Fan clutch questions
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 197
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From: Virginia Beach, VA
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
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
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 957
Likes: 2
From: Russellville, Arkansas
Year: 1991
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 I-6
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
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 8,172
Likes: 17
From: The Republic of TEXAS
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L HO
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
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 957
Likes: 2
From: Russellville, Arkansas
Year: 1991
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 I-6
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
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 352
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From: Los Angeles
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
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.
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I put this one in and it sits rock steady no matter what.
CF Veteran
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 7,554
Likes: 17
From: Monett, MO.
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
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
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 47,923
Likes: 38
From: Broward County Fl.
Year: 1989 xj sport 2dr
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 12 hole bosch Injectors
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
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 8,172
Likes: 17
From: The Republic of TEXAS
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L HO
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.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 197
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From: Virginia Beach, VA
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
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
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 8,172
Likes: 17
From: The Republic of TEXAS
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L HO
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.
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