Replacing Electric with Clutch Fan & Replacing radiator hoses

Hello, I just recieved my Zed yesterday and am very happy with it, I love it already. Its a 1990 2 seater NA, sadly as soon as I got home I noticed it was making a whistling sound, after opening the bonnet I saw that one or even both of the radiator hoses were leaking, with steam coming from them. On the test drive prior to buying the car nothing of the sort happened so I guess I'm just really unlucky. Im not angry at the seller in the slightest because hes been great to deal with and very helpfull, but am a bit angry at the RACV comprehensive vehicle inspection I had done a week ago which basically said everything was A-OK, which included checking the cooling system for leaks, surely that should have been picked up?

Anyway now I need to replace the hoses, so any help on where/what to get would be greatly appreciated, also on advice from the seller he suggested that I switch the electric fan back to the clutch fan just to ensure better reliability and perhaps that the leak had something to do with insufficient cooling.

I have read some tech articles, but I basically have no technical know-how, the seller would be happy to help but is really busy at the moment so it just leaves me, the procedure does seem quite simple but any help will be greatly appreciated.

So if anyone knows where/what hoses to get, knows how to remove and replace the fan, drain coolant, add coolant etc. Please post any helpfull tips, and if someone wants to come help me there will be drinks, food, fun and Zed passion provided.

Thank you

 

Just get some new hoses and put them on. Not a big deAl really.
Get some to go over the car for you and you should be good to go.
And yes go back to the stock fan it work way better the the Elec fan
You should be able to get the hoses of the forum. Just up up a post also a fan
Your hoses may need to be tightened ? Just nik them up a little

 

Thanks for the advice. I guessed its not a big deal but the only car experience I have is basically changing a battery or tyre haha. So while im eiger to learn I'm hesistant to stuff anything up especially as I just got her, thats why im after little hints and Do's and Do Nots.

I did check the upper hose and it had a tear just under the clamp, so the plan is to replace the upper and lower and get new clamps. The cheapest price for both OEM hoses I've gotten has been $115, so im just wondering if perhaps its better to go for silicone ones.

Ive got the original fan, shroud and clutch thing so I'm good for that, so now im just after tips of how to assemble it back, It seems pretty simple except I got told I should loosen the belt to where it connects then tighten it back once the fan is connected and I have no idea how to do that.

Thanks

 

Well I can do it for you no a problem.
You might be able to cut the hose a little and push it I'n more
I for one am not a fan of silicon hoses.
Pm me if you want.

 

If you dont already know, the TOP radiator hoses for NA and TT's are different, in that the NA hose is longer. Lowers are the interchangeable. Most Silicone radiator hose kits you will find (ebay etc) are to suit TT's. To get it to fit on an NA, you must put an extension pipe in the middle of the top hose, or use an aftermarket Temp. Sensor coupling.

With regards to your fan situation, what kind of thermo setup have you already got installed- single or twin thermos? If twin, what assembly- individual, or both in the same shroud. Do they have a thermo switch or constantly running? Thermos are considered an upgrade for the NA, (and admittedly successful for some TT owners also... myself not included to date) Might be a step backwards to revert back to your clutch fan and shroud.

BTW- welcome to Z ownership

 

Badxtc: I might be in contact depending on how I Go/Dont go haha. Thanks for your advice

OZX: Yep, I found out the uppers are different so I guess I'm better of going with just OEM rubber hoses, I dont wanna be doing any alterations.
With the fan, its a single fan (looks like just one) and it is set to go on depending on a temperature sensor which is adjustable (i forgot what its set to at the moment), the sensor has been placed inside the upper radiator hose. Im getting to understand theres a bit of controversy with whats better out of a Thermo and Clutch fan and I suppose after advice from the previous owner that I just want to go back to standard. The thermo fan looks smaller than the standard if that has any sway haha.

And thanks, it feels amaZing to be a Zed owner, I've basically grown up with them with my Dad getting a 2+2 TT when I was around 5, (our family car haha) and in the last 5 years he's gotten another 2 haha so ive had lots of experience driving them but none maintaining them - thats his job and he knows less than me! Sadly he lives in Zimbabwe and I now in Australia, but im constantly going back and enjoying his cars.
Owning my very own is awesome and I couldn't be happier.

 

While your at it

If you have easy access to the radiator, you might want to pull it out and take it to someone and ask them to remove the ends off and put a cleaning rod through it alot of cooling failures are cause by a clogged radiator.

 

Thanks for the tip Raheen, its a pretty new radiator (4-5 years) so is it due for that?

Just looking for instructions on how to loosen the belt when putting on the clutch fan, any help appreciated!

Thanks

 

Get underneath and loosen your Alternator adjustment(that is also the adjustment for the Cooling Fan Belt).

If you're going to replace that belt, you will also have to remove the A/Con belt and the Power Steering belt(as they are in front of the Alternator/Fan belt).

If your doing one you might as well do all three(it will save doing them later on).

 

Thanks Chili, not wanting to replace them, they are pretty new (4-5 years) so they should be alright. Only wanting to loosen the cooling fan belt because I was told I will need to In order to safely put the clutch fan back on.

Thanks for the tip, slowly getting confident enough to have a go and learn about my zed

 

Mate you do not need to loosen the pump belt to replace the clutch fan. You can even leave the radiator in place and just undo the 4 nuts then slightly rotate fan then undo 4 fan bolts with a small 1/4 drive ratchet and deep 10mm socket so you can squeeze out and in.
Cheers Dave

 

I was wondering if loosening the belt was necessary, I got told that the tension from the belt might break the water pulley with the bolts off. Im just trying to be as cautious as possible, so is there any chance of harming the water pump with the belts not loosened?

Thanks for the advice I really appreciate it, loosening the belt was my most dreaded task.

Now just after the right method of doing things, my idea so far is:
1. Drain radiator, Remove hoses
2. Remove thermo fan
3. Remove radiator
4. Connect clutch fan back
5. Place radiator back with bottom hose attached.
6. Place fan shroud
7. Connect both radiator hoses to engine.
8. Refill Water and coolant.

Does that sound right or am I missing steps/got them in wrong order?

Thanks

 

Sounds fine but it is possible to not touch the radiator and do it with it in place . Just fiddley.
Cheers Dave

 

After inspecting fan I found two cracks, please see the photos from my phone below, I'm just wondering if the fan is fine for the shortish term.

 

It will eventually disintegrate at some future point(with a very great possibility that when it does, it will destroy your radiator core).
Better to purchase a new fan blade from COZ.:zlove:
Do it right, do it once!

 

Thanks, I tried to twist and flex the fan and there is no movement near the cracks, there are just those two. What I'm wondering is for the mean time if I want to drive my zed is it better to keep the electric fan until new blades arrive or the clutch fan till new blades arrive, or just wait and do it all at once?

I was hoping to go for a nice beachy cruise on wednesday haha, thats why i'm being a little impatient.

 

i use the silicon hoses from ebay with no issues, been thru a summer with them, and a winter, for the price vs how long they last seem alright


i bought the chinese ones too.

 

I would leave it until you have a new fan. Do every thing else(replace hoses, drain cooling system and replace with fresh coolant)and just keep an eye on the temperature(if it overheats badly in Winter then you have bigger problems).

 

The fans are known for cracking. I have seen much worse than that. You probably have a few years left in it yet. Best off getting a new one as mentioned, but I would use it for the time being.

 

Ok so my last few questions for when i do fit the clutch fan:

1. When assembling the fan blades to clutch there are the four bolts, now I'm wondering are these bolts meant to have nuts that tighten on the other side? Or because the clutch holes are threaded is it fine?
2. When assembling the fan and clutch to the water pulley, I have basically the same question, there are four bolts and the nuts and washers on them face toward the radiator, so I take these off and then place the fan & clutch, now on the other side of the water pulley I felt around and its basically flush, so no nuts to tighten, does that sound right?