I have a 96 4.0L and the fan clutch is bad I think (because it spins for ten seconds after a warm shut down) and I need help figuring out which one to get. I have heard the ZJ fan clutch works better so if anyone could help me out with a part # that would be great.
Also, should I replace anything else while I'm at it? I'm already replacing the water pump and hoses as preventative maintenance. Thanks guys.
Also, should I replace anything else while I'm at it? I'm already replacing the water pump and hoses as preventative maintenance. Thanks guys.
Senior Member
The ZJ fan clutch will pull more air through the radiator but some people don't like the extra noise it makes. More airflow=more noise. I like mine because it never gets close to overheating and I got use to the extra noise. I only notice it now when I get on it heavy.
CF Veteran
More noise also equals less mpg and less power to the wheels. If all of the cooling system components r top notch, the standard fan clutch should work fine in 99.9% of driving conditions.
Senior Member
I did notice a drop in mpg after I did the ZJ fan clutch swap. While I try to get the most mpg that I can, luckily, I don't drive my XJ for the mileage.
Seasoned Member
IF you're worried about mileage delete the mechanical fan and put a electric fan in its place. Spal makes nice ones. Or a Ford Taurus fan that everyone loves in all kinds of cars. If you want simplicity a mechanical fan is the way to go no wiring or anything to worry about. 
CF Veteran
Quote:
Yeah exactly what is that MPG thing down here in the OZARK MOUNTAINS. Hell all we have are curves and hills and mountains.Originally Posted by scottmphoto
I did notice a drop in mpg after I did the ZJ fan clutch swap. While I try to get the most mpg that I can, luckily, I don't drive my XJ for the mileage.
A well functioning stock cooling system should do a good job. Note I said everything working well and maintained is the key. My stock cooling system has never over heated at any time heat with AC on on the trails even. Have used it to pull a trailer several times during summer heat again over 100*.
Now I suppose that with this being said my XJ will overheat the next time out.
CF Veteran
Quote:
If your worried about a couple of mpg get a scooter...Originally Posted by Strmtrooper70
IF you're worried about mileage delete the mechanical fan and put a electric fan in its place. Spal makes nice ones. Or a Ford Taurus fan that everyone loves in all kinds of cars. If you want simplicity a mechanical fan is the way to go no wiring or anything to worry about.
CF Veteran
Now the OP knows/understands a little more about the fan clutch and is better equipped to make an educated decision on which way he wants to go.
Exactly djb383, all very good points. I decided to stick with stock as it is my daily and I need as much mpg as I can get. Maybe one day I will remove the mechanical and do an electric. By the time all is said and done it will have an entirely new cooling system minus the radiator. So I figure the stock should work well enough. I also wired a toggle to my e-fan because it has been giving me problems (not anymore.) Thanks again everyone!!
CF Veteran
Do your homework/research when considering mods to the OE rad fan setup. The stock rad fans are not the weak link in the cooling system.....it's that dinky radiator and it must be doing it job at peak efficiency. Remember......the rad is the only cooling system component who's sole function is to dissipate heat.
Granted, the rad is the more challenging component to replace, but far from difficult, so look at it this way....once it's done, the rest is a walk in the park. The fan clutch, water pump and t-stat can almost be replaced blindfolded when the old rad is out of the way.
Granted, the rad is the more challenging component to replace, but far from difficult, so look at it this way....once it's done, the rest is a walk in the park. The fan clutch, water pump and t-stat can almost be replaced blindfolded when the old rad is out of the way.
