how do i find out if my visicous fan is faulty???

[e30geezer]

hi, zoners took the 325i to work today, only to find a horrible sqealing noise from the fan , it's not the fan belt , it sound like the visicous clutch, she is getting a little warm , normally she runs smack on halfway, but now runs near 3 quarter, how do i test the fan mechanism , as it sounds it may be on it's way out, oil and coolant are fine, it's just making an irratating noise, any help would be really gratefull. thanks!!

[Simon]

Usual test is to stick a rolled up newspaper in there whent he engine is at operating temp, if the paper stops the fan easily then it's time for a new one. It's a good idea to change it anyway if it's looking aged.

Water pump's can screech too, and cause overheating problems...

[rickk]

Far more likely the waterpump.
Take action ASAP because once it goes it goes quickly. Don't think it'll last the weekend.

The Visco usually dies silent, only has an effect on idle temp and can indeed be tested like Simon said.

Good luck,
Rick

[e30geezer]

Far more likely the waterpump.
Take action ASAP because once it goes it goes quickly. Don't think it'll last the weekend.

The Visco usually dies silent, only has an effect on idle temp and can indeed be tested like Simon said.

Good luck,
Rick

hi, it does seem to climb when it idles, do you think i should replace visicous, water pump, just to be on the safe side?

[e30geezer]

Usual test is to stick a rolled up newspaper in there whent he engine is at operating temp, if the paper stops the fan easily then it's time for a new one. It's a good idea to change it anyway if it's looking aged.

Water pump's can screech too, and cause overheating problems...

cheers mate , i think i will change the 2 to be safe . thanks.

[Simon]

Usual test is to stick a rolled up newspaper in there whent he engine is at operating temp, if the paper stops the fan easily then it's time for a new one. It's a good idea to change it anyway if it's looking aged.

Water pump's can screech too, and cause overheating problems...

cheers mate , i think i will change the 2 to be safe . thanks.

If you're going to change the water pump, then get yourself a new timing belt and tensioner, as the belt has to be removed to change the water pump.

[zaust]

when the heat is on 3/4 the fan should be fully locked. if not working properly you will be able to stop it when the engine is running, Do not use
your fingers..

[e30geezer]

Usual test is to stick a rolled up newspaper in there whent he engine is at operating temp, if the paper stops the fan easily then it's time for a new one. It's a good idea to change it anyway if it's looking aged.

Water pump's can screech too, and cause overheating problems...

cheers mate , i think i will change the 2 to be safe . thanks.

If you're going to change the water pump, then get yourself a new timing belt and tensioner, as the belt has to be removed to change the water pump.

just added to my list now, thanks simon much appreciated

[e30geezer]

when the heat is on 3/4 the fan should be fully locked. if not working properly you will be able to stop it when the engine is running, Do not use
your fingers..

nice one geezer much appreciated,