Thread: D2 Fan Damage to Radiator ???

Earlier TD5s had softer more flexible blades and could come into contact easily...

A smooth slow approach into the water is better.. Some tarp up, some guys made a metal ring to protect the inside of the radiator...

Myself, I've never used a tarp/blind and never done any damage...

The big factor with the Disco2 is the speed at which the water hits the front of the car. I've learnt this from experience. They seem to be happy enough to wade in water that has it come back over the bonnet and up the windscreen without issue, but you must slow right down before you hit the water!!! I'll say it again... you must slow down before you hit the water. If you hit the water with any speed you will put the fan through the radiator and its not depth related.

This crossing (pic taken on the return journey):


Led to this:


Which was the result of this:


Which caused us to do this while we waited for another radiator:



I really didn't think that I hit the water very fast at all, but in hind sight I did. My SOP is now to stop before entering water and that has fixed the radiator issues. You can see that the crossing want particularly deep at all.

After this, we were back into deep water crossings again with no dramas.

Originally Posted by Slunnie

I really didn't think that I hit the water very fast at all, but in hind sight I did. My SOP is now to stop before entering water and that has fixed the radiator issues. You can see that the crossing want particularly deep at all.

After this, we were back into deep water crossings again with no dramas.

Another factor is the "aircon" .... Turn it off prior to entering the water as the front aircon fans are working and flowing water thru the radiator

Also it takes away the extra heat stress (from A/C) and allows the viscos to cool down quicker prior to entry ... to ensure it is not engaged

Mike

I've had it happen on a 2001 Defender. I am also sure it is speed related.
Damage looked identcal to Slunnies pic, even down to the amount of rows!!

I've heard that too much play in the fans viscous drive can also result in the fan flexing into the radiator when crossing water. I think the bearing wears or something.

I think its got to do with your speed of entry...I have never had any problems with mine and its an early model.

And I do this in mine -