One of these fans is not like the other....or is it?

[bosljeff]

Okay, I am pretty sure I didn't perform a half-assed search. If I did, I haven't slept in a very long time (new EMT job)...

Anyway.

92 Eclipse. When idling, or driving, I can hear the radiator fan(s) come on. When I pop the hood to look, it seems everytime that only one of them is the one that runs, then does its "cycle" and then turns off. I don't think I have ever seen both running together.

1. Is this normal?
2. When they kick in, should both be going?

At the same time, my engine bay seems damn hot lately even when I'm not pushing it. You know that sensory feeling you get when it smells hot and it feels like a butt-load of heat is coming off it? It is like that.

Other possible symptoms/readings:

A. My factory temp gauge never reads high.
B. My idle is bouncing up and down (I believe due to a failing/failed ISC).
C. The coolant overflow seems low, but the actual radiator coolant level is topped right to the brim.

Sorry so random, it just seems too coincidental that all of these things seemed to start at the same time....if the question & info are too "newbie" chew my ass and tell me what I need to tell you.

Thanks all.
Jeff

 

[Defiant]

I don't think I have ever seen both running together.

1. Is this normal?
2. When they kick in, should both be going?

The second fan runs with the AC.

At the same time, my engine bay seems damn hot lately even when I'm not pushing it. You know that sensory feeling you get when it smells hot and it feels like a butt-load of heat is coming off it? It is like that.

Replace any heat shields you may have removed. DSMs run hot.

A. My factory temp gauge never reads high.

Then you aren't overheating.

B. My idle is bouncing up and down (I believe due to a failing/failed ISC).

Start another thread for that.

C. The coolant overflow seems low, but the actual radiator coolant level is topped right to the brim.

It should be between the min/max marks on the overflow tank.

 

[bosljeff]

The second fan runs with the AC.Replace any heat shields you may have removed. DSMs run hot.Then you aren't overheating.Start another thread for that.It should be between the min/max marks on the overflow tank.

I'll turn on my A/C and see if that does its deal.

Heat shields still there. I did that "mod" with removing the weather stripping and adding some nuts as 'spacer' on the hinged side of the hood. Maybe that is letting more heat escape?

Thanks for telling me my car isn't overheating. Real quick: when the thermostat goes, I assume the heat and gauge will rise considerably.

I'll start another thread, but first search idle surge, cuz I don't know what that is.

I'll look at the overflow tomorrow.

Thanks D

boz

 

[bosljeff]

After some searching, it looks like I may have some form of idle surge. We checked the ISC the other day and it isn't doing the in out thing the step motor is supposed to do, so either way, it needs changed out and if that fixes my idle problem, then so be it.

Boz

 

[25psi]

Thanks for telling me my car isn't overheating. Real quick: when the thermostat goes, I assume the heat and gauge will rise considerably.



boz

It depends if it goes in the open or closed position. If it fails open then the car will have a tough time warming up. If it fails closed then it will overheat in a hurry.

 

[Suparata]

After some searching, it looks like I may have some form of idle surge. We checked the ISC the other day and it isn't doing the in out thing the step motor is supposed to do, so either way, it needs changed out and if that fixes my idle problem, then so be it.

Boz

It is a lot easier to replace the BISS screw O-Ring before you replace the ISC especially if you say that the ISC seems to be doing its job.
Check this out.

Correction: I thought you said that the ISC IS doing what it is supposed to do. Changing the O-ring is still a good idea.

 

[bosljeff]

Thanks for the info. So I'm assuming just like any gasket/o-ring/seal that when the BISS one starts to deteriorate the screw's setting is affected, right?

Well, it can't hurt to do that first and see if it fixes it, but I have a feeling the ISC is still soon to need fixed.

Why do you need to do all the wire jumper stuff to adjust the BISS screw anyway?

Thanks.

Boz

 

[Defiant]

Heat shields still there. I did that "mod" with removing the weather stripping and adding some nuts as 'spacer' on the hinged side of the hood. Maybe that is letting more heat escape?

Only when stopped. When moving, you've opened up a drain from the highest-pressure point on the whole car, the base of the windshield. It's fighting the air trying to come in the grille. I think this idea was adopted by some foreign car drivers, after seeing old Volkswagen bugs with spaced hoods.... on the trunk.

Thanks for telling me my car isn't overheating. Real quick: when the thermostat goes, I assume the heat and gauge will rise considerably.

Maybe. They can also fail open. Never drive more than two miles without glancing at your temp and oil gauges. When a motor starts to overheat, you'll start to get pinging before things start dying in quite expensive ways. And, a hot engine runs much more smoothly than you're used to, before it takes le merde tres plus grande.

Bolt that hood back down where it's supposed to be. And replace the air seal on the firewall.