VC fan clutch sanity check

msggunny

msggunny

Well-known member
Aug 3, 2007
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Holly Ridge, NC
So, my D2 is idlying a bit hotter than normal. It has been cooler this week than last, only in the low 90's and this morning it was 67. The scanguage read 211 at idle, reved it to 1.5k to lower the temps to 204 and then went back to idle. It climed back to 211, steady on.

Opened the hood after shutting it off, spun the fan, medium resistance felt but much less than what i would think it should be after running.

My money is on the fan clutch shitting the bed.

Oppionions?

Thanks.
 
p m

p m

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Apr 19, 2004
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I'd check the temperature across the radiator with an IR gun. Fan clutch may be okay, but it only engages when it gets hot air going through the radiator. I discovered a huge difference in both operating temperatures and in how/when fan clutch engages with new/rodded radiators.

That said - you can try jamming the fan clutch (I did it once in a pinch with a hose clamp) and see if it makes any difference. Just don't drive it for long with a jammed clutch.
 
jymmiejamz

jymmiejamz

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Dec 5, 2004
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Los Angeles, Ca
p m said:
I'd check the temperature across the radiator with an IR gun. Fan clutch may be okay, but it only engages when it gets hot air going through the radiator. I discovered a huge difference in both operating temperatures and in how/when fan clutch engages with new/rodded radiators.
Click to expand...

I have found that it is not very accurate to check on the rubber hoses.
 
Some Dude

Some Dude

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Feb 12, 2009
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Boise, ID
This is timely. I'm having the same problem. It's running 204 down the highway but climbing big hills will run it up to 220. Ambient the other day was 110 though, so while those numbers are higher than the 198/207 I usually see in those conditions, I'm willing to give a little leeway thanks to the scorching ambient heat.

Doing some low speed off road stuff (up hill) last weekend I looked at the scan gauge and saw 230. It's now parked until I can figure out what the hell.
 
Some Dude

Some Dude

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Feb 12, 2009
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Boise, ID
I'm going to start with the cheap parts first. I know I haven't replaced the fan clutch so it's probably original now with 102k on it.

ptschram said:
Fan clutch is the cheapest and easiest to replace part that could cause this issue.
Click to expand...
Thermostat? Or do they always fail fully open?
 
Some Dude

Some Dude

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Feb 12, 2009
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Boise, ID
I just gave my fan a spin. It's got medium resistance for about half the rotation and it is very loose for the other 180 degrees.

Looking at clutches on the rover part websites, they all seem to be listed for 99 to 02 D2s. Is the 4.6 fan clutch a different part number?
 
ChrismonDA

ChrismonDA

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May 2, 2004
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NC Johnston Co
I have all of those parts for sell they were new installed over a year ago when my 00 D2 bit the dust because of a local shop. Just pm me I also have a used radiator and fan with clutch. But are in great shape, I can sent pics if needed.
 
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Some Dude

Some Dude

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Feb 12, 2009
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Boise, ID
I replaced the fan/clutch assembly on the 03 and temps seem to be a bit more stable. Seeing 204-206 sitting in traffic with the AC on. 198 down the highway.
 
pjkbrit

pjkbrit

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Apr 23, 2004
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Reading your thread I have to say my 04 Disco runs exactly these temps on my scanguage....and has ever since I bought it in 2005 with 14000....I would say nothing wrong here...(yet....:)

At 73000 now I just bought a whole kit of new hoses and a 180 degree thermostat to replace the original one so my Rover will run a little cooler. This lot will be fitted in the Fall for it's 75K service.

I know we are all (rightly) afraid of overheating these engines, but your temp ranges are nothing out of the ordinary.
 
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