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[JamesV6CDX]

I know I mentioned it briefly somewhere a little while ago, but I want to properly understand this

Can I really remove the Viscous on the TD without any ill effects, on either town driving, traffic, motorway, and 'enthusiastic' driving? I recall on my disco I removed the viscous fan, and it overheated pretty quick.

I just want to be certain it won't do any damage, short or long term. I know these things suffer coolant issues if not maintained well etc, so wanted to be sure it's safe for the engine to do so.

Also, what are the gains of removing it, apart from losing that bloody great noise?   I'm guessing a small, but probably not worthwhile, MPG increase, given the load won't be on the engine?

Thanks

[Andy B]

Can't say for the diesel lump, but I removed the thermo viscous fan from my Senator with no ill effects .......... HOWEVER there was the option of fitting a 'hot countries' waxstat/temp switch  that switched the a/c electric fans on a little sooner. 

[aaronjb]

TB always suggests this.. the electric fan will be used to prevent overheating, though the temp will start to climb (until that comes on) when stopped I imagine as there's no viscous fan to tickle the airflow.

It will exercise the (possibly seized through disuse) intercooler fan as that only comes on with the electric fan, which is also apparently a good thing.

[JamesV6CDX]

TB always suggests this.. the electric fan will be used to prevent overheating, though the temp will start to climb (until that comes on) when stopped I imagine as there's no viscous fan to tickle the airflow.

It will exercise the (possibly seized through disuse) intercooler fan as that only comes on with the electric fan, which is also apparently a good thing.

Apart from the aircon condensor fans at the very front, I can't even see that I have any electric fan... :/

[aaronjb]

That's the one it switches on, AFAIK - mine was the same and certainly something came on when the viscous fan ran out of puff (which was often in the case of mine!)

[JamesV6CDX]

I'd love to ditch it, due to the noise... but really am worried about sufficient cooling.. 

[Seth]

As long as the two electric fans (in front of the rad) and the intercooler fan are cutting-in/working correctly, you should be fine.

To remove the viscous fan, you should note that it's coupled to the water pump with a left-hand thread.
Position a suitable spanner at, say 5 past the hour, and give it a sharp whack with a lump hammer downwards (that's clockwise when viewed 'head on' from the front of the car).

Store the removed fan vertically, and I'll happily re-home it James, as I'm looking for a good, working one here!

PM sent

[dad1uk]

I think you may find it will help with the mpg, but I would want a controlable(is that a word?) electric fan just to be on the safe side.
I remember doing this to a car many years ago and I fitted a Kenlow Elecric Fan and an internal switch so if stuck in traffic and the temp started climbing then I switched the fan on.

[Nick W]

I'd love to ditch it, due to the noise... but really am worried about sufficient cooling.. 

Are you sure it's working properly? The Ford viscous fans are only noisy when the coupling fails. My BMW one was the same.
An engine driven fan moves much more air than an electric one as it has far more power driving it!

[Kevin Wood]

Nothing to worry about, IMHO. Remove it and see if it runs hot.

If it does, can always either put it back on or, preferably, replace it with something less antiquated like an additional electric fan..

[kcl]

Just a thought... IF the viscous fan is safe to remove, why on earth the engine has been fitted with one? They are expensive to produce... 

[Kevin Wood]

Just a thought... IF the viscous fan is safe to remove, why on earth the engine has been fitted with one? They are expensive to produce... 

Safe to remove in our climate or safe to remove in all climates in which that model was designed to be used?

No doubt it will reduce the effectiveness of the cooling system to a degree, but we're talking about a cooling system that's over-engineered for our purposes. If the OP lived in the middle east then perhaps it wouldn't be such a great idea.

[Elite Pete]

 I took mine off and the car ran fine but replaced it because I used to tow other Omegas which made my car get a little bit warm on hills.

[hoofing it]

Just take it off you only need it when towing

[JamesV6CDX]

Many thanks for all replies. I think I'll pop it off, then, and see how she goes for now.

I Reckon something has failed, poss the coupling, as it seems to go at full pelt, and howl when pulling away!!

That said, I will keep it in the boot, just in case, so sorry Seth, won't be availible until I'm 100% happy it's ok without..