Viscous noise

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i8lufc
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Thu Jul 18, 2013 7:33 am

Hi All,

Heating and cooling working ok and temp not jumping in static traffic. But when engne is hot and I pull away from junctions I get an increasing viscous noise through the revs.

Any ideas please?

Mantra is always "if it isn't broke don't fix it - but I thnk something is gonna break!
jmc330i
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Thu Jul 18, 2013 8:46 am

That's the viscous fan working I'd say. The fan will be louder when its hot and the fan is actually working.
James
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'93 318i touring 16v
i8lufc
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Thu Jul 18, 2013 8:52 am

Thanks for the response JMC but over the past six weeks, it is a LOT louder than it ever used to be - never used to hear it before
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Brianmoooore
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Thu Jul 18, 2013 9:16 am

If the car is getting hot enough to lock the viscous, it will take a short while for it to cool enough to unlock when you get into free moving traffic, but if it's staying locked, then either your cooling system is marginal and in need of an overhaul, or the centre bearing of the viscous is seizing.
How easy is it to turn the fan when the car is cold?
i8lufc
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Thu Jul 18, 2013 10:07 am

HI Brian

The fan turns without a lot of push for about a quarter before stopping. Bearing gone you reckon?

Cheers, shaun
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Brianmoooore
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Thu Jul 18, 2013 10:10 am

It should turn with a bit of resistance, but should be smooth. If it comes to a halt, the bearing has failed.
i8lufc
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Thu Jul 18, 2013 10:13 am

Thanks Brian. Appreciated
zd3bx
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Thu Jul 18, 2013 7:34 pm

Mine makes a noise when revving too (OEM viscous coupling, only few months old). I don't think it's an issue, especially in this weather.
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Brianmoooore
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Thu Jul 18, 2013 8:09 pm

New ones often are a bit noisy, until they loosen up a bit.
Morat
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Thu Jul 18, 2013 10:03 pm

Snigger :-)
E30 Touring 0.35 cD - more slippery than prison soap :)

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