M20 rad fan conversion mech>elec?

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votivequagmire
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Post Tue Jul 17, 2012 2:51 am

Hi all.
I've been wondering if the above is a good idea and if so, is relatively easy to complete?
Thanks in advance.
'88 325i M20, could've done with a sunroof.
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Billwill
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Post Tue Jul 17, 2012 8:44 am

votivequagmire wrote:Hi all.
I've been wondering if the above is a good idea and if so, is relatively easy to complete?
Thanks in advance.
www.e30tech.com in the USA have a FAQ/DIY section and there is a good discussion there on putting in electric fans with good pictures.
It is a case of getting the right fan and thermal switch....they have some good ideas there although I like to keep my cars stock standard. :)
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Brianmoooore
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Post Tue Jul 17, 2012 9:51 am

The standard viscous arrangement is far more reliable and energy efficient than any electric system, so best left alone.
votivequagmire
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Post Tue Jul 17, 2012 10:48 am

Ok. Understood. That's good enough for me. Thanks. 8)
'88 325i M20, could've done with a sunroof.
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Mikey_Boy
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Post Tue Jul 17, 2012 10:56 am

There are arguments for both depending on a variety of factors... If you are staying with the viscous set up then make sure the viscous coupling isn't knackered! That makes all the difference... :thumb:
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Brianmoooore
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Post Tue Jul 17, 2012 1:21 pm

Mikey_Boy wrote:There are arguments for both depending on a variety of factors... If you are staying with the viscous set up then make sure the viscous coupling isn't knackered! That makes all the difference... :thumb:
Exactly! There's just one component that's ever likely to fail, and at intervals of fifteen - twenty years.
An electric set up has a motor, relay, thermostat, fuses and a myriad of assorted joints, plugs and sockets, every one of which can hardly be considered highly reliable.