Fitting a 2nd radiator fan.....thoughts?

Hi All,

Just throwing it out there to see if anyone had any views or has actually fitted a second fan to their radiator?
Correct me if I'm wrong but the X1/9 radiator is quite long and the single fan is mounted to one side. In the US where it can get very hot, they have a second fan mounted next to the first one....is that correct?....maybe to help with the AC?
It's just that I was out for a run recently and got caught up in some stationary traffic several times. I could see my temperature guage climbing and the fan kicking in but I was getting a little worried.
I wondered if a second fan were fitted, would that be a benefit in stationary traffic?
As a last resort, I opened up my vents, turned the setting to hot and had my blower on 2.....it did seem to help a little.
Does fitting a metal coolant expansion tank help also?
Interested in people's thoughts on this or if they have any cooling pearls of wisdom to share!

Gareth.

Have you done the very basics - re-cored the radiator for example and cleaned the whole cooling system? Replacing the thermostat is also a cheap just in case. For a second fan is these things don't do anything for you, try Car Builder Solutions a UK online supplier of anything you may need including a selection of fans?

Agree with Alan's comments above.

The X1/9 standard cooling system was designed to work in ambient temperatures that are higher than the UK (i.e. Italy). Therefore if the system is properly serviced and the coolant is changed on a regular basis, then there is no reason why it shouldn't be OK.
Sure enough, the temperature will rise when sitting in traffic. However, if the fan is working correctly then it should cut in and reduce the temperature. Also, increasing the revs slightly when sitting in traffic can get the water pump moving the coolant around a bit quicker and bring the temperature down.

Basically, if the temperature rises when sitting and traffic and then reduces back to normal operating temperature when moving again , then your system is working OK.
The normal operating temperature should be about 85 degrees.

As Alan mentioned, re-coring the radiator can remove a whole lot of problems. Also flushing the system out, checking the thermostat and the expansion tank cap are in good condition.

Cheers,
Andy

......again, sage advice from you both.
Perhaps it was me worrying slightly in traffic. It was operating fine and always sits at 85 when at full temperature.
The fan was kicking in when it should etc.
I'm fairly sure the previous owner had a flush out with new additive also but it is on my list to go through the cooling system replacing old for new.
Thanks chaps.

Gareth.

I fitted a second fan on mine just like you were thinking Gareth, purely as a backup, it's on a manual switch relay but you can get two stage temp sensors.

I have not really used it now i have actually sorted my cooling out, and i agree with what Alan and Andy have said that having the cooling system in proper working order should be fine.

Mine would always creep up above 90 and the fan would not come on, it was trapped air and they are a bit of a pig to bleed if you have done a full flush.

I followed this guide and eventually got rid of the air after repeat bleeds, now it's absolutly fine.
xwebforums.com/wiki/index.php?title=Cooling#Bleeding

Rich

.....thanks Rich.
Interesting that you fitted one and haven't really used it......basically answers my query.

Gareth.

The standard X1/9 rad has mounts for two fans, i think it's the same rad as in the Ferrari 308 which used two. I bought another standard fan and it bolted straight on, i mean they are pretty heavy compared to modern units.

But like Andy said, if you are in traffic giving it a good rev to get the water pump circulating actually brings the temp down, on mine you can see the temp needle come down after a rev or two (but that's my twin cam engine)

Rich