i want to convert to electric fan any suggestions on this. i am a new owner and i am over the moon with is but looking at the problems i think i am going to have overheating nightmares!

- (#9260) raymond hodgin, 25 Jun 03 12:24

Raymond. You don't have to have an electric fan if the installed, viscous fan is working correctly and, after all, the fan, of whatever type, is only one part of an interdependant cooling system. What you DO need is to spend some time checking on the problems which some owners have had, which I think, sometimes, get brought about by less than careful checking of the whole cooling system. If you look through Ace Answers, you will see many comments and suggestions on how to keep the cooling system running as it should. Toyota would never have designed and marketed such a fine vehicle, only to have it let down by an inferior cooling system but, the vehicle should, I think, be used within it's capabilities. In my opinion, many faults are the result of carelessness by a few owners and, a thorough check on the cooling system will pay dividends and will avoid those nightmares which you mention. Thoroughly flush the cooling system and re-fill it very slowly to avoid trapping air. Check and double check the operation of the filler cap and it's valve, or, better still, replace it. Thoroughly check the suction/expansion pipework from the filler cap to the expansion tank. The integrity of this part of the system will determine whether or not you are able to allow the expanded water to be contained and retrieved (on cooling) or, to have it pumped out to atmosphere and lost. I feel that many owners, and dealers, do not fully understand the importance of this part of the system It's not easy, or convenient to check the levels on these vehicles but,it HAS to be done very regularly, especially in the early days of ownership. These checks are important if you have bought via the trade and have a warranty on the vehicle. They are VERY important if you have to go back to the seller regarding anything which looks expensive to fix, ie, head gaskets etc. Keep your eye on the coolant temperature gauge or, replace it with one which is much more sensitive and capable of "early warnings". The Durite is such a gauge.
In Ace Answers you will see many tests which you can do on the fan, expansion tank and rad/filler cap. These are all important items but, with only one of them not working properly, the others might as well not be there.

- (#9261) John Davis, 25 Jun 03 14:09

Hello Raymond.
Congratulations on your choice of car, and don’t have too many nightmares. Although some people swear by converting to an electric fan, its worth noting that this will only reduce the possibility of overheating, caused by a failing viscous coupling on the main engine fan. There are a number of other things that can cause overheating as well.
If the radiator cap doesn’t allow drawback from the expansion tank, the coolant level within the engine will drop too low and cause overheating. If the radiator cap doesn’t pressurise the system to 15psi then the coolant will boil, causing loss of coolant and overheating. If there are leaks any where in the system, then the pressure will drop causing overheating. If the head is warped or cracked, it will cause overheating.

Ok it does sound a bit scary, but there’s a lot you can do to prevent overheating, before going over to electric fans. Like many owners, you probably have no service history, so start with the basics.
Flush and de-scale the cooling system, Then replace the coolant. Whilst your at it replace the thermostat with a proper Toyota one, and get the O-ring seal to go with it. Next fit a new radiator cap. The Toyota float type is the best to use. Once you have done all that, as John says, keep checking the level in the expansion tank, and in the radiator cap filler neck. Make sure the drawback is working, and keep an eye out for leaks. You could also fit the audible alarm that Dave Mason has produced.

What type of bus do you have?

Happy motoring
dave Bright

- (#9262) dave Bright, 25 Jun 03 14:21

Congrats on the choice of car.
Once you have checked out the system as advised above, think about fitting one of Dave Mason's temp alarms.
See AceAnswers and click on the banner when it appears.
I used to be content with my guage sitting at half way and not moving. Now I have an active guage, showing whats going on, and an alarm to alert me if the temp is rising and I've not noticed.
And to quote a previous posting:-
So come on you guys protect that cylinder head, get one of these its well worth the small fee Dave's charging for them, and he can even take credit cards now!!!
- (#9263) Clive, 26 Jun 03 1:23

thanks to everyone for replying is great to know that theres back up.reply to dave its a LITEACE FXV 1992 i px my 1997 VW polo 1.9 diesel +£900 making worth £3400 most people ive spoke to and ons ive seen i think i got a good deal. i bought an awning whitch clips on the gutter a truly MPV i hope to go o WOODVALE just down the road.gettind back to my post i have serviced the van and flushed the rad out filled with 50/50 now thermostat radiator cap temp alarm although i am very concious of temp i am paronoid about gauges being a coach driver we are looking at them all the time you get to know any problems.once again thanks to all for replying.

- (#9355) raymond hodgin, 26 Jun 03 5:41