P38 viscous fan

acidK1 · Apr 12, 2019

Evening. Anybody know if any other viscous fans and viscous units fit the 2.5 dse? It would seem parts of my fan are missing and it always spins at the same rpm as the engine almost as if the viscous part is solid. Also seems my knocking noise I thought might be the cam chain may actually be the fan hitting the metal clip on the thermostat elbow thing.

Cheers

rover75lover · Apr 12, 2019

You'll have to hope datalek comes on he has successfully fitted a thermostatic control which utilises the air con fans, so no viscous needed

Grrrrrr · Apr 13, 2019

acidK1 said:
Evening. Anybody know if any other viscous fans and viscous units fit the 2.5 dse? It would seem parts of my fan are missing and it always spins at the same rpm as the engine almost as if the viscous part is solid. Also seems my knocking noise I thought might be the cam chain may actually be the fan hitting the metal clip on the thermostat elbow thing.

Cheers

Some of the D2 fans fit. Be careful as yours has reverse thread. Have a look at Island4x4 or Devon4x4 or famous four or similar. Also, some bimmer fans are the same

The viscous will roar on startup, go quiet after a bit at which stage you should be able to stop it with a rolled up newspaper. If it shreds your newspaper / fingers leaving a pile of mess on the floor then you have a problem. As the engine starts to overheat it should lock up and start to roar again.

Later models use the Aircon fans as backup. Earlier models can be modified to do the same. @Datatek modifies it further with a lower temp stat so the fans are used alone without a viscous fan.

Datatek · Apr 13, 2019

acidK1 said:
Evening. Anybody know if any other viscous fans and viscous units fit the 2.5 dse? It would seem parts of my fan are missing and it always spins at the same rpm as the engine almost as if the viscous part is solid. Also seems my knocking noise I thought might be the cam chain may actually be the fan hitting the metal clip on the thermostat elbow thing.

Cheers

If your viscous fan has a seized coupling, be aware that it could disintegrate and cause damage.
I have been running my P38 without the viscous fan for many years now in all temperatures no problems even when towing, I now have a second P38 also running without the viscous fan.
If your car has aircon fitted (working or not) and you would like details of the mod, PM me with an email address.

acidK1 · Apr 13, 2019

Hi, thanks for the replies. I think I have sent you a pm :s

Thank you

acidK1 · Apr 16, 2019

Thank you very much, got the email. If I undo the 4 bolt behind the fan will the pulley wheel separate from the water pump? Struggling to get the fan off so might be easier on the bench

wammers · Apr 16, 2019

acidK1 said:
Thank you very much, got the email. If I undo the 4 bolt behind the fan will the pulley wheel separate from the water pump? Struggling to get the fan off so might be easier on the bench

The fan is not attached to the pulley it screws onto the water pump. Viscous fans ALWAYS undo in their direction of rotation.

Henry_b · Apr 16, 2019

Just a firm tap with the spanner is all that is usually needed.

Left hand thread remember

acidK1 · Apr 16, 2019

Thank you, I read it was left hand thread. Someone has already butchered the nut with something beyond recognition so tried with stilsons and a hammer but pulley keeps turning. Tried wedging the pulley but just keeps turning. Will try with a hammer and chisel see if that does any better.

Mark Piercy · Apr 16, 2019

Junior hacksaw time...

The fan mod is a pretty good one.

Datatek · Apr 16, 2019

acidK1 said:
Thank you, I read it was left hand thread. Someone has already butchered the nut with something beyond recognition so tried with stilsons and a hammer but pulley keeps turning. Tried wedging the pulley but just keeps turning. Will try with a hammer and chisel see if that does any better.

I had to use the hammer and chisel method on one of mine.

RangeRoller dt · Apr 17, 2019

I've recently fitted an E36petrol viscous fan to my P38. Fits but is locked all time like yours - no good. I had to use stillson on pulley shaft and grips on nut to crack fan off. Coppaslip on fitting would have stopped it. Awkward with no room just be persistent it will come. You can get proper VCU spanner For it cheap enough - they are thin and long makes it easy

price of new VC you are better off with Datateks upgrade - plenty of members have done it I've not seen single problem/complaint

acidK1 · Apr 17, 2019

Going to go the electric fan route. He has provided all the details which is great

got the bits to do it now just got to ditch the Fan lol.

Datatek · Apr 17, 2019

acidK1 said:
Going to go the electric fan route. He has provided all the details which is great got the bits to do it now just got to ditch the Fan lol.

You need to ditch the cowl as well and you do not need the relay you mentioned unless you are fitting an additional fan. If you are fitting an extra fan, you will need additional information. An extra fan is not needed, the aircon fans cope very well.

acidK1 · Apr 17, 2019

Relay came with the kit so will be at home with all the other 'might be useful one day' stuff in the tool box

Datatek · Apr 17, 2019

acidK1 said:
Relay came with the kit so will be at home with all the other 'might be useful one day' stuff in the tool box

I can't imagine what kit you are talking about, all you needed was a cheap adjustable thermostat details of which I provided.

Henry_b · Apr 17, 2019

An i believe 36mm Laser VC spanner works well.

A tap with ya fist or hammer and it winds off

RangeRoller dt · Apr 17, 2019

Henry_b said:
An i believe 36mm Laser VC spanner works well.

That’s the one. There is another size on the other end - one fits diesel the other V8 I think

Henry_b · Apr 17, 2019

RangeRoller dt said:
That’s the one. There is another size on the other end - one fits diesel the other V8 I think

32mm and 36mm IIRC

Datatek · Apr 18, 2019

Henry_b said:
An i believe 36mm Laser VC spanner works well.

A tap with ya fist or hammer and it winds off

You jest.

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