I don't think it would be damaging. It may cause system instability, though. IF the fans died, they're shitty fans...not much you can do about it. I suppose you could switch to a passive heat sink...they're not big fans, so I guess it should work. Then you wouldn't have to worry about another fan death.

Correction, mine died twice

Not much one can do, just take it back and have it replaced, or cough up some dough and have some alternative solution cooked up