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Old 06-29-2021, 01:18 AM
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clutch fan worries me; collecting parts for electric fan swap-in

from another thread
Quote:
Originally Posted by workingonit
...I've got a noisy clutch fan that worries me (though the viscous clutch feels good & just tight enough, I don't want blades coming loose just now), so an electric fan conversion is my first priority.

I have two trucks with clutch fans ('04 Chevy 2500HD with 135k miles, and a '98 GMC with 185K miles), but they're still in great shape...but I worry about the X5. I have previously added electric fans on most of my previous 20+ vehicles, either as primary or secondary cooling fans, auxiliary fans for a dedicated transmission cooler, or in the case of my now traded (for the X5) '66 Chevelle, all three types. I'll probably do the fan conversion soon.
I like the way the OP presented this topic; I've been researching it for awhile (ever since I first heard the noise under the hood, though it seems louder inside the X5 than outside). There's video on the E46 Fanatics website, that helped me decide to do the swap in conjunction with this thread.

I think I've found the fan I want: Flexalite 105390 (also called the model 238) from Summit Racing (15 miles from me), a thin (3.75") 16" fan that makes 3000cfm @18.5 amps. If there's room enough, I'll add a aluminum shroud from Speedway, and probably a Hayden 30-amp controller. Plus, I'll probably buy the removal tools (32mm wrench and water pump holder set) from FCPEuro. A little bit purchased each week, since I've been retired five years, and the wife decided to retire 15-20 years early, to prevent me from enjoying myself...so the budget is much less than a few years back.

I might just use the auxiliary fan's positive lead to kick on the new main fan; and if not using the Automatic Climate system (unlikely), then I'll have the temp sensor engage it at 180. The temp probe will be glued into the radiator fins with thermally conductive adhesive (I had a press-fit sensor vibrate out before). And I'll keep a spare relay for the controller, too.

I haven't removed the radiator cover to measure clearances, but I found this photo of a M54 after the clutch fan was removed...it looks like 4-5" is max clearance. I also searched for the radiator dimensions, and found it to be 24"x24" thereabouts. So the shroud I found should work, with alterations.

I'm limiting my usage of the X5 to a few miles, once a week, to reduce the chances of fan clutch failure 'til I can start the swap; I have three back-up vehicles, so I might not even use the X5 at all??? I told you I'm worried.
Attached Images
  
__________________
01 BMW X5 E53,3.0i-5L40E, 7/13/01
topas-blau,Leder-grau,"resto-project car"

Here:
14 Lexus ES350,3.5L-U660E
09 HHR Panel,2.2L-4T45E
04 Chevy 2500HD,6.0L-4L80E
98 GMC Sierra 1500,5.7L-4L60E

Gone:
66 Chevelle Malibu 2dr ht.,327>441c.i.-TH350>PGlide/transbrake
08 Cobalt Coupe,2.2L-4T45E
69 & 75 C10s,350c.i.-TH350
86 S10,2.8L-700R4
73 Volvo 142,2.0L-MT4
72 & 73 VW SuperBeetles,1.6l-MT4
64 VW,1.2l-MT4
67 Dodge Monaco 500 2dr ht.,383c.i.-A727
56 Chevy 210 4dr,265c.i.-PGlide

Last edited by workingonit; 03-07-2024 at 01:48 PM. Reason: removed false link
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