Viscous fan coming on almost instantly

UK forum for general and technical discussion about the Z3 roadster
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Ali roper
Joined: Tue 01 Nov, 2022 16:39
Posts: 4

  Z3 roadster 2.8

Viscous fan coming on almost instantly

Post by Ali roper »

As the title says.. my viscous fan comes on after a few minutes and stays on, making the car sound like a hovercraft it’s a 2.8 1999 pre facelift. When does everyone else’s come on? I’m acquiring the parts to delete it completely
LaRy
Joined: Mon 12 Nov, 2018 17:47
Posts: 149

  Z3 roadster 2.8

Re: Viscous fan coming on almost instantly

Post by LaRy »

I have a 2.8l 1998 and I would say that I never hear any fan. Seems to be disconnected, rotating slowly all the time.
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Robert T
Site Admin
Joined: Mon 12 Jun, 2006 10:35
Posts: 10170

  Z3 roadster 1.9
Location: Cheshire

Re: Viscous fan coming on almost instantly

Post by Robert T »

My viscous fan hardly ever comes on. Occasionally hear it after a longer run in summer as I'm putting it away in the garage when there is no airflow through the radiator.

I've never heard of them becoming oversensitive. When they fail, they seem to lock up completely. Is your car running warm?

Cheers R.

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Arctic Silver '99 Z3 1.9 & Black '59 Frogeye 1275cc
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Ali roper
Joined: Tue 01 Nov, 2022 16:39
Posts: 4

  Z3 roadster 2.8

Re: Viscous fan coming on almost instantly

Post by Ali roper »

Temps running fine, it has literally locked up but not quite. I’ve removed it now and am sourcing parts to delete it altogether.
Andyboy
Joined: Wed 20 Apr, 2011 15:12
Posts: 118

  blank.gif

Re: Viscous fan coming on almost instantly

Post by Andyboy »

Don't delete it, it's there for a reason.

A new coupling isn't expensive.
Mike Fishwick
Joined: Fri 19 Jun, 2009 10:27
Posts: 2092

  Z3 roadster 2.8
Location: Daglan, France

Re: Viscous fan coming on almost instantly

Post by Mike Fishwick »

Don't blame the viscous coupling - it is trying to tell you that it is past its sell-by date!

You do not tell us how many miles your car has covered, ut 70,000 miles is an average life for a viscous coupling, after which it makes a lot of noise and can possibly break up, throwing a blade through the radiator.

If your car has a/c the condensor fan will keep the engine cool (as on the 2.2 models) but like anything else, it can give problems too. It is always wise to have a backup, so fit a new coupling - and carefully check the blade roots for cracks.
A Z3 is not just for Christmas - it's for life!
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