replacement cooling fan-wedge

[RubbishFettler]

Hi all

The cooling fan is struggling to do it's job when my 350i is idling for any length of time. Has anybody recently fitted a replacement which performs better, or can anybody quote any data for the output of the standard fan to check against a potential upgrade?

Cheers

Steve

[RubbishFettler]

Hi Tony

The car has had a new sender fitted. The temperature is fine on the move,a steady 80-85 degrees, it is just when the car is sat idling for any length of time, the temperature soon creeps up towards the red

[RubbishFettler]

The sender is the correct one for the gauge. I have actually fit a manual override for the fan, if i switch it on at rest when gauge shows 80, it soon rises above the 90 degrees. I take what you are saying about accuracy though, i will see if i can measure the temperature externally to be sure.

Steve

[RubbishFettler]

Expansion cap has been changed already.The radiator hasn't been changed, although it has been flushed, and I would have thought if it was the rad, the car would overheat at higher speeds, which it doesn't?

[RubbishFettler]

Yes I can see what you are saying about the efficiency without the ram air. Thanks for the data on the standard fan, that is useful. Presumably if I fit a replacement fan with a higher CFM, that may make the difference, especially as the original fan probably won't be as efficient as it was after 30 years.

[RubbishFettler]

Point taken Tony

[RubbishFettler]

Just realised I never posted a final update on this-bit rude I know! Checked temperature and readout was within a couple of degrees. Investigated further and realised the wiring to the fan did not look original or that substantial. I replaced with heavier gauge cable, now the fan cuts in just below it hits the red and manages to keep the temperature below. I am not that techy with electrics, but I can only assume the small cable was not allowing the fan to run at capable speed? I plan on fitting a small fan to one side on the rad and have that on a manual override, so in extreme conditions it can give the system a bit of extra oomph. Thought it was worth posting this in case someone else may have the same issue.

Thanks again for everybody's contributions.

Steve