust out of it using an air duster both via the fan ducts and removing the keyboard and cleaning out around it. This did nothing.

I'm considering replacing the fan unit. According to the service manual, it needs a 42W2462 cooling unit as a replacement. I've done a bit of searching and these are either all in the far east or expensive. This lead to doing some research and you can replace the fan bit only with some patience and some alu tape, both of which I have . Unfortunately, I don't know which model fan to pick. There are a number of choices available.

MCF-210PAM05 seems to be the most "common" part used. Can anyone comment on if this is suitable or if my approach is right or not?

Any help appreciated

Edit: I've tried TPFanControl and it appears to show the fan working. Setting fan control to 0 stops the fan and set to 7 it kicks out between 3800 and 4000 rpm.

[DiagonalArg]

@pointyhat - did you ever fix this problem? I just picked up a T61 that's doing the same thing. It pulses and then overheats and shuts down. Thing is, I replaced the fan and that had no effect, so I'm wondering what worked for you.