[shoecbj]

I was cleaning out the bottom of my Rheem AC unit, I was told to keep it clean and spray water from the inside to the outside to help the unit breathe. As I was lowering the fan and motor back I bent the fan blade, now it makes a very distinquished noise and I bent one of the blades. Is it possible to bend the blade back or what is my next move?

[ma0641]

I will assume you bent only 1 blade of 4 or 5. There are 2 key things to remember, blade pitch and blade alignment. Almost all of the blades today are aluminum and can be returned to their proper orientation. Turn off the power at the disconnect and remove the condenser cover. Slowly turn the fan and note which blade is bent up or down. Holding the fan hub, bend the blade back to it's aligned position. Now, sight across the blades to see if the blade is at the same angle as the others. If not, hold the blade in both hands and slowly flex-(bend)- the blade so it matches the others. Turn on the power and test run with the top off the condenser. Keep working at it until they are all the same. If the one blade is very bent, you may need to replace the fan assembly. Not too difficult but may be expensive depending on the brand. Google "condenser fan blades".