A few issues to work out

[mmire30]

So a few issues with my car i wanted to learn more about. First, while I'm driving sometime my car kind of "hiccups". Meaning it dies for half a second and then when i step on the gas again it comes alive. The RPMs drop like the car was shut off. Any idea what this is? Is this my fuel pump going bad or what?

Second issue is that my car was overheating while idling the other day so i pulled over to do the newspaper test and saw that the fan was not spinning at all. I bought a fan clutch to replace the one in there but then got to thinking that it could be the water pump? I'm just a little confused as to how the fan could just stop spinning all together.

[mmire30]

I should've been more clear. My electric fan works fine. Its the fan clutch that was not spinning at all. I just wanted to know if it was anything more than a fan clutch. But like you said, if it was the water pump then it would be over heating all the time. Thanks!

[barry]

The fan has a clutch for a reason, your bently will give you several reasons how it works, also the car is real old and probably needs a total going over, things like fuel filter bad hoses, FPR gone bad, fuel pump might be old, wiring might need correction, injectors might need attention, there are lots of things that need to be looked at.
Good luck
Take your time and check out your new car one step at a time

[mmire30]

The electric fan being switched by the thermo switch on the radiator.

[E30-325iS]

1st problem sounds like it might be the CPS.
2nd problem you should be able to see the water pump pulley spinning even if the fan is not. Check the belt tension and replace the fan clutch. Be aware that its reverse threaded.
If you are going to do the pump, might aswell do the TB, tensioner, thermostat, accessory belts and radiator hoses while you are at it.

[jlevie]

I agree with E30-325iS. The first problem sounds like a loss of timing data to the DME or a problem with DME power or ground. The former is likely to be a bad timing reference sensor and the latter could be a flaky main relay, loose connection, or bad fusible link.

If the fan isn't and the belt in in place, the clutch could be gone or the fan is jammed on the shroud, which can be the result of a loose shroud or bad motor mounts.

[mmire30]

what is cps? sorry guys, i still feel like a newb compared to you guys! and as far as troubleshooting for a bad connection, where should i start?

[jlevie]

CPS == Crank Position Sensor

Given the symptoms, I'd replace the main relay and timing sensor(s) and check the ground connection on the right strut tower to start with.

It is always helpful to know what you have.

[mmire30]

Thanks. I'll get back to you guys with some results soon enough. It's just one of those problems that is inconsistent so hopefully all this advice fixes the problem. Thanks again guys!

[dnguyen1963]

There is a post for acronyms on here...look it up.