PS3 Blinking red light

[Tivoman44]

For once I am posting a message regarding my PS3 and not my Tivo or Tuning Adaptor.  I own a 60 gig PS3 (I believe first generation) bought it used in 2008 so it is out of warranty.  Last night I was playing a game when the PS3 randomly beeped three times, the green light turned yellow for about a second and then flashed red.  I was able to get it started after about an hour, then started it up this morning and after about 5 minutes it crashed.  I have googled this and have found it is either the light of death for the PS3 or possibly an over heating problem.  Has this happened to anyone?

[Bebop]

If it's over heating problem, open it to see if the heat-sink is clogged with dust.

[Tivoman44]

Not sure what is going on exactly but I think the fan is not working, so that may be causing an overheating problem.  Does anyone know of any good repair places around here?

[murdoc]

If it's already out of warranty just fix it yourself.  The fan assembly is $25 and will take less than an hour to replace.

Fan:
http://www.ifixit.com/Game-Console-Parts/Sony-PlayStation-3-Fan/IF213-005

Install:
http://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Repair/Installing-PlayStation-3-Fan/3489/1

[Tivoman44]

It was out of warranty, but did not want to attempt fixing it myself.  I have no idea how to do it.  By the time I drive somewhere, buy the part, then figure out how to open my PS3, or buy it online, pay for shipping, then putz around with it only to find it doesn't work, it was just easier to send it back to Sony right away.