XM V6 Hot Running

bob lawrie · Unread post by **bob lawrie** » 06 Jun 2005, 18:46

My '93 XM V6 manual still drives well and can be a joy.
For most of its life, it has run at a temp of 90-95 degrees (85 on motorways).
But. Over last two years this has gradually increased and it is now running at what seems to be 105-115 degrees in town. It cools from this to maybe 100 degrees, but goes straight back up again. (still 85 on motorways).
It overheated recently due to burnt out relay (after 1 hour in stuck motorway traffic). Relay has been replaced. It still performs as before ie at high temps.
Nearside fan cuts in at about 100 degrees but doesn't seem that effective.
Offside fan doesn't cut in even at 120 degrees, even with aircon switched on.
Aircon not functioning (leaking pipe) but according to dash display, light is on and it blows ambient air.
Are both fans meant to be on at these temps? Does offside fan only cut in when aircon's on? Is one a high speed fan? Is there a possible problem with the relays? Is it bad for the engine?
Has anyone had this problem and dealt with it successfully?
Bob

citroenzx · Unread post by **citroenzx** » 06 Jun 2005, 19:05

has the thermostat and fluid been changed recently??

oilyspanner · Unread post by **oilyspanner** » 06 Jun 2005, 19:13

Is the radiator partially blocked, try to feel the back of it for cool spots (yes I know its easier said than done)
Stewart

bob lawrie · Unread post by **bob lawrie** » 06 Jun 2005, 19:21

Thermostat replaced last summer. It (only) improved motorway running temp. which had decome almost as hot as town driving.
Fluid? blood? coolant?
Fluid (with new antifreeze) has been changed approx every year. Last time one year ago or maybe longer?
Time for a change anyway.
All possibilities considered.

citroenzx · Unread post by **citroenzx** » 06 Jun 2005, 19:30

well what other fluid would you have in your rad?
regular change of all car fluids is always good.
worst case for the overheating could be head gasket failure

Unread post by **Peter.N.** » 06 Jun 2005, 19:44

Most likely cause clogged up radiator. At motorway speeds the airflow is sufficient to keep the temperature down without the fans operating at all. If it's never had a new rad it must be due for one by now.

Paulxmski · Unread post by **Paulxmski** » 07 Jun 2005, 02:22

The second fan not cutting in could be caused by loose connections on the relays or the connector. I think these are on the right front (looking into the engine bay when stood at the front of the car). I am not sure but I believe the fans operate at 2 speeds so if only one fan is working then there wont be much cooling going on and they do over heat very quickly when moving at slow speed under those circumstances. One winter I had my V6 boil over when the fan failed to cut in when it was -8. The relay must have frozen because as soon as the steam went everywhere they cut in and no more problem.