| Author |
Message |
    
Jaco de Klerk (Biltongvreter)
| | Posted on Sunday, October 13, 2002 - 02:45 pm: | 
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My '97 V8 Disco is overheating when driving for some time slowly, uphill. Thanks to info posted on this site I verified that the viscous coupling is shot (can turn the fan by hand). I got the car on Friday, so the dealer will have to fix..
Now for the Q: why the heck does a disco have 3 cooling fans? If the vc is stuffed, why can't the 2 elec a/c fans not do the job instead? (There must be an answer, else there would not be no elec fans fitted.)
Jaco |
John Moore (Jmoore)
| | Posted on Monday, October 14, 2002 - 08:33 am: |
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You should be able to turn the VC fan by hand. However, It should feel a little stiff.
One big reason for all the cooling aparatus is the Aluminium block and heads. A sever overheating and warpage can occur.
Some of the UK guys remove the VC fan to save on gas miilage and rely only on the electric fans. Not me, but gas isn't $4-5 bucks a gallon yet.
John 88RRC |
trevorgriffiths
| | Posted on Monday, October 14, 2002 - 10:14 am: |
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The electric fans come into play when the a/c is turned on (to provide additional airflow over the condensor) or when the engine temperature approaches approximately 210-225 farenheit. Personally, I think that is a little too late and a cooling system in good order will work fine with out the need for the electric fans.
I would check the front of the radiator, between the rad and the cond, for accumulated debris. If that is okay and the problem continues, I would be willing to bet that the blockage is internal. New radiators are expensive; if your core isn't leaking, it could be rodded out by a reputable radiator shop, for considerably less. |
Dee
| | Posted on Monday, October 14, 2002 - 12:05 pm: |
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Well my take. The two electrics will push enough air to cool the outer AC condenser but not enough to flow through the radiator and over the engine.
The Viscous works in a different manner it will free spin until the fluid inside reaches a certain temperature then it will lock in and pull air through the radiator and flow it across the engine by being tunneled through the engine cowl. You cam get a dual electric that is made to pull the same way there is a Chevy one that fits also Pacet has a decent fan in the UK..
I�m confused when you said it was spinning free was that at full operating temp? If it was cold and you were able to move it that�s fine it should not lock in until the engine gets hot, I would test it again get it nice and hot then stop turn it off and see if it still free spins� If it is locked when the engine is cold change it ASAP don�t drive it believe me you don�t want the fan to grenade on you that gets really expensive believe me on that one�
Trveor is right if your a high miler you may want to pull the rad and have if cleaned.., Ask Paul about his raditor nightmare... |
Jaco de Klerk (Biltongvreter)
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 15, 2002 - 03:21 pm: |
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Thanks guys. The vc is fine, it turns by hand if cold, with only minor friction.
Now this must be new: I don't know why I didnt notice it initially (prob cause I just stuck my hand in there to turn the fan) but I might have found the problem - prev owner cut all the fan blades back by half! Dont know why maybe to change the belt without removing fan? So the dealer will replace fan - it must be like 20% efficient!
Jaco |
John Moore (Jmoore)
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 15, 2002 - 06:30 pm: |
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That sounds really weird. Are the blades cut in half or are half the blades missing? The fans are designed to desenagrate (SP?) if damaged. So that it doesn't wobble and blow out the bearing on the pump, etc. I have heard that when the do go they can put a hole in the bonnet.
I can't imagine why anyone would cut the fan blades.
John
88RRC |
Jaco de Klerk (Biltongvreter)
| | Posted on Thursday, October 17, 2002 - 04:22 pm: |
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Weird indeed. Maybe I should post a pic? All blades are halved.
Waiting for dealer to call it in for a replacement.
Jaco |
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