V8 main radiator fan check

[John Karasaki <johkar@teleport.com>]

Eliot (and other V8 owners),

Could you please do a test for me?  Our V8 is having overheating problems
when it is sitting at idle.  I think it is caused by a bad viscous coupling
between the shaft coming from the engine and the main radiator fan.  I
tested this coupling by holding the fan blade stationary with a screwdriver,
then having my wife start the car.  I could hold the fan from rotating
without any real resistance.  I don't think this is normal.  The car is
overheating while stationary and idling probably because the fan is turning
but not drawing much air.  If you could do a similar test, I'd appreciate
it, as the viscous coupling is $140 from Linda (the cheapest I could find --
no used part was available, but probably not worth buying used anyway).
Thanks in advance.

P.S.  The car runs very cool when it's moving, even at moderately slow
speeds, so I don't think it's the radiator.

Regards,


John Karasaki

Audi Quattro Fanatic