Thread: More viscous fan questions -(I did run a search first)

Originally Posted by bacicat2000

I have found most of what I was looking for from a couple of searches, but I have a couple more questions I couldn't find answers to. I think the viscous fan is stuffed - it is still easy to spin when the engine temp has topped 95 degrees - this is an accurate reading from a mechanical temp gauge, backed up by a reading from my IR thermometer. Noticed it starting to get hot sitting in the drive through the other day, I pulled into the carpark and tested the fan straight away. The rest of the coolant system is fine - coolant is plentiful and fairly new, as is the radiator and thermostat, so that's why I'm thinking the fan? On the road, sits on 85 to 90 depending on if i'm going up or down a hill.

2 questions I have are -

1 - Until I get a new one, is there any way of locking the fan up for the time being - I don't really want to fork out for a new one until after Chrissy?

2 - Apart from increased fuel consumption (not an issue - it's only a weekender), and the engine taking longer to heat up, would this have any detrimental effect on anything else?

If these questions have been answered in the past, please forgive me, but I did run a couple of searches first...

Cheers - Gav.

Gav,

The likelihood is that it isn't working correctly if the temp increased markedly at idle, and the fan hadn't started to lock up.

Locking them isn't really a good idea as the plastic blades on old fans have been known to fly off if spinning too fast, and WILL cause a lot of damage and can prove fatal if you happen to be leaning in over the engine at the same time...I have seen one even severely dent a steel RRC bonnet

A new coupling isn't as expensive as engine damage.

If it proves to be faulty, then a new one will be a sensible $$ outlay IMO.

I say Bah Humbug, fix the Rangie first


JC

Originally Posted by justinc

Gav,

The likelihood is that it isn't working correctly if the temp increased markedly at idle, and the fan hadn't started to lock up.

Locking them isn't really a good idea as the plastic blades on old fans have been known to fly off if spinning too fast, and WILL cause a lot of damage and can prove fatal if you happen to be leaning in over the engine at the same time...I have seen one even severely dent a steel RRC bonnet

A new coupling isn't as expensive as engine damage.

If it proves to be faulty, then a new one will be a sensible $$ outlay IMO.

I say Bah Humbug, fix the Rangie first


JC

Thanks for that JC - that's one thing I would never have thought of, and the thought of wrecking the near new radiator or worse makes me think hard... Something for SWMBO for Chrissy, or a new viscous for the Rangie... Hmm - easy decision! One cool Rangie coming up!!

Originally Posted by bacicat2000

Thanks for that JC - that's one thing I would never have thought of, and the thought of wrecking the near new radiator or worse makes me think hard... Something for SWMBO for Chrissy, or a new viscous for the Rangie... Hmm - easy decision! One cool Rangie coming up!!

In that case, a happy Rangie is a happy other half, so she should understand

JC

She is very understanding when it comes to the Rangie - the understanding is that I keep it off the driveway and she stays happy.

She is like a forensic scientist sometimes - if I have been working on it on the concrete - even if I clean up all the mess, she will still know it's been there...

Also, what should I expect to pay for a new viscous fan, and any recommendations on where to look - I haven't had to buy anything "land rover" specific for it yet, so I haven't started using a particular supplier.

Cheers - Gav.

Been out the bush when the hot weather hits with peoples 4wd's or varying types, and been a few fix's for a viscous, bash the crap out of it with a hammer or drive a tek screw into it to lock it


Disclaimer: I take no responsability for said advice, although I'd do it again....and again beats ruining a good weekend

Originally Posted by rovercare

or drive a tek screw into it to lock it

That actually crossed my mind - then I thought I'd be labled a butcher if I ever tried it But I'm glad to know I'm not the only one to have that thought - at least I know that's an option if I get stuck somewhere.

Cheers - Gav

Originally Posted by bacicat2000

That actually crossed my mind - then I thought I'd be labled a butcher if I ever tried it But I'm glad to know I'm not the only one to have that thought - at least I know that's an option if I get stuck somewhere.

Cheers - Gav

In all my time in the bush there has only ever been 1 tow out unassisted....that was after having a 355 stroker push all the auto fluid out while on a high idle at 1 in the morn (charging for the stereo) and catch fire, there is usually a fix for everything......amazing how quickly 8 drunks can get there **** together on a mammoth car fire

"Necessity provides the means"