2000 Ram Van fan clutch replacement
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 409
Likes: 0
From: NorCal
"Unbolt the right support strut at the bottom, the one that the oil filler tube is attached to. You don't have to remove it, just take out the bottom bolt, loosen the top bolt and slide it outward several inches or it gets in the way later."
i count this as being the LEFT or DRIVER'S SIDE
i count this as being the LEFT or DRIVER'S SIDE
Captain
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 617
Likes: 1
If you really want to improve your fuel economy by reducing fan drag you should get rid of that clutch and fan blade all-together and install a radiator mounted electric puller fan. I had one on my '97 and it made a huge difference in terms of more MPG on the highway and quiet running around town.
You won't believe how much noise that damn clutch fan makes until it's gone from under the hood. My electric fan only ran in traffic and in town since speeds of 35MPH and above provide adequate air movement for engine cooling. In winter the fan barely ran and my interior heat came up a hell of a lot quicker, too.
You won't believe how much noise that damn clutch fan makes until it's gone from under the hood. My electric fan only ran in traffic and in town since speeds of 35MPH and above provide adequate air movement for engine cooling. In winter the fan barely ran and my interior heat came up a hell of a lot quicker, too.
Thread Starter
|
All Star
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 933
Likes: 1
From: South Kentucky
Trending Topics
Captain
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 617
Likes: 1
If electric fans are as untrustworthy as you say then why do new car manufacturers use them exclusively, regardless of engine orientation? A good quality aftermarket fan will easily last 10+ years, probably longer. If you buy something cheap, then of course, it will not provide performance or longevity. There is always the odd story of a person who bought a $350 fan and had it fail, but that is the exception not the norm.
Last edited by Rusty93RamVan; Mar 29, 2012 at 09:15 AM.
Record Breaker
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,174
Likes: 1
From: North TX
Car manufacturers have been using cheaper and less reliable parts every year since something like 1950. This isn't done for reliability or durability! it is to cut manufacturing costs and lower the entry level prices to induce more new car sales. Cars bodies being made today are so thin and engine parts so fragile it is scary. My 2000 is bad enough 
You can look into buying a Ford Tauras fan set from a salvage yard to install. I have not done it yet but it is on my list of things to do for both of my vehicles.
