I finally got the bunk car to smoke! I have two questions, first is it normal to hear the fan motor? Second , the metal casing around the smoking unit really gets hot--what is the best way to insulate it? No turning off the unit is not an option. Thanks, Don 
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I am sensitive to high frequency and "at idle" hear near every smoke units motor or "inaudible" whistling from them.
You should see a doctors face when I have a hearing test, lol.
Running, I can hear my hotbox car, but not the others. (5yrs, was new)
A noisy motor might be on the way out (or last decades...?)
You might try the slightest bit of lube at the shaft.
A sheet of aluminum as a heat shield would likely be your best bet. The more aluminum, the cooler it will be. Making sure the car isnt sealed or opening a port on the frame to increase fresh airflow into the car and make the drawing of air slightly easier on the motor. The intake port on the unit can be opened slightly as well. All this should increase the output too. (Gunrunnerjohn has had some excellent smoke unit "hop up" threads over the years for some better reference.
Maybe not needed here, but "Must reads" imo.
Got distracted, the sheet alum. if connected to block of alum. or electronics heat sink, etc. Or the frame if metal, would be cooler yet. Dont try to sink the sm.unit body itself, the heat MAY creep till all metal hits max. temp.
Still not smoking unless at high voltage.Looking at my picture how can I take the fan motor apart or maybe try and lube it and see if that helps? Thanks, Don 
The simple way to quiet the motor, assuming it's not going bad, is to replace the 5V regulator on the PCB with a 3.3V To-92 Regulator. It'll smoke fine, but the motor noise will be VASTLY reduced.
I guess I need to add more cars and get the volts up to 10 then it really puts out the smoke! Thanks for all the help. DON
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