Bad fan clutch

STEVE KREMENS

MEMBER
1998 BMW 323
2.5L
6 CYL
2WD
MANUAL
133,000 MILES

Okay, last year I got my water pump and the water pump housing and thermostat replaced and now just about a year later unfortunately my thermostat housing is leaking again. I have noticed since I have got the car that my fan has always been quite loud and I never really thought anything of it. I thought that is just the way it has to be, until recently my local mechanic told me that my fan clutch is bad and I clearly have all the symptoms bad gas mileage a little decrease in horsepower. My question here is, my water pump has always been a little bit louder since I got it replaced is it possible that the bad fan clutch put a strain on my water pump which caused my thermostat housing to leak? Should I now replace the water pump along with the fan clutch so my engine does not blow up?
And no my car does not overheat I am always at operating temperature with the needle right in the middle.

3 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,772 POSTS

Hi and thanks for using 2CarPros. Com.

As far as the water pump, the fan clutch being engaged all the time will not cause damage to it. The only thing it does is basically what you described, noise, power.

I am not sure why you have a leak, but again, I do not feel it is related to the clutch fan.

Here are the directions for replacing the component:

Service and repair:
If necessary, remove air guide for alternator.
Caution: Left-hand threads.
Using special tool 11 5 030, brace against pulley and unfasten cap nut from water pump using special tool 11 5 040.
If necessary, unfasten fan cowl.
Take the fan wheel with fan coupling off the water pump and remove.

Installation: Tighten down fan wheel using special tool 11 5 040. Tightening Torque, refer to Engine, Specifications.
Note: When using special tool 11 5 040, 30 Nm on the torque wrench scale are equivalent to a Tightening Torque of 40 Nm.
Unfasten screws and detach fan from fan coupling.

I hope this helps. Let me know if you have other questions.

Take care,
Joe

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Thursday, June 14th, 2018 AT 8:59 PM

STEVE KREMENS

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Thank you sir for letting me know I appreciate the details on this DIY. Other than my thermostat leaking it is a aftermarket German part made by Fibe Bilstein thermostat housing. The OEM one was made out of metal so maybe that is why it is slightly leaking.

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Thursday, June 14th, 2018 AT 9:05 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,772 POSTS

Hi again. Not a problem; I am glad to help. I have to be honest, I love these cars, BMW, Mercedes, Audi. However, they are very particular vehicles. I would recommend using a housing from BMW. The aftermarket one is most likely the cause. Over the years, I have found that not always, but too often, I would have a problem when I did not use OEM parts on this type of vehicle. It is just food for thought.

You take care of yourself and let me know if you have other questions or need additional information.

Hope you are enjoying your Saturday night.

Joe

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Saturday, June 16th, 2018 AT 7:30 PM