91 318is fan clutch not working

[Fast Frankie]

I am noticing that the clutch fan doesn't spin when the engine gets hotter.  It seems like the thermostat kicks in but the fan just sits there idling and spinning with no force.

Shouldn't the fan be spinning harder and pushing more air over the engine when it gets hot?  How else can I test the clutch fan?

[B318M42W]

when it's hot, roll a newspaper  and stick it into the blades. if you can stop it with the rolled newspaper, your clutch is toast.

[biljak]

you can test it by stopping it
get a towel or something, and try to stop the fan. when the engine is cold, it should stop easily... when it is hot, it should be difficult to try to stop it. if it stops easily, replace the clutch or just install electric fan

[Fast Frankie]

when it's hot, roll a newspaper  and stick it into the blades. if you can stop it with the rolled newspaper, your clutch is toast.

you can test it by stopping it
get a towel or something, and try to stop the fan. when the engine is cold, it should stop easily... when it is hot, it should be difficult to try to stop it. if it stops easily, replace the clutch or just install electric fan

Excellent, thanks for the help.  I did this and it stops very easily.  What is a good electric fan and where should I go to get it?

[Isamemon]

there are lots of tips on how to set up your cars standard electric auxiallary fan
I however set mine up with a volvo 960 puller fan and shroud
learned on the froum
it was in the FAQ/DYI section and dont forget  to use the search buttons
either this forum or bimmerforums or rav/3

but here is one recent thread that should help
http://www.m42club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8198&highlight=fan+clutch+delete

or look up member TJTS1 thats where I learned the volvo fan swap, also about better injectors ( less money the stock, better spray and idle, and still bosch so plug adn play)and getting rid of the troublesome mess under the intake manifold