Mechanical Fan

[mattrabbit]

Last month I had a problem with my electric fan in my car that caused my engine to overheat and crack the cylinder head while sitting at idle in the state inspection station.

In the wake of this failure, I'm considering putting the stock style coolant pump mounted mechanical fan and I'm wondering which parts are needed to make this work.

One site that I read said that you need to use an m20 clutch and 9 blade fan. It also said that you need to put metal cups over the trans mounts to keep the fan from contacting the radiator under hard braking. I am wondering if anybody has done this setup and also whether or not I need to use those cups over my poly trans mounts.

[SkorcherX]

I have seen pics of guys on these forums running a mechanical fan. I have also seen pics of radiators that have met the fan under hard braking. That mechanical fan is no joke, about 1/4" away from the radiator. So I would imagine you would want to take every precaution necessary to insure that your not going to chew up your radiator the next time some idiot brake checks you.

[nrubenstein]

I use the tds diesel fan. It had a ring around the outside of the blades that will keep it from getting damaged or falling apart if there is contact. (Which hasn't happened.)

[dude8383]

I use the tds diesel fan. It had a ring around the outside of the blades that will keep it from getting damaged or falling apart if there is contact. (Which hasn't happened.)

http://realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?...13&hg=11&fg=35

Was it a 7 blade one?

[sharky]

I think the euro e46 320i has the slimmest fan and clutch available. I need to find out because I need a mech fan as spal pusher is not cutting it in traffic with the turbo.

[dude8383]

I purchased the fan I linked to above. Should be picking it up sometime this week... will post back here to confirm that it does in fact fit along with a pic.

[brianao34]

Any updates dude?

[dude8383]

Any updates dude?

Fits like a charm and cools the car nicely!

These two vid's should highlight the space between the fan and radiator.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YXzQ3EW0Au4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-GClHVLfqq8

[Adrian_Visser]

[dude8383]

you might have some ad blocking going on cause i listed the youtube links properly :)

fixed the thread anyway in case other folks can't see shit.

[essi1553]

I flippin lol'd... its been awhile but never saw that one. Too perfect.

[scottinAZ]

I think he is referring to the fact that the vids are nice, but you dont highlight the fan that much. I for one would be VERY interested in exactly how far from the radiator the fan ends up...

[dude8383]

I think he is referring to the fact that the vids are nice, but you dont highlight the fan that much. I for one would be VERY interested in exactly how far from the radiator the fan ends up...

Ahhh my bad.

It's approximately 1cm away from the radiator, not the fins but the lip that protrudes a bit over. I'll try to remember and take a pic tonight... if I'm not too drunk.

[blackhawkimpact]

I think the euro e46 320i has the slimmest fan and clutch available. I need to find out because I need a mech fan as spal pusher is not cutting it in traffic with the turbo.

Update?

Ahhh my bad.

It's approximately 1cm away from the radiator, not the fins but the lip that protrudes a bit over. I'll try to remember and take a pic tonight... if I'm not too drunk.

Pics?


Need to get a mechanical fan also as my e-fan is not cutting it with the 106º F

[dougsic]

I have had the stock 9 blade clutch fan installed for 40k miles with no problems at all.

I did have to notch some of the blades just a hair because they would brush the front of the motor (s50 vanos). The clearance is sufficient between the radiator but I do have to pull the rad if I need to remove the fan.

Trans is 260 with modded brace and e21 mounts (no cups). E28 M5 engine mounts.

Car never ran hotter than a little over half on the gauge even when sitting in traffic w/AC blowing full blast until last fall when I noticed temps slightly higher.

A new Stewart water pump and now temps are a little under half gauge at all times.

Note that car has never seen track time though.