Radiator Fans.

[Auladan]

I've got my car running, finally, with a 91+ JDM Cyclone motor, though I still have a few problems.

One of them is that my radiator fans don't turn on. The smallest wire that goes to the thermostat housing has been severed (I don't know how), so that 'might' be to blame. I'm not sure. However, my real question is this:

Will my car, stock except free mods and a K&N filter, overheat without the radiator fans operating?

My A/C is attached, but the belt has been taken off. I plan to remove it completely when I have time, if that makes any difference.

I need to know if I can run my car safely rather soon, so if anyone knows if my stock car will or won't overheat without the radiator fans functioning, I'd appreciate it.

 

[psychlow]

It really depends on the state of your cooling system. If you've gotten most/all of the air bubbles out of the system and you're only using like a 1:4 or 1:5 antifreeze/water mix, (or just run straight water) you'll probably be fine to run it for around town use. I'd just keep a close eye on that temp gauge.

Increasing the amount of antifreeze to water mixture decreases the mix's specific heat capacity (the amount of heat it can carry away from the engine to the radiator).

 

[Auladan]

Alright, thanks.

Thing is, my oil pressure, temperature, and tachometer aren't functioning.

I don't know why.

I have straight water in the radiator system now.

 

[BUCK]

It'll definitely overheat with no Fans - PERIOD - Check the Fuses at the Pos Battery Post - You can swap relays around from other systems to check Fan Relays out - be sure Fan Connectors & Rad Coolant Temp Sensor Lower-Rad Pass-side is plugged in.

The Temp Sensors at Thermostat Housing aren't involved with Fan functions but one of them talks to ECU - the other is Temp Gauge Sensor & BOTH MUST WORK - as well as oil pressure and tachometer Gauges!

 

[boostedinaz]

Yes it is going to overheat. If It didnt need fans they wouldn't be there. You need to get those gauges working, again if they wern't needed they wouldn't be there. You just put in a new motor and now you have no idea what is going on with it or if it has any problems. It would be a shame for it to go to the shitter just becasue of some gauges. Dont get in a hurry and do it right and you will have a good running car that last for along time.

Michael

 

[bosljeff]

This question is kinda self-serving, but I will also use the answer to help you with your problem.

Was there ever a time when both of them worked?
Was there ever a time when it seemed only one of them would come on?
Was it always the same one?
Does anyone know why one may come on and not the other....?

I think I might be starting to have the same problem. I have never seen both on at the same time, nor have I seen the driver's side one on (that doesn't mean it has never came on...) I swear it is always the passenger side.

As I diagnose mine, I'll see what may help you figure yours out....

Sorry if this was a waste but it'll help me help you help me...

Boz

 

[sjwelna]

Yes it will overheat. My radiator fan was not working due to me not wiring it up correctly, and my car overheated pretty bad the other day. My AC fan worked fine too though. Get that fan working before you drive it.

-Steve

 

[psychlow]

I should have mentioned this before, but my 90 TSi AWD ran fine for about 30 minutes without a radiator fan and straight water in it.

The main thing is how much idling in traffic you'll be doing. If you can keep moving, you'll be fine. If you have to stop often and for very long, you're screwed. There just won't be enough airflow.

The fact that you don't have a temp gauge is definitely a red flag in my mind. Don't do it!