Radiator fans

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Oxytorch

Junior Member
Messages
122
I have a feeling my radiator fans aren't going up to max like they used to when things get very hot.
The coolant temp sensor seems to be working normally and I had a new one put in when the radiator had to be replaced.
With the fans no ramping up as they should (I think), it results in the oil getting terribly hot and thin, and today I noticed quite loud tappet noise with engine hot. Oil pressure drops to 1.25 bar.
How is fan speed controlled? Is there any way to check if the fans are working properly?
J
 
safrane

safrane

Member
Messages
16,869
There is a resistor under the rads that controls the speed...but normally when faulty it defaults to fast?!?
 
GeoffCapes

GeoffCapes

Member
Messages
14,000
A new thermostat required maybe?
It's a pig to get to by the way unless you have small hands and arms that can bend in three places!
 
FIFTY

FIFTY

Member
Messages
3,100
Mine had the same problem... actually it was worse as only one of the fans was working. The resistor is your first port of call as Peter suggests. It is an inexpensive part that is fairly easy to reach under the car. You can bypass it so the fan runs on the high speed setting if you do not have a new resistor available immediately (I had to wait a week for the part)
 
O

Oxytorch

Junior Member
Messages
122
Ah yes. I recall the fan speed resistor failed previously in 2014. The Maserati stealership here in Brisbane charged $300 for the part and $110 for labor to replace it (about GBP220). I can't believe a resistor could cost that much but maybe I'm wrong. Needless to say, it was the last time I went there...
 
CatmanV2

CatmanV2

Member
Messages
48,793
Oxytorch said:
Ah yes. I recall the fan speed resistor failed previously in 2014. The Maserati stealership here in Brisbane charged $300 for the part and $110 for labor to replace it (about GBP220). I can't believe a resistor could cost that much but maybe I'm wrong. Needless to say, it was the last time I went there...
Click to expand...

The 4200 uses the same part as loads of Alfas. About GBP15 to you chief.

C
 
E

Ebenezer

Member
Messages
4,501
Emblem identified the issue and fixed it for me for about the cost of the resistor when I took my QP to their Saturday clinic...

You could say it was a loss leader....
Eb
 
conaero

conaero

Forum Owner
Messages
34,631
CatmanV2 said:
The 4200 uses the same part as loads of Alfas. About GBP15 to you chief.

C
Click to expand...

Not so sure Chris, it probably is but I would buy the Maserati one as I *believe* they are rated different, i.e. trips the fan in and out at different temps.

Not worth cooking your V8 for the sake of a tenner.
 
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