Engine Fans
Engine Fans
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V8 TVR

Original Poster:

319 posts

213 months

Wednesday 27th February 2013
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Have just started up my TVR Griffith - only 1 engine cooling fan is working. I don't think it is the fuse as it is a mid-95 model which I believe only has a single fuse. Has anyone experienced this problem - any tips? Thanks in advance.

roseytvr

1,790 posts

202 months

Wednesday 27th February 2013
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Check the two connectors are properly connected, and switch them around to help identify where to start looking.
HTH

RAS

347 posts

274 months

Thursday 28th February 2013
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As Ian said, also:

Had a similar problem, according to the TVR handbook mine did not have the 2 fuse / relay mod but it has, so it was either fitted earlier by TVR or applied as a post delivery upgrade by the dealers.

In my case Fuse 1 (first on left) had a 15amp fuse not the 40 as per the book and also Fuse 19 (the horn fuse) had been upgraded from 15 to 25. I think the upgraded cars have 25 in both, I suggest you check these first and also try the horn to see if it works.

The chances are that if a fuse has blown the fan has probably ceased. Try turning it with a the end of a screwdriver and comparing it to the working one. If its stiff or feels notchy then the chances are that this is the problem and it will blow the fuse again. If this is the case its a £100+ for a fan and a radiator out job.

On the basis it probably can't make things any worse its worth trying to lubricate the inners with WD40, depending on the model there may be a nylon covered access hole that you can use or you may need to remove the top cover which from memory involves removing all 8 screws at the top, but be careful the inner ones are prone to cease and can snap.

Good Luck
R

Argent

480 posts

265 months

Thursday 28th February 2013
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I had the same problem, the connector between the fans gets corroded, replaced it and all was well.

A.

Digger

16,155 posts

215 months

Thursday 28th February 2013
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Out of interest what sort of temps and usage will get the fans kicking in? Is it only in Summer weather when they cut in?

Take today as an example, dry 7 or 8 deg C, if you were to go out for a blat, and then find yourself sitting in London traffic for 10 or 15 mins, I assume they will kick in?

Just wondering whilst I wait to take ownership, plus reading about Garlick's Chim's non-working fans didn't help. biggrin

Colin RedGriff

2,541 posts

281 months

Thursday 28th February 2013
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Yeah the fans will kick in while sitting in traffic even on a cold day.

To the OP - as many have said, check the connections. Swapping them round will tell you if it is the fan (same fan still not turning) or the feed (other fan runs).

Check the earths with a multi meter to make sure they are OK.

Take the connector off the otter switch and short the connections with a wire loop so you don't have to run the engine up to temp to check. Switch the ignition on and the fans (or one at least) should run.

I had similar issues and found the wiring from the loom up to the connector had, at some time in the past been cut and jointed with a nasty crimp connector on the earth. I cut both back sets back and made up new connectors with a tail of wire then jointed them into the old wires with a soldered connection.

SteveGriff

504 posts

209 months

Thursday 28th February 2013
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Mine were kicking in today and its freezing were I am.
I am thinking of putting the fans on to a permanent live so that they run when the ignition is of if required - I did this to my S4 and it worked well. It beats leaving the ignition on when you have parked up.

Digger

16,155 posts

215 months

Thursday 28th February 2013
quotequote all
Seriously?! The fans aren't designed to keep running (if needed) once you switch off the ignition?

Remind me to buy a fire-extinguisher. smile

5.0ltr

2,832 posts

223 months

Thursday 28th February 2013
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Digger said:
Seriously?! The fans aren't designed to keep running (if needed) once you switch off the ignition?
Remind me to buy a fire-extinguisher. smile
Nope they do not stay on w/o ignition. Why would you need a fire extinguisher?

Digger

16,155 posts

215 months

Thursday 28th February 2013
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It was partly in jest smile

Edited by Digger on Friday 1st March 09:29

V8 TVR

Original Poster:

319 posts

213 months

Friday 1st March 2013
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Thanks to everyone for their feedback. Have not had a chance to try suggestions, will do this weekend. Just a further question though,regarding shorting the otter switch with a wire loop - how do I do this? (sorry a bit of a novice!)

SteveGriff

504 posts

209 months

Friday 1st March 2013
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Digger said:
Seriously?! The fans aren't designed to keep running (if needed) once you switch off the ignition?

Remind me to buy a fire-extinguisher. smile
But if you stop the car and the engine is so hot that the cooling fans have kicked in, why would you want them to stop?

griffdude

1,896 posts

272 months

Friday 1st March 2013
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SteveGriff said:
I am thinking of putting the fans on to a permanent live so that they run when the ignition is of if required - I did this to my S4 and it worked well. It beats leaving the ignition on when you have parked up.
Much easier to just pop the rear edge of the bonnet if circumstances allow. Also, if the water pump's not turning is there much advantage from cooling the radiator?

SteveGriff

504 posts

209 months

Friday 1st March 2013
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griffdude said:
if the water pump's not turning is there much advantage from cooling the radiator?
Fair comment, I do think though the extra air flow cannot do any harm when the engine is "too hot".

Digger

16,155 posts

215 months

Friday 1st March 2013
quotequote all
SteveGriff said:
Digger said:
Seriously?! The fans aren't designed to keep running (if needed) once you switch off the ignition?

Remind me to buy a fire-extinguisher. smile
But if you stop the car and the engine is so hot that the cooling fans have kicked in, why would you want them to stop?
I'm in full agreement and questioning the same thing (note my second question mark). It does appear an oversight that tvr didn't allow for the cooling fans to continue to run for a short time after switching off the ignition.

Could it be because they didnt want there to be any extra drain on the battery?

davetherave1970

2,144 posts

270 months

Friday 1st March 2013
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Mod-wise two stage fan system works this well.
Set half speed fan operation at a lower temp of your choice, then full speed fan operation at a higher temp of your choice.
Switch ignition off and if the fans are in full speed operation they stay on until the lower temp is reached.
Otter switch remains in the system as a fail safe.

Colin RedGriff

2,541 posts

281 months

Friday 1st March 2013
quotequote all
V8 TVR said:
Just a further question though,regarding shorting the otter switch with a wire loop - how do I do this? (sorry a bit of a novice!)
Pull the connector off the otter switch and then get a short piece of wire with a spade connector on each end (you can use just bare wire but its easier to get a firm connection) and push tem into the plug (the one on the wire) to complete the circuit.

Also a good get home dodge if your otter switch stops working and your car hasn't had a manual over ride switch fitted.

Stew Mc

401 posts

197 months

Friday 1st March 2013
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davetherave1970 said:
Mod-wise two stage fan system works this well.
Set half speed fan operation at a lower temp of your choice, then full speed fan operation at a higher temp of your choice.
Switch ignition off and if the fans are in full speed operation they stay on until the lower temp is reached.
Otter switch remains in the system as a fail safe.
Recently fitted this kit and it works very well. Also had a fan bearing starting to seize so stripped them and measured the bearing. Got a pair for about £6 which was much cheaper than a new fan. For that price worth a go if you are going to have to replace the fan and may save you a few quid if it works.

SteveGriff

504 posts

209 months

Friday 1st March 2013
quotequote all
davetherave1970 said:
Mod-wise two stage fan system works this well.
Set half speed fan operation at a lower temp of your choice, then full speed fan operation at a higher temp of your choice.
Switch ignition off and if the fans are in full speed operation they stay on until the lower temp is reached.
Otter switch remains in the system as a fail safe.
How much is the two stage fan kit and where are they available from?

Stew Mc

401 posts

197 months

Friday 1st March 2013
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SteveGriff said:
How much is the two stage fan kit and where are they available from?
Clarion service centre in Wiltshire. Ask for David Beer. He is very helpful and the kit was £135.