Dear Tom and Ray:

What is meant by a "factory sealed heater motor?" My problem started in December when I heard noises from the heater. I was told by my gas station that it was the heater motor, but that it is "factory sealed" and there was nothing they could do. I took it to the Olds dealer, and the service manager said the same thing. I ended up having to get a new heater motor, which cost me $86. I think Olds should refund my money since the motor is "factory sealed" and there's no way to maintain it. What do you think? Joe

Ray: It's standard practice for all manufacturers to "factory seal" their blower motors. What that means is that the metal covering on the blower motor is folded over and welded, so you can't open it up and replace individual parts of the motor. It's a lot less expensive to make that way.

Tom: So if you're looking to recover $86, I think you have a better shot in the Publishers Clearinghouse giveaway than you do with Oldsmobile, Joe.

Spending a little money now on "preventive maintenance" can save you big bucks down the road. Find out how by ordering Tom and Ray's pamphlet "Ten Ways You May Be Ruining Your Car Without Even Knowing It!" To order, send (check or money order) to Ruin, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. You can also order online.

© 1993 by Tom and Ray Magliozzi and Doug Berman Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.

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