Warped radiator fan? I think?

[Motorhead350]

Here is a strange issue. I have a really bad noise coming from the front of the car and I think it's the radiator fan.

It makes this noise only when the fan is spinning... HOWEVER it will not make the noise when the car is running with no belt. :confused:

Upon watching this thing over and over from the front (me removing a few bolts and looking in from the front of the car) it will make a horrible noise when the fan is operating. It will stop when the fan shuts off. It only stays alive for ten seconds of less and shuts off.

I thought something was hitting the blades, but when I took it halfway apart and was able to spin the fan on my own, it will not make the noise.

It does it with the belt, but not without the belt. I check all pulleys and even bought a NEW tensioner. It has to be the fan because it totally sounds like plastic to plastic, but I do not get why it would only happen with the belt on. Normally, my cards would be on the pulleys on the front of the car, but I spun them all by hand and NONE are making any noise.

Does the fan spin faster with the belt because the belt is spinning the A/C pulley?

Can I simply tighten the fan?

I am confused and have places to go. Please let me know.

Finally, if I need another one what other cars have our same fan? Yes I am thinking junkyard... if I can transfer my fully functioning fan motor.

Is it the motor?

BTW the car got really hot yesterday and I had to take engine brakes. it never got into the "danger zone" in the red though.

[Motorhead350]

Zack told me what is it.

EDIT: Maybe not.

Any and all suggestions please.

[fastblackmerc]

Zack told me what is it.

EDIT: Maybe not.

Any and all suggestions please.

Check each fan blade. I bet you find a cracked one.

[Motorhead350]

When I look at the fan, the "rim" of the fan wobbles.

I do not understand why it will make the noise with the belt, but will not with no belt. My only guess is the fan get's to a higher speed with the belt.

It only makes the noise at "full speed."

[RF Overlord]

Here's my WAG: The fan is temperature controlled. Without the belt on, the water pump isn't spinning, so no coolant is flowing, so the temp sensor isn't seeing hot coolant from the block, so it doesn't trigger the fan.

If you remove the fan assembly (it's really easy) I bet you find the ring that surrounds the fan blades is cracked at a casting seam.

[Marauderjack]

Here's my WAG: The fan is temperature controlled. Without the belt on, the water pump isn't spinning, so no coolant is flowing, so the temp sensor isn't seeing hot coolant from the block, so it doesn't trigger the fan.

If you remove the fan assembly (it's really easy) I bet you find the ring that surrounds the fan blades is cracked at a casting seam.

^^^+1^^^:beer:

[Mike M]

Here's my WAG: The fan is temperature controlled. Without the belt on, the water pump isn't spinning, so no coolant is flowing, so the temp sensor isn't seeing hot coolant from the block, so it doesn't trigger the fan.

If you remove the fan assembly (it's really easy) I bet you find the ring that surrounds the fan blades is cracked at a casting seam.


Exactly>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

[Motorhead350]

Ok great.

Thank you all.

And Zack.

[MMBLUE]

Dom I had that same problem. See here. http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?t=87836 Fan shroud must lay flat against radiator. When the fan spins it flexes hence, hitting the sides.

[Motorhead350]

Its my a/c compresser.

Screw this.

I've had it.

[Limited360]

Its my a/c compresser.

Screw this.

I've had it.

It happens... How many miles on it? How many years? Not that bad of a failure as I assume the AC is still functioning? Clutch in AC comp went out I bet.

[RF Overlord]

Dominick, you can't quit now! Your car is a SURVIVOR, man!

[Wags]

Dominick,

When you just swapped engines, did you just charge up your ac system, or did you vacuum it out completely before charging the system with freon? I f you did not evacuate the system and just charged it up it can kill the compressor in a short period of time. Any time you open up the ac system you MUST vacuum out for at least 30 mins or so before charging. I do have a vacuum pump and the gauges for this if you need them. Matter of fact I'm replacing the condenser on the Exploder this weekend because of a leak in it. Then selling it. Anyone want a 2002 Explorer Sport?

Pete

[martyo]

Dominick,

When you just swapped engines, did you just charge up your ac system, or did you vacuum it out completely before charging the system with freon? I f you did not evacuate the system and just charged it up it can kill the compressor in a short period of time. Any time you open up the ac system you MUST vacuum out for at least 30 mins or so before charging. I do have a vacuum pump and the gauges for this if you need them. Matter of fact I'm replacing the condenser on the Exploder this weekend because of a leak in it. Then selling it. Anyone want a 2002 Explorer Sport?

Pete

Holy smokes, where have you been?????

[Wags]

Since I sold the Marauder, really don't come around here much anymore. Just sort of lurk every now and then. Just been really busy. Haven't had much time to work on my cars, except for the TT. Timing belt busted when daughter was driving a few months back. Trashed valves and 2 pistons. Got a used motor, went through it all, replaced a crap load of hoses, gaskets and what not and she's a runnin' once more. I HATE wrenching on Audi's. I am taking time off for a Moose hunt this year though. Missed last year. Back to bow for a while as we are hunting more south in Ontario this year. Hope things are well with everyone. That's about it. I really have to get a life when you can sum up some years in just a few sentences. Cheers :beer:

Wags

[Wags]

Here's the last one.....Hopefully get another this year.....:)

[Motorhead350]

The ac upon engine swap is a Zack question. This his third engine swap for my car, I think its simply agr. He would not forget that.

I might take you up on your offer this weekend.

[ik04]

Check my recent "Death Rattle?" Thread. I just replaced my fan/shroud assembly after thinking the noise was comiong from elswhere.

The ring around the circumference of my fan was broken and it would only make the noise when running at full speed.

Once I figured it out, it was an easy fix...

[MyBlackBeasts]

Dom, if it's just the clutch the clutch can be replaced without removing the compressor or opening the system.

Simple 30, 45min job (for experienced tech).

Neither compressor or clutch is not a DIY job.

Had to do mine last summer - at 45k.

You also can install a shorter belt or if needed a bypass bracket to run car w/o a/c.

[Motorhead350]

Can someone please explain why I cannot do this on my own? I saw a video on a swap on a 2000 town car and it seems easy as long as i plan on recharging the unit. I know there is a different model for 2003 cars but overall i would see it the same way.

So whats the complication?

[Limited360]

Can someone please explain why I cannot do this on my own? I saw a video on a swap on a 2000 town car and it seems easy as long as i plan on recharging the unit. I know there is a different model for2003 cats but overall i would see it the same way.

So whats the complication?


I would do it myself, but then again I am rather handy with my own hands.

Recharging I would still take to a shop to have done however. I also agree a vaccumm of the system is required.

[Wags]

Dominick,

If you are sure it's the compressor, replace it with a new one, or a remanufactured one. Do not get a used one. Yes, this is something that you can do yourself. But you have to do it correctly and not just think that you swap the comp out and just dump a few cans of freon in. Seals need to be replaced and the proper steps for evacuating and verifying that there are no other leaks. If you do not follow the correct way to do it, then you are just tossing money away. The recharge/evac takes a minimum of 1 to 1.5 hours on its own. After replacing any bad components, hook up the ac manafold guages to the system, connect the vacuum pump and let run for at least half an hour. Then close the valve and let sit for at least another half hour to verify you don't lose the vacuum, thus verifying no leaks. Only then can you add the freon, and in the case of a new compressor, possibly oil for it (just have to dump some in the hose that the freon it connected to). The freon in the cans has oil in it, but usually when replacing a compressor you have to add a little extra at fill up). Also, if the system still has freon in it, it really should be recovered (I put this here for all the "green" people out there). I don't have the tools for that. I have the ac manafold guages and vacuum pump if you need it, or they can be borrowed from an Autozone or the like. Hope this helps. It really is not hard at all to do.

Wags

[yjmud]

^^^^^^^what he said

[Motorhead350]

I took the car to a local shop. Drove it with no belt.

Things were fine until they mentioned the left out the other $100 worth of services it would need from my original quote. Just when I was giving a garage a chance again, my hatred fired up like a brand new car.