How to test boiler fan?

Hi, This is my first post, I'm hoping some of you guys can help me....

My boiler has just gone on the blink.

It just stopped lighting and it makes a loud whirring noise. I removed the cover and I can see the fan isn't spinning.

So , I tried to spin the fan with my hand and it's really stiff, "the bearings" I thought. Removed the fan but once it's removed the fan moves freely.

If I turn on the boiler without the fan connected there's no whirring but of course the boiler doesn't light.

So, can I test the fan? I just want to put a current across it and see what it's doing but I'm not sure about the best way to do that.

Is it possible for the motor to be ****ed in such a way that when it's on it'll try to alternately spin one way and then the other? resulting in a loud whirring and no movement?

I'm really hoping it's just the fan as they are only £40 on ebay....

HELP!

What make & Model Boiler do you have some boilers have D.C. Fans others are 230VAC sounds like the fan motor has had it with a knackered shaded pole motor the fan will spin freely untill power is applied it then locks up new motor should sort it by the way you should not be changing this yourself as it is classed as Gas work and leagally you have to carry out specialist tests on completing the work to ensure that the boiler is safe and not spilling Carbon Monoxide into your home

Get in a pro to do this work for you and be wary of non original parts sold on E-bay you could invalidate any warranty and infringe gas safety regulations

It's a potterton profile 80.

I didn't think I'd need to worry about getting an engineer as I'm not going near the actual gas.

babaton said:

It's a potterton profile 80.

I didn't think I'd need to worry about getting an engineer as I'm not going near the actual gas.

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the fan affects combustion as could your actions, IT IS GAS WORK. You should be engaging an RGI for this work.

I'm not going near the actual gas.

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and where does the "actual gas" go after it leaves the burner

and the profile is a positive prressure boiler as well

You have already got too 'close to the gas'.
Best advice I can give is get yourself a Gas Safe person round.
Dont buy any boiler components from ebay.
Switch the mains off to your system and leave it off until a gas safe person has repaired it.