M54 engine viscous fan. Not sure if I have an issue.
- Thread starter Pond
- Start date
Why not delete the viscous fan, it doesn't seem to be needed? Or just leave as is.
Whilst no real comparison, my M44 only has the electric (aircon) fan and has no other fan installed from factory.
Whilst no real comparison, my M44 only has the electric (aircon) fan and has no other fan installed from factory.
- Joined
- Feb 18, 2016
- Points
- 231
- Model of Z
- Z3M Imola and Z4 (e89)
The M54 primary cooling was by viscous, if it didn't have AC the electric fan wouldn't be fitted. Always better to have both systems if they are there, always a back up if the primary fails, I deleted the viscous on my M, under normal and vigorous driving all was OK, but under prolonged high revving very vigorous driving the electric fan didn't cope well, hence I put it back. I would leave things as Mr. BMW designed it, I'll wager he knows better than us. 
I have ordered a new viscous coupling (£40).
I noticed there are several 'versions' available; some say they are for 'hot climates' and some also say they are for 'no electric fan', even though realoem only gives one part number.
I can only presume the bimetallic strip on some move at different temperatures to others??
I have ordered a 'generic' one with the correct part number, so let's hope it makes a difference.
I noticed there are several 'versions' available; some say they are for 'hot climates' and some also say they are for 'no electric fan', even though realoem only gives one part number.
I can only presume the bimetallic strip on some move at different temperatures to others??
I have ordered a 'generic' one with the correct part number, so let's hope it makes a difference.
- Joined
- Feb 18, 2016
- Points
- 231
- Model of Z
- Z3M Imola and Z4 (e89)
If you don't have a set I would highly recommend getting one. Makes the job a lot easier.
And as Mint said, its Lefty Tighty Righty Loosie
Viscous Spanners
So....I changed the viscous coupling today for an item with the correct part number (didn't get it from BMW and it isn't a 'recognised' brand).
Now I have the opposite problem!
At idle in my garage (ambient about 15c) it won't get to temperature. I ran it for an hour and a half and it got to 75c ish. The viscous clutch is making at around 65c and it creeps up to 75 ish with the fan running pretty fast all the time.
I was under the impression there should be virtually no heat in the rad until the thermostat opens (90c ish??). I am now wondering if my clutch is the wrong one AND my thermostat is letting by.
It's starting to get on my tits now.
Now I have the opposite problem!
At idle in my garage (ambient about 15c) it won't get to temperature. I ran it for an hour and a half and it got to 75c ish. The viscous clutch is making at around 65c and it creeps up to 75 ish with the fan running pretty fast all the time.
I was under the impression there should be virtually no heat in the rad until the thermostat opens (90c ish??). I am now wondering if my clutch is the wrong one AND my thermostat is letting by.
It's starting to get on my tits now.