Fan problems

[E30trash]

I started my car today ready to go to school. I noticed a strange scraping sound that lasted about 5 seconds when my engine fired.

I thought it was a little strange, i went to school and when i started my car again to go to lunch i noticed it again.

I had a friend listen with the hood open when i started it once again.

We looked as heard my fan behind my radiator slow down while making a scraping noise! wtf?!

My engine doesnt get hot, still stays normal a little before halfway on the gauge.

Any thoughts?

Thanks for reading.

[ZinRot325i]

Check the radiator for scrape marks. If it's hitting the radiator, check your motor mounts.

Also check to make sure there's no play in the propshaft. If there is you could have a waterpump that's ready to blow up.

Hmm. If it just makes scraping noises and none of the above apply, it could still be the waterpump, but it might be the fan clutch. To determine which it is, if the noise comes from closer to the engine, it's the pump, if it comes from the fan itself, it's the clutch. A mechanic's stethoscope (or whatever it's called) will help.

Try spinning the fan and see if it spins freely. If it does, and it won't shread a newspaper when the car's running, youn need a new clutch.

[E30trash]

Check the radiator for scrape marks. If it's hitting the radiator, check your motor mounts.

Also check to make sure there's no play in the propshaft. If there is you could have a waterpump that's ready to blow up.

Hmm. If it just makes scraping noises and none of the above apply, it could still be the waterpump, but it might be the fan clutch. To determine which it is, if the noise comes from closer to the engine, it's the pump, if it comes from the fan itself, it's the clutch. A mechanic's stethoscope (or whatever it's called) will help.

Try spinning the fan and see if it spins freely. If it does, and it won't shread a newspaper when the car's running, youn need a new clutch.

It spins freely when the car is off. when the car is on it spins for like 5 seconds. Im pretty sure there is no play in the popshaft. I will figure our the problem tonight with a couple of friends.

Thanks for your help

[ZinRot325i]

The fan shouldn't spin FREELY.

It should give you some resistance.
If it spins totally freely you need a new clutch.

When the car is on it should be spinning.
Period.

[E30trash]

The fan shouldn't spin FREELY.

It should give you some resistance.
If it spins totally freely you need a new clutch.

When the car is on it should be spinning.
Period.

A new fan clutch. okay how much will that run me?

[ZinRot325i]

~95 dollars.

[E30trash]

~95 dollars.

yeah i checked up at a local shop they want to sell me one for 120, so im just going to pick one up from the dealership tomorrow.

thanks for your help!