Here is a link to a thread about getting an alternative to the OEM fan. And here is the link to the company http://www.spalusa.com/

 

I looked at going this route but ended up buying a new replacement from Classic Mini who give NAM members a 20% discount. The factory replacement had a new thermo gizmo and more of a screen to keep out debris that my old one didn't have. When I compared the Spal replacement ($68.00 plus shipping) that has to be spliced in using the old connecter and the need to buy the aftermarket screen ($26.00 plus shipping) to keep out debris vs. the new version at 116.00 plus shipping that just bolts on, I went with the factory replacement. Classic was great to work with and shipped it out right away!!!

 

Nice to get a decent price from a dealer !

Do you have the part number handy ?

 

From off the side of the box:
32 41 6 781 742

 

 

Howdy Chaps,

Was just under my 02 MCS changing oil, gave the blade a twirl after reading all the disturbing notes on fires and such, and noticed a small scraping sound and catching of the fan hub, rocking it back and forth would free it up and the snag was not consistent. At 63K miles on a city driven-only car figured on sheer time alone, the fan had duty cycled its complete life and, as original, did not have the safeguards of the retrofit so thus time for a replacement.

Bought a new one at the dealer and had it on in literally 3 minutes (2 13mm nuts and one connector, easily done). Now, having done 2 window motors/regulators in which post-mortem revealed the brushes had completely gone out in each motor, figured that was what was causing the problem here, ie, the brushes had gotten so short they were cocking in their channels and snagging on the brass commutator of the motor armature. That turned out not to be the case, they had plenty of life left and this motor was in fact very robust by modern autotomotive standards - probably go another few years - but, what the problem was that very small pieces of gravel had gotten down the sides of the fan blade hub and were snagging between it and the motor body. If you have this problem, before replacing the motor, remove your fan, turn it over and see if you can't free up the grit caught inside the hub. I wouldn't recommend removing the fan blade hub from the shaft as it's an interference fit probably only good for being pressed on once at the factory and would risk being loose if disturbed later.

It would appear that many p/s pump failures are preceded by fan failures that the owner is not aware of until the pump overheats...sometimes taking the relay and harness with it, I'll make a point of checking mine regularly.

Happy Motoring.

Cheerio,
Peter
1950 Vincent Red Touring Rapide - A Red Rapide Experience -

 

Here is another option to help protect the fan from debris. The OEM fan duct from the convertable. Moss MINI has it here http://www.mossmini.com/Shop/ViewPro...79&SortOrder=1

 

Does anyone know exactly when the power steering fan is suppose to turn on? How often is that sucker suppose to run? Mine will engage 30 seconds after switching on the A/C.

 

Howdy Scott,

You know, I originally included the link for that in my post but edited out for one reason, it does keep plastic bags etc from entering the front of the fan housing and - to a degree - anything bouncing around that would enter from the backside.

But where I suspect mine collected these small chips/pieces was in a situation much like you experience when you go through a construction zone where the road is tacky and gravel bounces around everywhere in your wheel wells leaving residue on any flat surface....or in the hub of my fan in this case. It's almost like it needs duct work on top to surround the p/s pump.

 

That's not your pwr steering fan you hear 30 sec's after turing on A/C, it's the fan up front to cool the radiator........

 

Um, actually it's the Power Steering Fan. I had the car up on jack stands. I could audibly hear it and watch it engage after the radiator fan went into the high speed setting.