M20 fan clutch (defective from the box?)

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  • zaq123
    E30 Fanatic
    • Jul 2016
    • 1432

    #1

    M20 fan clutch (defective from the box?)

    I need help to figure out what's happening with my overheating issue. New built, coolant was vacuum bled so I don't think air pockets is the issue, I think...
    45F outside temperature. When driving, coolant is around 190-195F, middle position of the gauge. When stopped, it climbes to 207F-210 based on my ECU (about between middle and the next line on the gauge). I'm yet to let it got past 210F so I'm not sure where it would actually stop. Temp. goes back to normal when the car is in motion.
    My first clutch was new Sach , manuf. date 2018. When engine was hot, I was able to stop it with a piece of cardboard and could hold it with my hand after that. Figured bad clutch. Maybe was stored in the wrong position? I saw a little oil around the pin, where the thermoplate is. Ok, replaced it with new Meyle (china made these days). No signs of oil. The same overheating issues. And I'm able to stop the clutch with the cardboard and hold it with my hand just like Sach.

    Two bad clutched out of the box?? What's your thoughts.
  • digger
    R3V OG
    • Nov 2005
    • 6033

    #2
    wouldnt be the first time they have been bad out of the box

    the clutch fan essentially has no idea the temp of the coolant, the temperature of the clutch itself (metallic strip)matters. Presumably the radiator has hot coolant flowing? i am wondering if you get it to 210F and shut off the engine how hot is the actual clutch? with 45F there might be a decent lag between coolant temp and the temp of the clutch. Also can put a heat gun on it and periodically monitor the the temp with a infrared laser thermometer to see if it starts to lock up kind of bench test

    you can also add more silicone
    Last edited by digger; Yesterday, 06:37 PM.
    89 E30 325is Lachs Silber - currently M20B31, M20B33 in the works, stroked to the hilt...

    new build thread http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=317505

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    • McGyver
      Just need a paperclip & some duct tape
      • Jun 2009
      • 4564

      #3
      Any chance the coolant pipes are plumbed backwards somewhere?
      sigpic
      1987 - 325i Convertible Delphin Auto [SOLD], 325i Convertible Delphin Manual [SOLD]
      1989 - 325i Convertible Bronzit m30b35 swapped [SCRAPPED], 325i Sedan Alpine Auto[DD]
      1991 - 325i Coupe Laguna Manual [Project], 535i Sedan Alpine [SCRAPPED]

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      • reelizmpro
        R3V OG
        • Dec 2003
        • 9499

        #4
        I wouldn't doubt it nowadays. If it fails the newspaper test, then it's not effective. Before replacing it again though, you want to check to see if the system is holding pressure.
        "I'd probably take the E30 M3 in this case just because I love that little car, and how tanky that inline 6 is." - thecj

        85 323i M TECH 1 S52 - ALPINEWEISS/SCHWARZE
        88 M3 - LACHSSILBER/SCHWARZE
        89 M3 - ALPINEWEISS II/M TECH CLOTH-ALCANTARA
        91 M TECHNIC CABRIO TURBO - MACAOBLAU/M TECH CLOTH-LEATHER

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