Fitting an electric fan?

Sun Oct 31, 2010 11:35 pm

The standard fan on my M42 is rather loud.. Ive got a spare electric slim line fan i was thinking of fitting

Has anyone else fitted an electric fan? pros and cons?

Cheers
Winston

Mon Nov 01, 2010 8:23 am

Some people here will tell you not to. If your fan's noisy it's likely the viscous coupling has siezed and replacing it will cure the problem.
There was a time when the "recommendation" was to use an Escort RSTurdo fan if you really wanted an electric one. I tried that and it was fine for a couple of years, but I ended-up cooking the engine going up Hardknott Pass. I went back to the viscous, but like you I'm unhappy with it - it kicks-in too early.
I've got an E34 aircon fan I want to fit sometime, but it's getting 'round to it......

Mon Nov 01, 2010 8:45 am

Viscous fan should hardly ever kick in, except in stationary or near stationary traffic. If it comes on more often, then it sounds like a NEW radiator might be in order.
OP's problem does sound like it's seized, and a replacement will soon pay for itself in reduced fuel consumption.

Mon Nov 01, 2010 12:35 pm

The fan comes on everytime i start the car from cold but it stops (well the noise goes away) after a couple minutes of driving.. Ive had no problems with over heating.. I can't say ive heard it kicking in when ive been sat in traffic

Can you get viscous couplings brand new? or is it a case of finding a good second hander?

Cheers for the replys folks

Mon Nov 01, 2010 1:14 pm

You can buy a brand new one from GSF or ECP, of course if your feeling flush go to BMW, I bought a ECP one about 2 years ago for my 325i, I think it cost about £45, it's never missed a beat and it's only ever really noticable on the hottest of days.

Mon Nov 01, 2010 3:49 pm

powelly wrote:You can buy a brand new one from GSF or ECP, of course if your feeling flush go to BMW, I bought a ECP one about 2 years ago for my 325i, I think it cost about £45, it's never missed a beat and it's only ever really noticable on the hottest of days.

Mine came from ECP. Even on a cool day, if I pull-up at traffic lights and have to wait more than 30sec it kicks in.
Before anyone asks it's not an engine- or radiator-related problem. It was exactly the same with the old engine, and the latest engine is fully rebuilt with everything (except the viscous and plug leads) including the radiator brand new.
I've definitely got a duff viscous. They vary greatly, even when new. IMHO they were never really the brightest of ideas when they started to become widely used in the mid-'70's.

Mon Nov 01, 2010 11:55 pm

Ouch!! that much... forgive me im northern.. I just see it as having a cure that would cost me nothing.. I was just going to wire the fan to a switch as im used to driving oldish cars and keeping an eye on temps.. long term plans would be to fit a thermo triggered switch before summer

What triggers the viscous?

Tue Nov 02, 2010 10:47 am

I got mine from GSF for £30. The previous fan on the car, which was knackered was from BMW, and manufactured in 2008 !! It lasted 1.5 years, appalling!

Tue Nov 02, 2010 10:50 am

HJG-E30 wrote:The previous fan on the car, which was knackered was from BMW, and manufactured in 2008 !! It lasted 1.5 years, appalling!

At least you got a refund I presume?

Tue Nov 02, 2010 4:21 pm

can you not get a fan kit from kenlowe if they are still going ? they used to do thermo operated kits with an overide switch

Tue Nov 02, 2010 5:35 pm

No i didn't because i had no proof of purchase because It was on there when i bought the car.

& Kenlowe are still going; i contacted them regarding an electric fan and they recommended a kit. Unfortunately i cannot tell you which kit because i abandoned the idea...