Club 80-90 Forums

Hi,

How long would a VW radiator fan last. The standard 3 wire 2 speed one? I expect mine is the original but doesn't seem to have run in a long time due to failed switch.

Is it something worth pre-emptively replacing before a big trip?

When replacing it looks like radiator needs to come out. Can the radiator be dropped without draining it? Looks like it can as the pipes are so long.

Thanks

You can disconnect the rad hoses and tie them up to reduce fluid loss and collect the rad fluid in a clean bucket.

If the switch has failed, then get it fixed. This is not a pre emptive fix - its failed. In this weather you will need that working.

Things simply fail. My 86 still has original fan.

Entirely dependant on many factors. if it does not get the opportunity to run regularlty it may seize up. if you live in a damp environment it may get rusty. 

Replaced the switch today and the fan is running. My concern is I may do a big trip to Europe this summer.

Do I trust the original fan or replace it so I have confidence that it will last another 40 years. With 120,000 miles on the van am I already on borrowed time or is it likely to keep on going?

A few years ago when I had cooling problems and suspected the fan I was chatting to Mr B from Brickwerks who said he’d only had about 2 failed fans in all the years he’d been in business.
David.

As long as the fan spins when needed, isn't sqealing like a pig, the motor is not smoking - then you are worrying for nothing.

Dont recall threads about failed rad fans on here tbf.

If it aint broke dont fix it. Simple.

Enjoy your hols!

mioba wrote: ↑16 Jul 2026, 20:49 As long as the fan spins when needed, isn't sqealing like a pig, the motor is not smoking - then you are worrying for nothing.

Dont recall threads about failed rad fans on here tbf.

If it aint broke dont fix it. Simple.

Enjoy your hols!

That s what the fan on my multivan was like.
 

I replaced mine last year van is an 89 think it was original easy job and did not need to disturb the radiator pipes it was getting noisey I got mine from Brickwerks