An engine cooling fan motor has a water baffle positioned in a water line of sight passage through structures surrounding the motor to prevent water from impacting on the air vents at the front end of the motor. The baffle blocks the water line of sight passage. In one aspect, a rear cover is spaced from the rear endwall of the motor and has one or more baffled inlets to create an airflow passage to air inlet vents on the rear endwall of the motor.