This Tech Tip discusses the importance of cooling fans on Deutz and Wisconsin air cooled engines and suggests a helpful hint to avoid major problems.
Many Deutz diesel engine models, such as the 912, 913, and 914 series and the 1011, 1011F, and 2011 series have large cooling fans. These engines rely on these fans (often called blowers or impellers) to keep a steady stream of air flowing across the cylinders, heads, and/or oil coolers to help the engine stay within acceptable operating temperatures. Deutz cooling fans are belt driven and draw air into and across the engine to cool it, while the Wisconsin engine’s fan are part of the flywheel and are mounted directly to the crankshaft. Air cooled and oil cooled engines are great because of their simplicity; no radiators, water pumps, or hoses to worry about, give it fuel and away they go. These engines work reasonably well in high vibration applications that would normally cause conventional cooling packages to crack or fall apart. All that being said, with simplicity there is also a down side.
One of the biggest problems with a cooling air blower tends to show up in dusty or gritty environments. Over time, the sand, dust and grime reduces the efficiency of the blower and its ability to move enough air to maintain proper cooling. This can look like a build up or dirt, dust and grime on the fan blades, which can cause the fan to become unbalanced. This imbalance can lead to significant issues, especially on Wisconsin engines where the cooling fan is connected to the flywheel. The unbalanced fan, increases vibration which can then be transmitted to the crankshaft causing additional stress to the main and connecting bearings in the engine. Another issue we see is the fan blades becoming warn down at the edges, reducing the surface area needed to push sufficient cooling air. Finally, and somewhat similar, are “impact abrasions”. These develop as particles of sand, dirt and dust impact the fan blades that are spinning at high speeds, and these small impacts remove small pieces of the fan over time, decreasing the ability of the now rough and worn blade surface to efficiently push air. Whatever the cause, this buildup and/or wear can greatly reduce the amount of air that it provided for cooling. Ignored long enough and it will lead to an overheated engine and cylinder damage.
In concept, the issue is simple enough to understand, but the problem is easy to miss as it usually builds slowly over time and is therefore overlooked. We have found a low tech way to monitor some of these issues. If you own a Deutz or a Wisconsin engine powering equipment that is used in a dusty environment, consider painting your impeller with a high vis paint. With enough color contract between the fan blade material and the paint color, you should more easily notice blade wear and/or grime buildup.
When you do have a worn blower or impeller, one that is worn beyond a mere cleaning, make sure that you find the correct replacement and not just one that “fits”. For example, while the impeller from a Deutz F2L1011F or Deutz F3L1011F has the same mounting bolt pattern as the impeller from a four cylinder Deutz BF4L1011F, and will mount in its place, it won’t properly cool the larger engine and will lead to bigger problems. If you give us a call with the engine model and serial number, we can make sure you get the right part for your engine the first time. For the most common Deutz parts, feel free to shop our web store or if you don’t see what you need give us a call at 866-821-2387.
For more information on Deutz and Wisconsin engines check out our library of Tech Tips like:
- Tech Tip #159: Deutz 912 Engines: The Difference Between “New Generation” And “Old Generation” 912 Engines,
- Tech Tip #172: A Five Point Checklist on Deutz Head Bolts and Torque Values,
- Tech Tip #193: Deutz 1011 And Deutz 2011 Electronic Shutoff Solenoids,
- Tech Tip #237: Deutz L Series vs. M Series 4 Cylinder Engines: How to Tell Them Apart, and
- Tech Tip #243: Changing Your Deutz 1011 & 2011 Timing Belt
