Do I need a condenser fan?

[jeffcoslacker]

Some people here will remember the tragic incident that all but destroyed my wife's 1995 Accord...and it's subsequent rise from the ashes.

When I got the car rolling again, it was just a desperate measure to get her some wheels...I didn't think it was gonna last long. But after repairs, and finding that despite some incurable wounds, it still runs, drives and works fine, I decided to keep it.

One thing I never sorted out was the condenser fan...after the incident it never worked anymore. The A/C still works fine. We did have some problems with the car overheating due to a cracked radiator tank last summer, but I replaced the radiator (it was badly twisted when the engine cradle got tweaked, and still stressed after I hammered the cradle out).

When I replaced the radiator, I just left the non-functioning condenser fan out. I figure since it worked fine without, it should work even better with the airflow path cleared and no fan cage to hold heat close to the radiator.

I know the obvious answer is to replace it, but the damn things are expensive...this has the compact fan motor that's really flat, all the discount auto parts places keep trying to give me a bulky motor same as the radiator fan, which won't fit clearances.

What should I do? Run it this summer and see how it goes again? Or try to replace it? Remember this car is on borrowed time...205,000 and badly damaged underneath...

I'm torn...experience says this car could run another 100,000 miles...but after all it's been through, it could drop at any moment too...

[kris]

Have you tried to source the fan from the junkyard? Something like that should be easy to find and for cheap.

I believe the extra fan is to help with cooling due to the extra load being applied to the engine during the use of AC. I would say if it is a issue to track on down, just keep tabs on the temp gauge during the summer.

[jeffcoslacker]

Originally Posted by kris

Have you tried to source the fan from the junkyard? Something like that should be easy to find and for cheap.

I believe the extra fan is to help with cooling due to the extra load being applied to the engine during the use of AC. I would say if it is a issue to track on down, just keep tabs on the temp gauge during the summer.

Yeah I did try to find one salvage...and those cut throat bastards know how much a new one is, and they aren't cutting any good deals on a used one...they want you to buy the whole assembly rather than just the motor, and that costs more than a new motor...

But you did give me an idea...I know a guy who has several older non-running cars out at his property that he's just sitting on, waiting for scrap steel prices to come up again...

I might be able to find a fan that could be adapted to work...I think there's a Toyota Tercel out there...

This poor Accord is mickey-moused together after the accident...one more indignity isn't going to bother it.

[Copytech99]

Have you tried car-part.com ??