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Radiator fan life expectancy
Posted: 15 Jul 2026, 08:21
by Beakster
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
Re: Radiator fan life expectancy
Posted: 15 Jul 2026, 15:35
by mioba
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.
Re: Radiator fan life expectancy
Posted: 15 Jul 2026, 18:59
by TwinTurbo
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.
Re: Radiator fan life expectancy
Posted: 15 Jul 2026, 22:56
by Beakster
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?
Re: Radiator fan life expectancy
Posted: 16 Jul 2026, 11:23
by jrt
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.
Re: Radiator fan life expectancy
Posted: 16 Jul 2026, 20:49
by mioba
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!
Re: Radiator fan life expectancy
Posted: 17 Jul 2026, 07:51
by multisi
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.
Re: Radiator fan life expectancy
Posted: 17 Jul 2026, 22:59
by dsa
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
Re: Radiator fan life expectancy
Posted: 01 Aug 2026, 19:28
by DevonAid
Helped a friend sort her radiator fan (as well as a melted fuse box, a bigger story) recently, including replacing the incorrect 2 speed rad fan switch with the correct 3 speed one.
Ensure the low speed as well as high speed rad fan kicks in; the low speed seemed to keep her engine temperature maintained even at constant fast engine idle, and puts less strain in the fan.
Testing high speed fan required the radiator to be blocked with plastic, but definitely worth testing in both modes.
Tested a brand new fan against an existing one; new fan pulled less than 1amp lower than existing in high speed, and the existing fan span freely by hand without noise or play etc, so existing fan deemed fit for purpose.
My guess is these fans don't work too hard, cycle on and off only in warmer weather and lots of traffic, but otherwise are a bit dormant except for perhaps a bit of windmilling at cruising speed.
So my conclusion after lots of checking/fixing of my friends van is sort your rad switch, make sure cables and rad fan relay have firm connections and don't get too warm, check fan for play and noise when stationary and when running, test in both low and high speed at fast engine idle that engine temp is being maintained, and your probably good to go.
Re: Radiator fan life expectancy
Posted: 01 Aug 2026, 21:25
by maxstu
DevonAid wrote: ↑01 Aug 2026, 19:28
Helped a friend sort her radiator fan (as well as a melted fuse box, a bigger story) recently, including replacing the incorrect 2 speed rad fan switch with the correct 3 speed one.
Ensure the low speed as well as high speed rad fan kicks in; the low speed seemed to keep her engine temperature maintained even at constant fast engine idle, and puts less strain in the fan.
Testing high speed fan required the radiator to be blocked with plastic, but definitely worth testing in both modes.
Tested a brand new fan against an existing one; new fan pulled less than 1amp lower than existing in high speed, and the existing fan span freely by hand without noise or play etc, so existing fan deemed fit for purpose.
My guess is these fans don't work too hard, cycle on and off only in warmer weather and lots of traffic, but otherwise are a bit dormant except for perhaps a bit of windmilling at cruising speed.
So my conclusion after lots of checking/fixing of my friends van is sort your rad switch, make sure cables and rad fan relay have firm connections and don't get too warm, check fan for play and noise when stationary and when running, test in both low and high speed at fast engine idle that engine temp is being maintained, and your probably good to go.
All of this.... and when reinstalling make sure you don't dent the cowling where it sits next to the fan blades. Otherwise you will freak out by the noise it makes, even running on stage one.
Ask me how l know!
Re: Radiator fan life expectancy
Posted: 06 Aug 2026, 21:33
by badgerfax
My fan has started playing up so they do fail
Unfortunately for me I’m at the start of a European road trip to see the eclipse in Spain
Only seems to get going with a knock on the motor, which is not exactly convenient
I’m hoping that the copious application of wd40 has helped!
And who in their right mind decided to put the damned relay there
