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Is my Fan Clutch Bad?
I've been having some overheating problems with my XJ ever since I bought it. While in traffic it runs just over 210, and with the AC running I've had to shut down to let the engine cool. On the highway the motor runs very cold, I've posted up about my suspicion that the PO installed a 160* tstat.
Yesterday I took my Jeep up a trail, which was little more than an inclined dirt road (I was in full time 4wd), and when I shut it down after ~15 mins of driving it boiled over from the overflow tank. Allegedly the previous owner installed a new radiator, hoses, tstat, and water pump. I replaced the radiator cap, since the one he installed wasn't fitting correctly and was leaking too. Coolant is rusty, but not oily/milky so I'm not suspecting a blown HG. He claimed he used the Mopar Coolant, which is red in color when he filled the radiator after replacing. Does this fan clutch look bad? This was with the motor cold, it moves the same amount with the engine hot too. |
That clutch doesn't look bad to me but the general rule of thumb is if you are having cooling problems while not moving, or moving very slow, but not at highway speeds - change the clutch. That blade flip test can be misleading.
Originally Posted by noisufnoc
(Post 2961708)
I've been having some overheating problems with my XJ ever since I bought it. While in traffic it runs just over 210, and with the AC running I've had to shut down to let the engine cool. On the highway the motor runs very cold, I've posted up about my suspicion that the PO installed a 160* tstat.
Yesterday I took my Jeep up a trail, which was little more than an inclined dirt road (I was in full time 4wd), and when I shut it down after ~15 mins of driving it boiled over from the overflow tank. Allegedly the previous owner installed a new radiator, hoses, tstat, and water pump. I replaced the radiator cap, since the one he installed wasn't fitting correctly and was leaking too. Coolant is rusty, but not oily/milky so I'm not suspecting a blown HG. He claimed he used the Mopar Coolant, which is red in color when he filled the radiator after replacing. Does this fan clutch look bad? This was with the motor cold, it moves the same amount with the engine hot too. Good or Bad XJ Fan Clutch? - YouTube |
Mine also is the same cold and hot, but is allot stiffer than that. (It may be some "heavy duty" thing). It doesent freeweel at all, stops in one, maybe two blades. That and your symptoms, agreed with Ken, find a replacement.
Wanna try something? Film that one while someone turns off the (hot) engine. Maybe we will see some freewheeling. THEN, film it again with the new one and do the same thing. Of course a real video camera would be better, but hey..... |
A fan shroud should be installed either way also.
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Originally Posted by CCKen
(Post 2961715)
That clutch doesn't look bad to me but the general rule of thumb is if you are having cooling problems while not moving, or moving very slow, but not at highway speeds - change the clutch. That blade flip test can be misleading.
Originally Posted by DFlintstone
(Post 2961731)
Mine also is the same cold and hot, but is allot stiffer than that. (It may be some "heavy duty" thing). It doesent freeweel at all, stops in one, maybe two blades. That and your symptoms, agreed with Ken, find a replacement.
Wanna try something? Film that one while someone turns off the (hot) engine. Maybe we will see some freewheeling. THEN, film it again with the new one and do the same thing. Of course a real video camera would be better, but hey..... a quickie video from the phone is much easier to get up to youtube, thanks for the suggestions :gunsmilie:
Originally Posted by freegdr
(Post 2961732)
A fan shroud should be installed either way also.
Thanks all! |
Originally Posted by freegdr
(Post 2961732)
A fan shroud should be installed either way also.
As for the fan clutch is skip the ZJ fan clutch. Got one by accident it was the wrong part. Said ah well its an upgrade anyway. I couldn't stand hearing the damn thing all the time, it literally NEVER disengages even a little. It sounds like an 18 wheelers fan when you accelerate. It'd be a waste if you ask me and annoying. Not saying don't do it but just a heads up to ya. |
Originally Posted by DieselD
(Post 2961774)
x2 pretty important thing.
As for the fan clutch is skip the ZJ fan clutch. Got one by accident it was the wrong part. Said ah well its an upgrade anyway. I couldn't stand hearing the damn thing all the time, it literally NEVER disengages even a little. It sounds like an 18 wheelers fan when you accelerate. It'd be a waste if you ask me and annoying. Not saying don't do it but just a heads up to ya. this looks like the shroud for that side, yeah? http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Fan-Shro...-/300923138724 PN 52027501AC |
Yup that looks right.
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Originally Posted by DieselD
(Post 2961779)
Yup that looks right.
you guys think i should swap out the clutch too, while i'm in there? |
Originally Posted by freegdr
(Post 2961732)
A fan shroud should be installed either way also.
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Originally Posted by DFlintstone
(Post 2961846)
I didn't catch that! Just the shroud might solve your problem....
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Installation tip.........after the fan is mounted to the new clutch, place the fan/clutch assembly inside the new fan shroud and lower them together into position. A 3rd hand is really handy.
.....and DieselD is spot on with regard to a HD clutch making way more noise. We tried it.....couldn't get it off fast enough, way too much noise. |
Originally Posted by noisufnoc
(Post 2961848)
might as well start there, and replace the clutch if it still happens after
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Airflow through the radiator can also be an issue if the radiator, condenser, or optional trans cooler fins are all bashed and/or filled with dust, dirt, and bugs.
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Another good observation...as long as the shroud is not in the way might as well rince what well with a hose. Also was thinking....someone might have put in the wrong T-stat thinking that would help the fact that there is no shroud. (a 195* stat will be just as open as a 160* stat, before it overheats)
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