Fan Problem

[KILOCHARLIE]

Hi,

I'm currently repairing my 1995 3201 coupe from a front end collision I had a couple of months ago. Its not too serious. The impact only went as far back as the radiator and the fan coupling, which is what I have a problem with.

The fan doesn't spin straight anymore as the rod which spins it, runs off centre. I've removed the fan so far, but not the coupling yet. I was wondering if anyone knows what I would have to do to fix this. It doesn't impair the fan function but it makes a clicking noise when the engine is running.

What would I have to replace and would it be very difficult?

I already have nothing in front of the fan at all, as I have removed the slam panel/bumper/radiator etc.

I've also come across the so called "Famous fan mod". Would it be cheaper/easier to do it this way? Also the guide doesn't state whether I would have to replace my waterpump as it doesn't say whether the 320's come with a plastic or metal one.

Also, to be a pain, I have a few more noobie questions to ask. i know what parts I need to complete the front end of my car, but don;t know what they're actually called.
I need to know what the black metal frame which connects between the 2 chassis points is called (this seems to go between the bumper stops and the spot welded slam panel).
Also I need to know what the part is called that the kidney grills fit into and stretches right across under the headlights (i think it may be called the front panel).


Thanks in advance to anyone who can help out, you really don't know how much it would help me out!

[e36surge]

You can find part numbers and descriptions at the link below. Just select your vehicle type or final sequence of your vin number. You'll need to know the build date of your car.

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/select.do

As for your water pump... flip a coin... Check the link below, the only way to know if your impeller in the pump is plastic or metal is to physically remove it.

http://www.rogueengineering.com/Merchant2/...gory_Code=E36WP

As for the fan I'll have to plead ignorance as I am not too sure and don't want to give you the wrong information.

[KILOCHARLIE]

^^^ Major thanks for the advice.

The first site you gave me helped me a great deal. The black frame was called STRAIGHT FRONT CROSS MEMBER and the kidney grills one is called the front panel but generally known as the trim panel or Nose panel

Thanks again!!!


If anyone can help me out with the fan problem and what needs to be replaced it'd be most appreciated also!

[Dudesky_E36]

You need a new fan and clutch. Chances are your water pump is also shot, since I'm betting the clicking sound you're hearing could be the bearings in the pump, caused by the off-center clutch spindle.

[KILOCHARLIE]

Thanks for the reply.

I think you're right, but i was taking a further look last night and i removed the fan, fan coupling and the fan belt.

the clicking could still be heard even though the the fan rod (for lack of a better word - is this called the clutch?) was not spinning.

is the water pump powered by the fan/fan belt or by something else?

can anyone help?

also to make things even more difficult, the ticking seems to be in time with the fan rotation when everything is back together.

[KILOCHARLIE]

bump

anyone help at all??

[Dudesky_E36]

The fan belt turns the water pump. If you have the belt removed, the pump could still spin as a result of the coolant flow turning the impeller.

[KILOCHARLIE]

^^^ thanks man, is there any way to stop the pump so see if the noise stops?