Radiator Fan Spin

[kris]

Just pulled the rad to clean it and wanted to check the fan. It spins fine but doesn't spin freely....like a pinwheel if you blow on it. And there is no real run out if I spin it. Is this how it should be? Or should I pull it apart and clean and grease it?

Thanks all! Getting warmer here in eastern North America!

[johnny]

id power it up... if it spins i would call it good to go...

j o

[kris]

Thanks Johnny. I did power her up and she runs like a turbine....they really blow! Took the plastic cap off the back end and she looked very clean inside. Checked the thermostat while I was at it and she was fine, too.  (a lot of women in my life....as you can tell!) The rad got a warsh and a flush. The fins got sprayed through and look clean. Do you bother using any flushing agents on your rad?

[The Mighty Gryphon]

How does the inside of the overflow bottle look?  If there is a lot of mineral in there and the ports of the radiator I would do a flush.  With mine I used white vinegar letting is soak for 24 hours and rinse.  repeat if there is still crud in there.

[kris]

Hi Gryph,
Thanks for your note. Did you put straight vinegar in or a mix? I'm guessing the rad is aluminum. I know that metal is pretty thin. Is the vinegar hard on it?

[The Mighty Gryphon]

White vinegar isn't all that corrosive if you only leave it in overnight.  The crud will neutralize the acid as it dissolves. 

[kris]

Thanks. May as well while I've got everything else going! Thing'll be brand new by the time I'm done!!