I installed my new clutch fan today. A 15 minutes run around home shows that temps have dropped about 6 degrees compared with the old clutch fan . Test results: Before: 33 degree ambient = 86 degree+ coolant (a/c off) 33 degree ambient = 93 degree+ coolant (a/c on) Today: 33 degree ambient = 80 degree coolant (a/c off) 33 degree ambient = 84 degree coolant (a/c on) I will need to see what happens idling in traffic and at higway speeds, but early signs seem to indicate my 'running warm' issue is related to the clutch fan being loose. Once the old clutch fan was out it was really apparent how stuffed it was. By turning the shaft back and forth quickly the fan frees up very quickly. The new one stayed firm when tested in this way. Maybe this shows the inadequacy of using the 'spin test' while the fan is on the car as it takes a few twists for the internal goo to stop resisting the shafts torque. I'll post up more results once I've been out for a good run.
Great news !!! That was the last weak-link to eliminate. You are a preventative maintenance fiend :zlove:
You will have to check those temps after at least a half hour of running around so that all components get hot, including the body of the car.
Good news man, might have to get a new one as well, allthough my temps are not as bad as yours where. Cheers Patrick
I shall be interested in further test results as I've long suspected inefficient 20 y/o viscous couplings may be the cause of some Zed's running hotter than others with otherwise perfect cooling systems.
Ive thought this to Rob,,, Dinoz runs at about 78/79 on a 30+ day (Gympie weekend) Mine would have been sitting around 85/86 for the same temps. Interestingly i put my airguide template on the other day , and ill swear it ran at least 3/4 deg cooler than without it. Cheers Patrick
YES. A rodeo was overheating at work constantly. Nothing could be done to fix the problem. until the fan clutch was replaced. Problem solved instantly.
Good work Bob. Your new temperatures are what my Z has seen ever since I took delivery so you are now definitely within OEM spec now
Happy to donate my old clutch fan for scientific testing Rob . I might get out for a run tomorrow to get more comprehensive temp readings. Stay tuned.:zlove:
More results in. I had a good run down to the Gold Coast today, 45 minutes each way, and the new clutch fan has definately dropped temps. Results: 33 -35 degrees ambient = 84 - 86 degrees coolant with a/c on the whole way down to coast. A drop of about 12 degrees. 33 - 34 degrees ambient = 82 -83 degrees coolant without a/c on the whole way back to Brisbane. A drop of about 10 degrees. At idle in traffic with a/c the temps never went over 88 degrees. I'm very happy with these results and have to wonder whether a new clutch fan should be mandatory maintenance item for our ageing cars.:zlove::zlove:
Well with results like that , mabye it should be mandatory replacement at 100 thou service .......Great result mate and you have convinced me to get a new one for mine as well. Where did you get it and how much ??? Cheers Patrick
Got it from Coz (conceptzperformance) US$195 Check out the link here. You need to order either a TT or NA specific unit. As usual with Coz it arrived a week after placing the order. http://www.conceptzperformance.com/..._Type=NIS300&UID=20100126012013121.208.115.33
..congratulations ... excellent outcome from some dogged persistence, bob .... .. as well as myself, i am sure your tests and results will lead a number of members looking to replace this particular bit of gear ...
Excellent result Bob! Now that S1 PTUs are being replaced en masse, I think the clutch fan unit along with fuel pump, coilpacks and particularly fuel injectors will be the next big waves of preventative maintenance purchases. We are starting to see failure trends in all these items as they reach their shelf life.
good thinking wee Patrick ... i could be in for 2 of the N/A variety .... reckon that you would be just the lad to do a G/B ... ..bob doesn't need one ... !!! .. lol...
Thanks to you Mark for suggesting that the clutch fan was a likely cause of the problem and prompting me to head down this path. BTW, another thing that was immediately apparent once the new unit was installed was the fan noise sucking air through the radiator. Before this the fan was silent (being captain obvious here), but this could be another method of checking whether the fan is working properly. Another point to note is that I used the 'plastic ruler' test on the old clutch fan in the car and all seemed ok. I can see now that on initial turning of the clutch fan there is some resistance with the viscous coupling, but that soon frees up and allows the fan to spin freely.
