Fan clutch
#11
07-12-2013 | 02:49 PM
Creating a tool is certainly not for a first time DIY project, and I've seen at least 3 types of custom tools for this. Then, I ran across a post that I followed and it was pretty easy (to me). Not saying it will be easy for everyone. I always cut myself on every project, so I'm used to it (so is my wife). LOL
Start with (2) 1 1/2" long bolts that just fit into the holes on the pump pulley face. Next, take a pry-bar and wedge it between the bolts to lock the pulley into position; keeping it from rotating. Then, you just use the wrench as normal to unscrew the clutch nut.
Don't really need the bolts for putting it back on; hand tight and the engine rotation will keep it tight.
Seeing this done 1 time would allow any newbie to do it. If I hadn't had Carpel Tunnel release 2 days ago, I'd post a video.
By the way, I've also got a shop near me that loves my business when something is over my head. I buy the part, he does the labor, win/win.
Good luck OP.
Start with (2) 1 1/2" long bolts that just fit into the holes on the pump pulley face. Next, take a pry-bar and wedge it between the bolts to lock the pulley into position; keeping it from rotating. Then, you just use the wrench as normal to unscrew the clutch nut.
Don't really need the bolts for putting it back on; hand tight and the engine rotation will keep it tight.
Seeing this done 1 time would allow any newbie to do it. If I hadn't had Carpel Tunnel release 2 days ago, I'd post a video.
By the way, I've also got a shop near me that loves my business when something is over my head. I buy the part, he does the labor, win/win.
Good luck OP.
#12
07-15-2013 | 04:33 PM
Thread Starter
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Amateur
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
From: New Hope MN
update:
Brakes fixed. As they were being fixed, a shoe broke. add another 100.
this is the mechanic that fixed my water pump.
He did not feel that the fan clutch was an issue. There was no fluid on the shaft and said that unless it was running hot, and overheating, then get it checked.
They did not feel it was an issue when I changed the water pump this spring.
So I feel I am fine.
then today, it starts running hot. But-it is hot and humid, have the AC on and it does run hotter on summer days like this. Lots of local driving and sitting.
Gauge runs about half high. As I was getting home, it went above half.
The fan is still running.
thoughts?
Brakes fixed. As they were being fixed, a shoe broke. add another 100.
this is the mechanic that fixed my water pump.
He did not feel that the fan clutch was an issue. There was no fluid on the shaft and said that unless it was running hot, and overheating, then get it checked.
They did not feel it was an issue when I changed the water pump this spring.
So I feel I am fine.
then today, it starts running hot. But-it is hot and humid, have the AC on and it does run hotter on summer days like this. Lots of local driving and sitting.
Gauge runs about half high. As I was getting home, it went above half.
The fan is still running.
thoughts?
#13
07-15-2013 | 05:24 PM
How much wiggle is there in the fan? Have you moved it yourself yet? The mechanic that fixed the water pump won't tell you the fan clutch is bad at this point or he would be liable to replace it as he should have when he did the water pump.
Personally I would get it replaced, but if you aren't wanting to spend the money then keep on going, just watch the temp gauge. If it creeps up don't let that motor overheat or a $50 put it off fix will become a $2,000+ engine rebuild.
Personally I would get it replaced, but if you aren't wanting to spend the money then keep on going, just watch the temp gauge. If it creeps up don't let that motor overheat or a $50 put it off fix will become a $2,000+ engine rebuild.
#15
07-15-2013 | 07:33 PM
Record Breaker
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,970
Likes: 19
From: Clermont, Florida
Change the fan clutch. Do it now before the truck overheats and you have expensive repairs and engine damage. I would not drive the truck again unless it is to the repair shop if you are not doing the work yourself. With the engine off, the fan should move just a few inches if you give it a good push by hand. Any more movement than that and the fan clutch is bad. Also there should be no wiggle at all in the fan clutch on the shaft. It should be firm and tight if you try to wiggle it.
Some say the fan clutch and water pump should be replaced together at the same time because they both have about the same life expectancy. I can somewhat attest to that. My fan clutch went bad and money was tight at the time so I replaced it with a junk yard OEM fan clutch. It lasted about a year and I tried an aftermarket one, had a lot of problems with it. I returned it to Auto Zone, then I just bit the bullet and bought and installed an OEM fan clutch from the Dodge dealer. Then a few months later my water pump developed some unacceptable play in its pulley shaft. The pump was still working OK but it was more play than I was comfortable with so I replaced it anyway as a proactive and preventative measure. I also replaced the upper and lower radiator hoses and bypass hose because I did not want to have to take the water pump and related parts off again later on just to replace the hoses. I don't like having to do a job twice. My cooling system has been doing fine since then.
Jimmy
Some say the fan clutch and water pump should be replaced together at the same time because they both have about the same life expectancy. I can somewhat attest to that. My fan clutch went bad and money was tight at the time so I replaced it with a junk yard OEM fan clutch. It lasted about a year and I tried an aftermarket one, had a lot of problems with it. I returned it to Auto Zone, then I just bit the bullet and bought and installed an OEM fan clutch from the Dodge dealer. Then a few months later my water pump developed some unacceptable play in its pulley shaft. The pump was still working OK but it was more play than I was comfortable with so I replaced it anyway as a proactive and preventative measure. I also replaced the upper and lower radiator hoses and bypass hose because I did not want to have to take the water pump and related parts off again later on just to replace the hoses. I don't like having to do a job twice. My cooling system has been doing fine since then.
Jimmy
Last edited by 01SilverCC; 07-15-2013 at 07:37 PM.
#16
08-02-2013 | 01:54 PM
Registered User
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
I would not use an aftermarket fan clutch. They have too many problems with bad noise and they engage too often and stay engaged too long. I had a lot of problems with a fan clutch from Auto Zone. I returned it and had to pay a lot more for an OEM fan clutch at the local Dodge dealer but it was well worth it. Do a Google search on "aftermarket fan clutch problems", there are a lot of complaints.
Jimmy
Jimmy
#17
08-02-2013 | 03:02 PM
David,
It is nearly impossible to just wiggle the fan clutch or even spin it to know if it needs replacing. Since you say it moves about a mm, then it's more than shot.
About the only trick I know is listening to it while you are driving. If you only hear the engine quietly accelerating, then your fan clutch is shot. When I finally replaced mine, I never knew how loud it was. From about 0-20 mph, your fan makes a huge amount of "fan noise," then quiets as you pick up speed.
That is why there are a lot of threads on here about replacing it with an electric fan. Some don't even use their fan at all since they don't live in stop/go traffic or pull long grades at slow speeds.
I'm betting your clutch has been shot for years.
use HAYDEN Part # 2781 Thermal Reverse Rotation Heavy Duty Thermal Fan Clutch from www.Rockauto.com
Buy it and see about changing yourself, if you can't, then just take it to a service place. You'll save on them not marking up the part cost.
Good luck!
It is nearly impossible to just wiggle the fan clutch or even spin it to know if it needs replacing. Since you say it moves about a mm, then it's more than shot.
About the only trick I know is listening to it while you are driving. If you only hear the engine quietly accelerating, then your fan clutch is shot. When I finally replaced mine, I never knew how loud it was. From about 0-20 mph, your fan makes a huge amount of "fan noise," then quiets as you pick up speed.
That is why there are a lot of threads on here about replacing it with an electric fan. Some don't even use their fan at all since they don't live in stop/go traffic or pull long grades at slow speeds.
I'm betting your clutch has been shot for years.
use HAYDEN Part # 2781 Thermal Reverse Rotation Heavy Duty Thermal Fan Clutch from www.Rockauto.com
Buy it and see about changing yourself, if you can't, then just take it to a service place. You'll save on them not marking up the part cost.
Good luck!
#18
08-02-2013 | 03:26 PM
Record Breaker
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 1,849
Likes: 10
From: Texas
Most of those fan clutches are all the same; all the same manf. just putting different labels on the boxes these days..
Get one from Rock Auto for cheap.. I got mine in a rush from Advanced; was their "Sevre Duty one" for my truck and was 57 bucks.. and about 4 beers; a few choise cuss words and 1 hour of work.. Was well worth saving the coin.
Get one from Rock Auto for cheap.. I got mine in a rush from Advanced; was their "Sevre Duty one" for my truck and was 57 bucks.. and about 4 beers; a few choise cuss words and 1 hour of work.. Was well worth saving the coin.
