Water pump went, fan not blowing...

Wagon Boy · #1 (**permalink**) 10-14-2008, 08:11 AM

I am getting ready to replace my water pump and thermostat but am recalling that even when it was overheating the fan did not blow. Does this mean my fan clutch is out or something?

Wagon Boy

bmw528i · #2 (**permalink**) 10-14-2008, 11:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wagon Boy

I am getting ready to replace my water pump and thermostat but am recalling that even when it was overheating the fan did not blow. Does this mean my fan clutch is out or something?

Wagon Boy

The fan clutch may still be alright. My radiator ruptured about a month ago while I was driving. As my car overheated my fan would not come on. Since replacing my radiator it works fine. I would have it checked when you take your ride into the shop just in case. Also, make sure you replace your water pump with one that has metal impellers instead of the plastic impellers.

Wagon Boy · #3 (**permalink**) 10-14-2008, 02:38 PM

Thanks for the advice. I am sure there is a test procedure for the fan clutch. My local parts supplier said the impeller is metal and for under $60 I think I will trust him. I saw a really nice racing one for $175 but I think it's not worth it for this application. My wife drives it the most but we thrashed it hard at the last BMW car control clinic so maybe it's not too much cost.

The only shop my car sees is alignment and tire mount and balance. I do my own service, so far. If the head is warped and needs a skim I may sing a different tune.

Wagon Boy

bmw528i · #4 (**permalink**) 10-14-2008, 03:54 PM

I had to replace the water pump on my '00 528i fairly recently. BMW for some reason used plastic impellers on 6 cylinder models and they are just very prone to failure. Bavarian Autosport sells a water pump for the E34 525i wagon that is pretty darn affordable. I also noticed that my cooling system functioned much better after I made the upgrade. In terms of the head being warped I would highly doubt it, but stranger things have happened.

Part number is 11 51 1 744 243
Enter the part number at bavauto.com and check it out for yourself.

Wagon Boy · #5 (**permalink**) 10-15-2008, 09:16 AM

The Hot One is #STE30330 . My local supplier has the metal impeller one for $59 but I get 10% off as a BMW club menber and I don't pay shipping. I just need to agt all the o rings, gaskets and a thermostat. He says he has those too but...
Wagon Boy.

bmw528i · #6 (**permalink**) 10-15-2008, 10:02 AM

Getting all of the additional hardware is a pain in the ass. I had to go to three places to get all of the pieces together. However, that is pretty sweet you get that discount and free shipping. That always helps...

Wagon Boy · #7 (**permalink**) 10-16-2008, 11:34 AM

Picked them up at North Side Imports. $76 out the door for everything except coolant. They have locations around the US. I don't pay shipping because I pick up at the warehouse. At one time they delivered to my place of business because they thought I was a shop and it was on their "route". Now they don't deliver and charge me the retail customer price but the price is still good.