Gimbal Fan Replacement Not Fitting

Buzzpipaluk · Feb 15, 2024

Hi,
Ref: Phantom 3 Pro Model W323 (not A, B)
I have to replace my gimbal fan following a crash, amongst other bits.
The fan I have been supplied as a spare does not fit. The mounting holes are in a different position /pitch to the mounting pillars on the main gimbal housing. The screws supplied are also too short.
My original fan was smaller & plastic. This new fan is metal framed plastic body.
Has there been an upgrade to the fan & casting?
I will try to add photo of an original fan & non fitting replacement.

Do I have an old model Phantom 3 Pro & where can I get the correct fan? Any ideas?

Thanks

msinger · Feb 15, 2024

Buzzpipaluk said:
Has there been an upgrade to the fan & casting?

No. You’re attempting to replace an OEM fan with a 3rd party fan. Perhaps it’s not compatible?

This looks like the OEM part you need:

1x DJI Phantom 3 Drone Radiator Fan Heat Radiation Frame Spare Parts Accessories | eBay

The fan fit for DJI Phantom 3 Professional,DJI Phantom 3 Advanced, DJI Phantom 3 Standard. we will test the fan before send back. Unhappy with the purchasing?. We will try our best to help you solve any problem.

www.ebay.com

Buzzpipaluk · Feb 15, 2024

msinger said:
No. You’re attempting to replace an OEM fan with a 3rd party fan. Perhaps it’s not compatible?

This looks like the OEM part you need:

1x DJI Phantom 3 Drone Radiator Fan Heat Radiation Frame Spare Parts Accessories | eBay

The fan fit for DJI Phantom 3 Professional,DJI Phantom 3 Advanced, DJI Phantom 3 Standard. we will test the fan before send back. Unhappy with the purchasing?. We will try our best to help you solve any problem.

www.ebay.com

I would agree with you, but it's completely different. Something funny here, probably a version change.
The eBay link looks good, thanks. 1st one I've seen with this fan.

msinger · Feb 15, 2024

Buzzpipaluk said:
I would agree with you, but it's completely different

Indeed. It's different because it's not a DJI product.

That drone has been discontinued for some years. I highly doubt DJI has gone back to the drawing board to design a newer and better version of the fan. And then on top of that, only allowed Dronivo to sell it.

That all sounds very suspect. No?

Buzzpipaluk · Feb 15, 2024

I agree it sounds weird, but the photos from Dronivo show their fan fitting correctly into the Pro casting. I suspect that at some point there was a gimbal casting & fan update (I'm talking years ago) maybe for the EU market only? My Phantom is early by the type number.
Either way very strange it doesn't seem to be recorded or generally known.
See photos, note the mounting pillars are different.

msinger · Feb 15, 2024

Buzzpipaluk said:
I suspect that at some point there was a gimbal casting & fan update (I'm talking years ago) maybe for the EU market only?

Do you mean the fan was changed from the black fan (from your photos above) to the white fan as shown in the eBay listing above?

msinger · Feb 15, 2024

There are lots of old Phantom 3 Professional repair videos on YouTube. Here's a frame from one with a fan that looks like the fan you're attempting to replace:

It appears to be this one:

Phantom 3 Pro Gimbal Fan | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Phantom 3 Pro Gimbal Fan at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

Buzzpipaluk · Feb 15, 2024

I'll order the good fan as soon as I can

Buzzpipaluk · Feb 15, 2024

msinger said:
Do you mean the fan was changed from the black fan (from your photos above) to the white fan as shown in the eBay listing above?

I think it's the other way around, as mine is the oldest version & has the smaller white fan & not changed since purchase.
Don't quote me on it though