Radiator Fan Not Clicking On Anymore

[spederman85]

Can anyone point me in the right direction for what to look for?

A week or so ago, the car began to run hot, about 220 degrees and rising. I shut it off before it damaged anything and let her cool down. When I restarted and it began to get hot again, the fan kicked on. I thought I was good. Next time I went for a drive, the fan did not kick on again and has not since.

I am thinking wiring (?), thermostat (?) or something. I am not sure. I am hoping for an easy fix.

Any suggestions?

Thanks,
Rich

[So Cal Mark]

first check the fuse

[rlux4]

Also; when the temp gets at or above 190° check the lower radiator hose, if it's not hot you're not getting circulation, either because the stat isn't opening, or there's an air pocket impeding flow. The water in the bottom of the radiator needs to be hot to trigger the fan switch and if you're not getting circulation it's not getting the hot coolant from the engine.
Ron

[punes]

I had that issue... intermittent rad fan operation...my problem was the wires going into the temperature sending unit on the lower, drivers side of the rad. If I fiddled with the wires the fan would shut off and on...when I changed it, never had an issue.
Frank

79 Spider

[fiasco]

I had the same issue. The wire that runs from the thermal switch to the relay on the inside, driver's side fender had come loose from the relay. Pushed it back in and solved the problem.

-- se

[spederman85]

Thanks for all your input.

I did work on the wiring by cleaning it up and making sure I had a good ground.

I found the lower part of the radiator to be cool indicating no flow. Prior to this problem, the radiator was leaking from the bottom. I took the cheap fix and poured some stop leak bars in, which stopped the leak. Unfortunately, I think it also clogged the radiator cutting off the flow the lower unit.

My plan now is to take the radiator out and have it re-cored or just the leaks fixed with some spot welds.

If anyone has any other suggestions or thoughts, I appreciate it.

Thanks

[rlux4]

Radiator stop leaks have a tendency to settle in low places in the cooling circuits. It would be a good idea to flush your entire system while you have the radiator out. Be sure to open the heater valve so that the heater core will be flushed also.
It might be a good idea to disconnect the hoses to it so that you could back wash it, that will usually help break gunk loose the wouldn't get loose from flow in the normal direction.
Ron

[spederman85]

What are the chances that the water pump needs replacing? I know I have to either replace the radiator or hopefully get away with getting it re-cored, but thought while I am at it; maybe I should replace the water pump.

Appreciate your thoughts.