Viscous Fan source/replacement
 

Ben diagnosed this as needing changing on the A8. Looks easy enough to DIY. I was going to get one from A8 Parts but then thought thats probably false economy if that fails again in three months whereas this one has lasted from 1996-2011. A brand new one it is then, does anyone know a source and price for a new one. I prefer to use genuine Audi parts but if someone knows a good quality OE version then I will consider that too. No crappy chinese copies though please!

Bump

Sorry Amar, forgot about this one.

I have fitted an electric fan to replace the viscous fan on the project.
I think they are a much better option. I have wired it in with the AC fan so that it comes on with the AC fan which is thermostatically controlled.

I bought a kenlowe direct, although I got one physically too big and ended up modifying the inner radiator cowling.

measure from the top of the radiator core after removal of the viscous fan as the Kenlow must sit flush against the core to work most effectively. The fan cowling extends beyond the core.

it comes in 3 parts:

flange shaft 077 121 211 £186.05
viscous coupling 077 121 350 D £210.29
fan blade 077 121 301 B £81.40

Prices are from 07/2010 as I have not updated my ETKA, they are most likely to be more expensive now with the VAT rise and everything. And they are for PF V8. V6 have different parts and FL probably different as well.

There a a couple of second hand viscous couplings on eBay in Germany at the moment matching that code for about £60 if you want to risk it

Thanks guys, Mike I have spoken to Kneowle and am getting the electric one. What advantages did you see?

It waqs much quieter. Hardly ever came on unless standing in traffic for 5 or more minutes. To set it up you need a heat gone and good electric thermometer. Give me a call when your ready and I'll run you through the process.

Thanks Mike, will do just that. I just need to know what size then I'm ready to order. What size did you order Mike?

For information the cowling around the viscous fan has a diameter of approx 16". However the core of the radiator doesn't start until approx 2.5" below the top of the cowl. Therefore when you are getting an electric fan that has to sit flush with the core so that it sucks air through the core you'll need a smaller fan.

I bought a 13" fan and had to cut away a portion of the lower cowl to allow the fan and mounting lugs to fit flush with the cowl.

There for I reckon the largest fan you will get away with is about 11" going by the Kenlow dimensions here. They don't have an 11" fan so 10" is probably the one to go for.

Thank You so much for calling and putting this info on here Mike, if there was an award for the most helpful person on the forum, you would have it. Will order the most powerful 10 inch. +++