A guy that really knows and can explain things. Subscribed

@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation

3 жыл бұрын

That's kind of you - thanks!

Thank You Tim you saving another BMW from the shop

Such a great video, well explained. You deserve a lot more views!

@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation

5 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@GreenShogun

5 жыл бұрын

@@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation I have since diagnosed and replaced my viscous, running nice and cool now! Was much easier to figure out knowing how it actually works

Top notch. SUPER clear explanation!

@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation

3 жыл бұрын

My pleasure!

Very interesting and helpful, thank you for this. I was concerned about my fan but after watching your video, it seems that it is fine. That's one less thing to worry about! Now to find this bloody oil leak!

@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation

3 жыл бұрын

You're welcome!

thanks for the very easy demo of how it all works, just changed my clutch, and it now seems to mimic yours while cold

@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation

2 жыл бұрын

Glad it helped!

Excellent presentation on fan clutch, answered all of my questions. Thank you.

@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks, glad it helped!

Thanks, Tim this was very useful and helpful.

@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation

3 жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful Joseph!

Thank you so much for this detailed explanation!

Great vid Tim 1st time I've noticed one of your vids perfect explainstion compared to so many other vids I have a E39 so going to keep an eye out for your stuff

@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

so well explained as usual Tim, thank you :)

@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation

Жыл бұрын

So nice of you Ben!

Fantastic explanation and video, thank you sir.

@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation

Жыл бұрын

My pleasure!

Thanks mate. Great video

@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

,Thanks, it helped a lot🙂 my '96 E38 V8 greetings from Hungary.

@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation

Жыл бұрын

Glad it helped!

Absolutely fantastic video! Thank you.

@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation

2 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it Ronnie!

THANK YOU FOR THE BEST VIDEO EVER ON THIS TOPIC, I JUST EXPERIENCED PROBLEM NUMBER 4 AKA SIEZED FAN CLUTCH. NEVER CHANGED BEFORE ON A 12/1997 E39. ALL BLADES SHREDDED OFF AND BIG DENT IN HOOD..DIDNT GO THRU SO IM A BIT LUCKY

@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation

Жыл бұрын

Glad it helped, and it's not pretty when they let go!

I learned so much from your video. I replaced fan clutches that were perfectly fine. I see it is normal for the fan blade to rotate very slow. You can stop it with your hand. I have replaced thermostats and the fan clutch. I must dig deeper to maybe a clogged radiator or water pump problems. Thank You

@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you, and always my pleasure!

I'm trying to test my e39's M52TU's fan clutch. I noticed on a cold start it would be locked on for 15-odd seconds, as though clutch engaged when hot. Almost ditched it bc of that. You are the only one on the internet it seems to mention this oddity and why, in point 7 at 4:50. Subbed.

@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

Thank you very much! Very informational video! )))

@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation

2 жыл бұрын

My pleasure!

Tim, thank you for all the knowledge you pass on! Where did the newspaper roll up test originate from......... Lol

@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation

2 жыл бұрын

It was one of those tests that just appeared and never understood!

Great video

@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

tie the belt in a knot it will keep it from spinning then use the big wrench clockwise. thank you for your bideo. very helpful.

@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation

4 жыл бұрын

Great tip!

OK Tim. After watching more of your video I can say my fan has no resistance when spun on a stopped engine cold.

Very usefull, thanks, I think that muy car has the last problem, when I start it cool the fan will do a tractor noise at low RPM, It doesn't happen every Time, at mayor speed It doesn't sound or when the weather Is rainy It doesn't happen. The blades offer resistance when Its cool. And yes... It can travel an amount of 10km without reaching the optimal car temperature, It still remains cool. Do you think I should replace It?

hi I have the same problem with my prado. I don't know if i need to change the whole clutch or just the silicon oil of the fan. It will overheated When I stopped from a long way driving, but the temp all good when I drive in the town. How do you think about it Tim, I need your help

Hi Tim, fantastic video. I have the opposite problem. My e30 325i starts and runs great but the water temperature gauge is barely just above the blue line. I have checked the viscous as per your guide and it looks to be workout very well. Faulty thermostat maybe?

@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation

2 жыл бұрын

Yes Angat, the thermostat is very likely to be the problem.

Which source exactly indicates the temperature of 96.2? or is this your personal opinion?)

Thanks for all this knowledge. I've got a question, my e36 has difficulties getting up to temperature. My fan makes the roaring noise and revs up with the car regardless of the temperature, but also spins with good damping. Im just curious if you think the bearing is seized or perhaps there is something preventing the oil from returning to the reservoir? Ive tried spinning it in the direction opposite to which it usually spins and it didn't ever rotate easier

@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation

4 жыл бұрын

If the viscous fan makes a roaring noise after, say 5 minutes after starting from cold, then the bi-metallic strip has failed or is covered with grease, try cleaning it first. If that makes no difference then it is time for a new one!

Tim, my Audi is over cooling at around 75 to 80. The thermostat is ok I tested the old one and also installed a new one and no change. Do you think my viscous fan is faulty. I have a secondary electric fan but that is operating as normal.

Very thorough and helpful, is it possible for a fan/fan clutch to get out of balance. I have a ticking rotational noise when the car (e36) is at idle and fan engaged. It’s getting louder over time. The fan seems ok when cold, using your tests. Could the bearings be on the way out? I’ve ordered a new one, but most other pullies it tensioners have either failed or been replaced or seem quiet. I want my car running quiet again and I’m thinking it’s the viscous fan.

@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation

2 жыл бұрын

Sorry for the wait - yes, the bearings can go - and so can the bearings in the water pump itself. With the engine off grab hold of one blade and carefully lift upwards - there shouldn't be any movement, if there is then make sure it isn't the water pump! P.S. You have a great channel!

@scalewarmachines

2 жыл бұрын

@@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation thanks Tim, it’s obvious you put a lot of care into your content too. On the BMW, the new fan clutch came today and I inspected the old one last week. I’m 90% sure it’s that, but I don’t mind eliminating it from the equation. It could well be an original part - I’ll look for a date when I remove it again. The water pump was done and all the other major likely sources have been replaced or redone over the years, pullies, alt, pas pump, yet the car still rattle ticks when it gets to temperature in traffic around the 92 degrees mark. The fan clutch is the only component which predates onset of noise yet it hasn’t given up the ghost. It’s quiet with aux belts, fan etc. removed. I’ll let you know what transpires. But I don’t mind chasing other stuff until the car purrs again. This has been a bit of theme since 2015, which was when it got that bit noisier! I’ve owned car since 2006 so all part of the fun of running a classic daily.

great video. do you know if the E38 730 clutch and fan are the same as an E36 328 M52?

@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation

Жыл бұрын

Thanks Lukas, yes, all the same from 1988 - 2004

Very informative video, thank you! I have a problem with my cooling fan ('01 e39 540i), it won't spin faster when the temp reaches 92 degrees, not even 109 - fan speed won't change (keeps spinning at regular speed). 1. Thermostat seems to be ok - doesn't take long for engine to warm up. 2. Water pump seems to be ok - no overheat, no coolant leaks. 3, Fan won't spin freely when I turn it with my hand - good drag. 4. Condenser fan engages periodically with A/C off. 5. Checked for airflow blockage - don't see much debris in the radiator. 6. The needle points at the center of the gauge, no fluctuation . 7. No "low coolant level" warning message, checked level physically - seems to be ok Genuine fan clutch was replaced a year ago. T-stat and water pump were replaced about 6 months ago. The problem started about a month ago. Just don't know what else to check.

@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation

3 жыл бұрын

The E39 has the temperature-mapped thermostat with a base opening temperature of 108C without intervention. 109C is quite normal - especially as 108C is the INPUT temperature to the engine and the MID/diagnostics temperature is read at the OUTPUT from the engine.

Great video. I do have a question, so I have an e65 fan and clutch upgrade on my e39. Trying to spin when cold it has lots of resistance, however when trying to spin the other direction to get it spinning more freely it makes no difference. Does this mean the fluid can't move around freely? Should I replace it?

@troubleshooter1975

Жыл бұрын

Spinning by hand might not be enough to pump the oil into the reservoir. Try running the engine a minute or 2 when all is cold, and then try again... The engine spinning will scavenge the oil much faster than by hand, and will disengage the clutch, if the valve is closing properly. I would think it could take a few dozen rotations* in reverse direction, depending on how much of the original oil quantity is still in it. (if it is nearly empty, then only a few rotations could purge the oil back into the reservoir...) * [rotations are fan retrograde rotations, relative to the input shaft, not total assembly rotations]. Mr K L

How many minutes is the clutch locked during a cold engine start? I'm locked for 5 minutes and I hear a howling noise when accelerating

Thank you for the video. I wish I had found your video before replacing the fan clutch on my 98 Z3 2.8L. The old one feels the same as the new. I still have over heating. I can control the heat to a safe level by turning the heat full on inside the car 75C. I had good flow through the radiator with a garden hose. I flushed it both directions but I suppose it could still not have the proper flow through all the fin tubes. I have replaced thermostat and hoses. I bought the car in January and I enjoy driving it. Hopefully I will get this sorted out soon. I subscribe and liked.

@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation

4 жыл бұрын

Things that spring to mind are a damaged waterpump - some versions had plastic impellers and they could disintegrate - also check for a blockage between the radiators that restrics the airflow - all explained here: kzread.info/dash/bejne/int9zZqCiLateag.html

@mihai-danut6955

4 жыл бұрын

Hi Ricky.I own M52B28 me too.Just replaced fant clutch+blade,do it you too,55£ Thermotec.And what he say and Mr Timm,water pump+thermostat,replace and this ones and everything it's gonna be like should be

Very good informative video, Question: I have a 2001 525i, E39, six cylinder. It runs too cool. When moving the temp indicates just past the 1/4 mark. When stopped at idle, the temp increases to normal, needle straight up and stays there. I can see the auxiliary fan operate; but when moving the temp drops again to the 1/4 mark. The viscous fan and aux fan seem to operate normally. I suspect the thermostat may be stuck open, however it seems to warm up quickly. Any thoughts? Thanks.

@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation

Жыл бұрын

Yes, thermostat stuck a bit open!

@salvavida24

Жыл бұрын

@@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation Thanks very much, you have confirmed my initial diagnosis.

THanks for your video, the best one so far. I have a 96 328i E36... should be similar at what you ve explained? I just changed the fan clutch in my car, and now it sounds like a vacuum, spinning I believe at the same speed as the engine, but I dont think it's locked since it stil has normal play when car is stopped and I move the plastic Fan.... What should I do? Im actually quite pissed and argueing with my mechanic wether is fine or is a faulty clutch... Thanks in advance!

@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation

3 жыл бұрын

Hello Matías, all the viscous-coupled fans should work in exactly the same way as described in this video.

@arnolduk123

3 жыл бұрын

Same here, I purchased a new viscous fan from europarts and the fan roars constantly with the speed of the engine from cold and hot. From your video the fan should slowly engage with the rising temperature. It's quite annoying as I see people running to the bus stop when I'm approaching them, they then give me a blank stare cause I wasn't their bus.

Thank you for the video. I have some questions regarding my diesel Bmw. I replaced my fan clutch, with a new Hella one, and the temperature still sits around 100-105 C. For a diesel engine I think it's a little too high. I did the newspaper test (stopped the clutch while hot), and it moves easily when the engine is hot (100+ C). Since it's new, I will do the test with cold engine, tomorrow morning, like you showed in the video. But, many people say it's not ok to be able to stop it while the the engine is at 100+ C. Thank you

@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation

4 жыл бұрын

There's a couple of things to remember - the viscous-coupled fan works on air temperature not engine temperature - if the airflow is restricted past the viscous fan then it will do nothing - however it should howl away when started from cold. Engine temperature is set by the thermostat, it does not matter how efficient the rest of the cooling system is, if the thermostat is closed it will make no difference! You haven't said what the model is, but I would suspect that you have the temperature-mapped thermostat which opens at an inlet temperature of 105C or so - and only opens colder if the engine is being pushed. More info here: kzread.info/dash/bejne/int9zZqCiLateag.html

@bogdanMr

4 жыл бұрын

Timm's BMW Repairs and Information Thank you for your answer. My engine is a diesel (I live in EU), the thermostat opens at 88 C. But now it's ok, I've heard the viscous coupled fan working a couple of times, a diesel goes harder to a 96 C air temperature. Thank you.

Hi Tim, I just replaced my viscous fan with a brand new on my m62 engine, the thing is when my engine is cold and I start the car, the fan is working but it’s really fast as if the car was already at temperature but it’s not yet. Doy you have an idea? Or is it just normal with a new viscous fan clutch maybe there is an adaptation time?

@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation

2 жыл бұрын

That's perfectly normal - have another watch of the video!

@memberberry7139

2 жыл бұрын

I watched it twice and maybe I’m missing the answer

Great video, I never really understood how these worked before. I’m looking at doing a full cooling system overhaul on my E36 328i since my thermostat is stuck open. My viscous fan is working properly so I’m not sure if I should bother replacing it since I’ve heard some of the non-oem replacements have issues.

Hi, thank you for the video. On mine the clutch is not completely seized (it does not do the 'roaring' thing) but it does seem to run more than it should - temperature does not come up to normal. I have tried doing the turning it back backwards thing you suggested and it does not make any difference to how free the fan spins. Is there a repair or adjustment etc that can me done on these? thanks

@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation

4 жыл бұрын

If the temperature does not reach the centre of the gauge then the most likely problem is that your thermostat has failed. The radiator is bypassed by the thermostat until the coolant system reaches operating temperature.

@iozel4633

4 жыл бұрын

@@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation Ok, thanks for the reply, I think my cool running is due to the fan running all the time, I was wondering if there was failure mode in which the viscous clutch - whilst not seized - did not disengage??? thanks.

@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation

4 жыл бұрын

@@iozel4633 Have a watch of this: kzread.info/dash/bejne/int9zZqCiLateag.html it explains how the cooling system works and how the radiator (and the viscous fan) has no affect on reaching operating temperature if the thermostat is working correcty

Thank you so much for this TimmI knew mine was an issue when I bought the car. The roaring noise is so loud it sound like a jet! (Unhealthy jet) How do you fix the seized bearing? Do you have any repair info on your website of this? Many Thanks!!

@shaandin3778

5 жыл бұрын

Found it! Meeknet BABYYY!

My 2011 BMW 328i xDrive fan roar when I start the cold engine, it sound like air plan take off, the roar is on and off and repeat, the hidden menu shows the temperature can be as low as 30 Celsius(cooled overnight) when fan roar, I replaced the coolant sensor but that does not fix the problem, I test the fan resistant when engine is off, the fan blade can turn a few rounds and stop, which is a sign that it's loosing the resistance, but if I use newspaper roll to stop the running fan when engine is on but the fan blade cannot be stopped, which indicates somehow the fan is still working. from what I described above, do you think the roaring fan is a problem of bad fan that need replace? can there be other causes?

@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation

6 ай бұрын

Yes, that doesn't sound right at all, probably a good idea to replace it

2001 E46 auto. I turn the car on and immediately get the school bus sound. The fan blade only spins blade by blade when done by hand when the car is cold and off. Am I looking at issue 4 with a bad bearing?

@memberberry7139

Жыл бұрын

Was fan clutch

There actually is another failure you can get. I replaced the thermostate 4 times one year on my 85 Mercedes. They kept locking up and the engine temp immediately would go over 100 c. I of course would stop and remove it till I could get home and install another one. I finally figured out the radiator was plugged and replaced it and no more thermostat locking closed. I don't know why that caused the thermostats to fail but they did.

@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for your comment! I cover the problem you had here: kzread.info/dash/bejne/int9zZqCiLateag.html

Hello Thanks for the great video! What if the fan this type after starting the car engine while still cold, before the thermostat opens start engaging/kicks in for a few seconds and goes back to normal rpm, What that means? e39 M52 engine 1998 528i only 30 000miles on it.

@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation

3 жыл бұрын

As shown in the video - from cold it will engage for a couple of minutes - and then should idle until the car is pushed hard....

@shefketmustafa9228

3 жыл бұрын

@@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation When I start the engine all looks fine but worries me that the fan starts spinning faster (like tries to cool down the engine) on idle while the engine is still cold?

@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation

3 жыл бұрын

@@shefketmustafa9228 If the fan starts pushing a lot of air around when the engine is idling and cold it is time for a new one!

@shefketmustafa9228

3 жыл бұрын

@@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation I was going to order a new fan clutch but today I heard this... On a functional fan clutch, the fan should engage briefly (

@shefketmustafa9228

3 жыл бұрын

@@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation Hi Today I took out the fan clutch for a test(just with hands). Spin it for a while hard in the beginning (clutch engaging)but after few seconds star spinning free and smoot but while spinning freely randomly it looks itself and it has resistance like in the beginning. I'm guessing it doesn't hold the liquid /gel before reach the high temperature when it should do in working condition? Am I in right direction? Thanks Shef

My cold fan roar came back but the hot engine shutdown the fan just spins and spins and spins. What is the normal fan rotation after a hot shutdown? I have been seeing it should be 3 revolutions or less? What is correct...? Thank You

@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

In my e46 m57 3.0 liters diesel the engine heats up very well, preety quickly for a diesel, I can spin it when the engine is off, obviously not freely, but the car sounds like a boeing 737 especially in like 2-2.5k rpm. Is the fan clutch working ok? Maybe im overthinking but i thought that the clutch is fully on all the time

@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation

3 жыл бұрын

It should go out of lock from cold in a couple of minutes - if it doesn't you need a new one!

@The666Ostry

3 жыл бұрын

@@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation thanks for reply. Out of lock, do you mean like completely free rotate? On cold engine i can rotate it preety easly but it does not spin so much. It is just like on your video :)

hi im having over heating issues on my e28 when its hot im still able to stop the fan by hand does this mean its not working correctly thanks

@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation

10 ай бұрын

Yes, very likely the viscous-coupling, but check there are no leaves in-between the radiators

hello everyone and thanks for your guides. I replaced the viscous fan on bmw e39 because the electric fan was often inserted. nothing has changed. after 5 miles at 4000 rpm the electric fan is still on. the engine temperature is always ok, and the radiator is clean. with cold engine the new viscous fan is strong to turn by hand. when the engine starts it runs very fast and looks like an airplane. Why?

@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation

3 жыл бұрын

The auxiliary fan on the TUB-engined E39's DO run even if the temperature is in the safe zone.

my clutch fan is always on but it seems to go faster with engine revving but it isnt loud and it isn't locked. there is clear oil dampening when the engine is cold, but the newspaper did stop the fan but it took 10 seconds to do so. is this a bad fan?

@sydneythompson3399

2 жыл бұрын

my engine heats up normally and never overheats. new thermostat

@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation

2 жыл бұрын

The fan always rotates but is usually unlocked until required - if you are not overheating and the gauge stays in the centre don't worry!

so a yet to be installed viscus fan turns freely. phew.. installing one on an engine thought it was fubared. still may be. but at rest cold. it should spin.. More to check... hmmm... mine spins free a shiat. but it has been off the engine for a monthhs so it presently may have no oil in the passages. hmmm.. so how to test one where oil is likely not in the passages at all. ???

My BMW e39 cooler fan clutch is stucked and it is now always on and it is already been decentralized and causes little bit vibration.

@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation

4 жыл бұрын

Get a new one quickly - the next thing it will do is break apart and make holes in your bonnet, coolant pipes and cowling!

@jlkartvideos9887

4 жыл бұрын

@@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation Thanks for your answer. I will install new fan clutch. Today when I tested there was no vibration at all but the clutch was still stucked.

From my experience these fans usually fail in such a way that they remain engaged even when cold.

@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation

3 жыл бұрын

Yes, they can do that - or lose their viscous fluid

There's no repair for a failed bearing, it is a precision unit and getting the old bearing out will probably reduce the precision! The end of the video shows how to remove the fan and the replacements are a reasonably priced. Timm....

do NOT try to stop ur fan with ur hand... i hope i dont have to explain y

Stop fan with your hand. If clutch is bad you will need stitches. Simple as that.

Delete it and get electric,

@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation

Жыл бұрын

Here's why that isn't a good idea: kzread.info/dash/bejne/dWerqayMctS6f6Q.html

@panscrank

Жыл бұрын

@@TimmsBMWRepairsandInformation Less stress on the engine, allows you to delete the auxiliary fan. 2 years and counting on a 21 year old E46 325Ti Compact. Just ticked over 170000 miles on my way back from watching Swansea City beat West Brom yesterday. Also been on trips to Rotherham, Worcester, London and lots of local stop start driving with zero ill effects. Whether you think it is a good 'idea' or not is completely anecdotal. My evidence of it being a good 'idea' is data driven and I'll take empirical evidence over anecdotal any day of the week. Also, you sound exactly like the 'you don't wanna do that' Harry Enfield character. Ironic.