my 4 .0 coupe on heavy acceleration causes the radiator fan to catch the cowling. there is also a smell that at first made me think the clutch in the gearbox was going. its a manual. any suggestions lads? ive renewed the gearbox mount which helped a little but its still catching the surround when you give it some? thanks

 

Hi Brinny

I would stop driving the Car right now until you've managed to sort the problem out, because if one of those Fan Blades snaps which it is quite likely to do if it's catching the Cowel.

It could cause the Fan to break up and not only take out your Rad but also put a big dent in your Bonnet/Hood.

 

How are your other engine mounts?

 

Also look at the surround itself. On the earlier saloons it was held at the bottom with part of the sheet metal bent into tabs. If that's rusted the shroud itself can sag and catch the fan.

On heavy acceleration the right side of the engine will lift, make sure that engine mount is sound and the rubber has not come apart and isn't holding the engine down.