B10 3.2 Cooling Fan noise.

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Andrew Bluett-Duncan
Posts: 30
Joined: Sun Sep 20, 2020 11:34 pm
Location: Reigate

B10 3.2 Cooling Fan noise.

Post by Andrew Bluett-Duncan » Mon Mar 29, 2021 6:21 pm

Hello

The cooling fan on my B10 makes a lot of noise and is especially loud in 1st and 2nd gears, even from starting when the engine is cold. I'm assuming that the viscous coupling isn't very viscous any longer and has locked up? Do you know if my diagnoses sounds right (is it a common fault?) and if so can they be repaired? Or am I barking up the wrong tree?

Kind regards
Andrew
BMW E39 525d Touring 2004 Auto- Imola Red
Alpina D5 Saloon F10 Black
Alpina E39 B10 3.2 1998 Manual- Cosmos black No 169 (Sold)
BMW E39 525i Touring 2000 Auto- (Sold)
MGA Roadster De Luxe 1962 (Sold)

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Alpina Jim
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Re: B10 3.2 Cooling Fan noise.

Post by Alpina Jim » Mon Mar 29, 2021 8:40 pm

Hi Andrew,

The fan on my B10 only roars when the engine is pretty hot and likewise seems to make most noise when in low gears, I can really hear mine as I turn on to my driveway in first gear after a hot run. I would say yours sounds like it has locked up if it does it when cold.
Are you sure though you are not hearing the electric fan which operates when the aircon is running?

I believe there is a method of refilling the viscous clutch but personally I would invest in a new one.

Good luck.
Jim

'98 B10 3.2 #174 in Alpina Blue owned since 13th Sept 2002.

Andrew Bluett-Duncan
Posts: 30
Joined: Sun Sep 20, 2020 11:34 pm
Location: Reigate

Re: B10 3.2 Cooling Fan noise.

Post by Andrew Bluett-Duncan » Tue Mar 30, 2021 9:39 am

Alpina Jim wrote:
Mon Mar 29, 2021 8:40 pm
Hi Andrew,

The fan on my B10 only roars when the engine is pretty hot and likewise seems to make most noise when in low gears, I can really hear mine as I turn on to my driveway in first gear after a hot run. I would say yours sounds like it has locked up if it does it when cold.
Are you sure though you are not hearing the electric fan which operates when the aircon is running?

I believe there is a method of refilling the viscous clutch but personally I would invest in a new one.

Good luck.
Hello Jim
Yes, your experience with the roaring fan the same as mine with my old petrol-engined 525 touring, which when very hot made an awful racket but was otherwise very quiet and refined. I don't think therefore that it's the electric fan because the sound goes up and down with engine revs?

I've been quoted something around £400-500 for a new fan. Do you happen to know if that's a realistic figure?

Thanks again for your replies
Kind regards
Andrew
BMW E39 525d Touring 2004 Auto- Imola Red
Alpina D5 Saloon F10 Black
Alpina E39 B10 3.2 1998 Manual- Cosmos black No 169 (Sold)
BMW E39 525i Touring 2000 Auto- (Sold)
MGA Roadster De Luxe 1962 (Sold)

BarryM
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Joined: Sun Jan 15, 2012 2:11 am
Location: Hayling Island

Re: B10 3.2 Cooling Fan noise.

Post by BarryM » Tue Mar 30, 2021 10:23 am

I'd do the paper test (google it) to make sure it's the viscous fan but it does sound like it. A new viscous coupling and fitting would be nothing like that cost - you might want to get a new plastic fan too given the plastic is 20yo and might be getting brittle but it's only a 30min DIY job.
2001 Alpina B10 V8 #185
1982 Krauser MKM1000 #121 - sold

Andrew Bluett-Duncan
Posts: 30
Joined: Sun Sep 20, 2020 11:34 pm
Location: Reigate

Re: B10 3.2 Cooling Fan noise.

Post by Andrew Bluett-Duncan » Tue Mar 30, 2021 11:39 am

BarryM wrote:
Tue Mar 30, 2021 10:23 am
I'd do the paper test (google it) to make sure it's the viscous fan but it does sound like it. A new viscous coupling and fitting would be nothing like that cost - you might want to get a new plastic fan too given the plastic is 20yo and might be getting brittle but it's only a 30min DIY job.
Hello Barry
Thanks for your thoughts on this and the double-checking. Its good to hear that it should be rather less than I'd been lead to believe. Incidentally, did you get my PM to you the other day ok?
Kind regards
Andrew
BMW E39 525d Touring 2004 Auto- Imola Red
Alpina D5 Saloon F10 Black
Alpina E39 B10 3.2 1998 Manual- Cosmos black No 169 (Sold)
BMW E39 525i Touring 2000 Auto- (Sold)
MGA Roadster De Luxe 1962 (Sold)

BarryM
ALPINA
ALPINA
Posts: 1279
Joined: Sun Jan 15, 2012 2:11 am
Location: Hayling Island

Re: B10 3.2 Cooling Fan noise.

Post by BarryM » Tue Mar 30, 2021 10:51 pm

Hi Andrew, I’ve had a couple of PMs in March but I don’t see one from you so maybe double check if it’s been sent?
2001 Alpina B10 V8 #185
1982 Krauser MKM1000 #121 - sold

Andrew Bluett-Duncan
Posts: 30
Joined: Sun Sep 20, 2020 11:34 pm
Location: Reigate

Re: B10 3.2 Cooling Fan noise.

Post by Andrew Bluett-Duncan » Fri Apr 02, 2021 12:14 am

BarryM wrote:
Tue Mar 30, 2021 10:51 pm
Hi Andrew, I’ve had a couple of PMs in March but I don’t see one from you so maybe double check if it’s been sent?
Hello Barry
Just resent it earlier today
Andrew
BMW E39 525d Touring 2004 Auto- Imola Red
Alpina D5 Saloon F10 Black
Alpina E39 B10 3.2 1998 Manual- Cosmos black No 169 (Sold)
BMW E39 525i Touring 2000 Auto- (Sold)
MGA Roadster De Luxe 1962 (Sold)

BarryM
ALPINA
ALPINA
Posts: 1279
Joined: Sun Jan 15, 2012 2:11 am
Location: Hayling Island

Re: B10 3.2 Cooling Fan noise.

Post by BarryM » Fri Apr 02, 2021 11:10 am

Hi Andrew, still nothing so I tried sending you a PM but after clicking send it seems to have disappeared into the ether - no sign of it in my outbox/sent/drafts folder so something appears to be awry....maybe you can contact one of the admins to see if they can resolve?

You can text me on 079 4141 5575 if you like,

Cheers
Barry
2001 Alpina B10 V8 #185
1982 Krauser MKM1000 #121 - sold

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