I installed the Napa HD fan clutch (same as the zj fan clutch) about 6 months ago to keep engine temps cool when I tow my camper. I never had any problems with until last weekend. I was pulling out on to the interstate and a car that I thought was in the middle lane was actually in the right lane. Since I was half way out already I basically floored it to keep from getting hit. I've been on the pedal pretty hard but not this hard. (Yes I know my fault should have waited longer to see where the car was) After that I started to smell coolant so I drove the mile to my parents house to find that the fan clutch grooved a half moon shape into the radiator that was gushing coolant. I replace the radiator and the fan clutch with a oem clutch until I can figure out why this happened. I know the HD fan clutch sits closer to the radiator then the oem one but imo it shouldn't hit unless something is worn out but I could be wrong. I would still like to reinstall the HD fan clutch because of the towing. I'm thinking maybe worn motor mounts? Maybe torquing of the engine under the high load. I replaced the drive side once before and they don't look worn out but idk if they look right either. If that is the case I was thinking of maybe Iron man andy's motor mounts (or a similar style) but I'm not sure if that will solve the problem or cause more vibration then I would like. So if anybody has had this problem or has any ideas as to what it could be please chime in. Thanks

 

Motor mounts? Possibly.

But I think you just found out why the Chrysler engineers never put the ZJ clutch in the XJ.

Evidently it will not clear under all possible driving conditions.

Go back to stock, quality XJ components.

 

Agreed.

The engine does move around under all conditions. I installed a new Condenser and AC liquid/fixed orifice tube but didn't pay attention to the clearance between the tube and the tip of the fan. While backing out of a parking spot, with a hard right steering wheel turn I heard a metallic ticking sound. When I got home I found that the engine moved enough to make contact with the tube. It had about 1/4" clearance from the fan tip.

I have new OEM mount cushions.

Now another liquid/orifice tube...and now 1/2" fan clearance.

Live & Learn.

 

Agreed. I've had both the advance and auto zone fan clutches, advance is better. Had a CSF 3 row, well the HD fan clutch made contact and exploded. So its back to stock.

Auto zone rad (lifetime warranty) advance fan clutch and a huge 12k winch upfront. No cooling issues.

 

I also have the HD clutch with a 2 core rad, but I was lucky enough that it just rubbed it. Buying the stock clutch tomorrow.

 

I'm still going to look into the motor mounts but maybe Ill try towing with the stock fan clutch. I'm going camping in 2 weeks I'm trying to get my camper back on the road by then. Technically a stock cherokee is designed to be able to tow more then what my camper is so it should be fine. Thanks for all your replies everyone!

 

this is my biggest fear! i am putting in a csf 3 core and have brown dog motor mounts to put in as well, but i have no idea how close they will be when everything is in

 

I just did a rebuild on my engine, the motor mounts are brand new, as well as the transmission mount and it still happened...

 

Brown Dog mounts? Would that help?

 

I'd rather not chance it, I'm personally going back to the stock clutch. The motor mounts I have that are new are oem

 

I removed the Napa 272310 fan clutch after a day or two. too noisy!!

 

That, and it kills horse power! Sounds like a damn dump truck.

 

As long as it has been maintained you should be good to go. People only run into problems when they have done nothing except fill it with gas and take it to Jiffy lube when they can remember.

 

The noise never bothered me and I really didn't notice a dip in HP.

Im not the first owner but since I have had it its had it routine oil changes, trans fluid changes, coolant changes, and any other repairs as needed. I do my best to keep on top of the maintenance since this is my DD.

Does anybody have poly motor mounts instead of rubber? If so does it vibrate a lot more or just a little bit?

 

Brown Dog rubber mounts vibrate more than the stock mounts. I haven't tried their poly mounts, but I would imagine it would be even greater.