Sprint Viscous fan

[Sundowner]

I was just leaving on a big-ish trip in our SPRINT when the fan began to protest strongly and is now on the point of seizing up.
So, what do I need to do to rectify this?
I see in "the book" that it can be removed without removing the bonnet and radiator first, which is a bonus.
But what about the bearing itself? Is it pressed into the viscous coupling or onto the hub?
AND when I looked at Rimmers site, I can't see a listing for the bearing? Does this mean I need to buy a complete coupling? I haven't dismantled it yet, but I hope I can buy the bearing separate and press it into the coupling or onto the hub. What's the "norm" here?
I'd appreciate your advice on this please? (Like a part number for the bearing)
Thanks & Cheers,
Rob

[Mad Mart]

I did dismantle one once but didn't get any further re: getting the bearing/shaft.

viewtopic.php?f=4&t=18991&p=187271

[GTS290N]

I know someone who did this successfully, I'll ask them.

[trackerjack]

I have a good one here on its bracket but also note there are two types of bracket too!
The one I have is from a later car and hence bigger in surface area and an extra bolt hole.
Trouble is your more than a few miles from UK

[xvivalve]

From memory there are two bearings; one is an integral part of the cast iron shaft, the other is pressed into the cast aluminium 'fan'. The 'fan' then sits on the shaft held by the friction and 'spring' caused by compressing the corrugated tolerance ring. When the coupling starts making a noise indicating seizure (often misdiagnosed by those that do not know as a faulty water pump) it is usually the bearing in the fan that has failed and part number TKC101 is required. TKC101 should be supplied with a new tolerance ring, the old one MUST be discarded.

TKC101 was a common part to Triumph, Jaguar, Rover and Land Rover, and I think some MG, so you may be able to source one locally.

Unfortunately the other bearing can wear as well, causing wobble, but as far as I'm aware it is not separately serviced and the mounting has to be replaced wholesale.

[Sundowner]

I have a good one here on its bracket but also note there are two types of bracket too!
The one I have is from a later car and hence bigger in surface area and an extra bolt hole.
Trouble is your more than a few miles from UK

TJ,
Thanks for answering.
My car is an October '75 build car, sold new here in March 1976...which makes it 40 years old this month. I remember it having 4 bolts, but I'll know for certain tomorrow when I get at it.
As to the tyranny of distance, its no problem....I'm used to it.....and the time (& cost) it takes to get parts from the UK and the USofA.
So if you don't mind waiting 24hours, I can give you a Yes or a No once I've got the thing out.
Cheers,
Rob

[Sundowner]

From memory there are two bearings; one is an integral part of the cast iron shaft, the other is pressed into the cast aluminium 'fan'. The 'fan' then sits on the shaft held by the friction and 'spring' caused by compressing the corrugated tolerance ring. When the coupling starts making a noise indicating seizure (often misdiagnosed by those that do not know as a faulty water pump) it is usually the bearing in the fan that has failed and part number TKC101 is required. TKC101 should be supplied with a new tolerance ring, the old one MUST be discarded.

TKC101 was a common part to Triumph, Jaguar, Rover and Land Rover, and I think some MG, so you may be able to source one locally.

Unfortunately the other bearing can wear as well, causing wobble, but as far as I'm aware it is not separately serviced and the mounting has to be replaced wholesale.

Thanks heaps for the advice and the part number Alun, its much appreciated. Now that I'm armed with the number I feel I can do some investigating.
Cheers,
Rob

[Carledo]

Or you could just ditch the noisy, power sapping viscous fan altogether and fit a Kenlowe electric fan (or reasonable facsimile)

Steve

[cliftyhanger]

I am glad somebody else said that before me!

There are some advantages to a mechanical fan, and the idea of the viscous fan is pretty good as well, but you have found the shortcoming.
A leccy fan would be easy to fit and use, and if well chosen will be up to the job. Plus replacements are easy to come by.

Just my 2p

[Jon Tilson]

I'm with them....just fitted a leccy fan for the same reason...

Quiet a few rads in the UK have marks on them due to v.c failure.

Jonners

[Sundowner]

Or you could just ditch the noisy, power sapping viscous fan altogether and fit a Kenlowe electric fan (or reasonable facsimile)

Steve

Steve,Jonners and CH,
I've just returned home after talking with a mate about this very subject and it looks like it's the way I'll go.
I've also looked at prices and boy, they are steep in the UK.
Here, I can buy a "Davies-Craig" fan kit for roughly half that of what Rimmers are asking for a "Kenlowe" kit. (AU$112 or 78UK pounds, as against 155 UK pounds for the Kenlowe + shipping costs.)
I can only assume its down to either a "rip-off" or the Kenlowe item is of much higher quality.
So, to all of you who answered, "Thank You".
Cheers,
Rob

[trackerjack]

I have to agree with the people who advocate a leccy fan and I used one myself plus you can override any sensors and turn it on any time you wish.

[Jon Tilson]

The full fat Kenlowe is overpriced and a pain to mount.

Plenty of decent fans available on ebay for far less.
Very pleased with mine...

Jonners

[cliftyhanger]

just nip into your local carpark (or scrapyard) and liberate one off a modern car. Always decent quality, way better than kenlowe (which are massively overpriced IMO)

[xvivalve]

...and the price you have quoted for the kit is about the same as the (UK) cost for TKC101!