Pole Position upright fan issues

RetroInjection

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Hi, all.

I have not opened up the machine yet, but the fan inside my Pole Position upright was very loud when I purchased it. Over time, it got worse, and upon the last boot up, the fan didn't even turn on until the game had been on for maybe 15 seconds or so. I actually thought it had died completely for a while. Is this fan on the power supply, and if so, can it be replaced with a standard box power supply? How urgent is this issue? If the fan totally dies, can the machine still be left on for short periods of time? Thanks for any advice.

Dave
 
Just replace the fan. They wear out over time. New fans that as much quieter but move as much air can be easily found. There are many threads here with links and fan recommendations.

I wouldn't run a game that is supposed to be fan cooled without a fan for much time. Pole positions need all the help they can get--I would not play fan roulette with a working specimen.
 
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Not every Pole Position had fans installed. Early production runs did not have one. Once the heat related complaints started rolling in to the Atari factory from techs all over the country, Atari decided a fan was needed. You'll find that later production runs had a fan installed.

It is a 120 volt AC fan. I believe a fan such as Jameco Electronics # 2129588 should work to directly replace the original fan. If you need a fan guard to go on the fan, Jameco Electronics # 25735 fits the above fan.
 
Not every Pole Position had fans installed. Early production runs did not have one. Once the heat related complaints started rolling in to the Atari factory from techs all over the country, Atari decided a fan was needed. You'll find that later production runs had a fan installed.

It is a 120 volt AC fan. I believe a fan such as Jameco Electronics # 2129588 should work to directly replace the original fan. If you need a fan guard to go on the fan, Jameco Electronics # 25735 fits the above fan.

Thanks, Ken. Parts have been ordered.

Dave
 
Thanks again, all. The new fan is in and it no longer sounds like the 4:15. First time I'd had the back open. Man, that old fan was nasty with decades of grime. Also found out the monitor was only 9 years old, and all the original documentation was in the cabinet, mint and clean in a very dirty plastic bag. :eek:
 
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