Fan Clutch continuously fails?

Hi,

The fan is attached to the pump. If it is failing, make sure there isn't excessive lateral play when it is installed and make sure the water pump doesn't have play indicating a worn bearing.

Also, if you have used the same brand clutch, try a different brand.

Let me know how often this happens and the indicator that it has failed. For example, does the engine overheat?

Here are two links you may find of interest as well:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-a-clutch-fan-works

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/fan-clutch-symptoms

Let me know.

Take care,

Joe

Hi,

195 is when the thermostat opens fully, so 210 isn't that far out of the ordinary. You indicate excessive fan noise. Does it do that while the engine is cool or cold?

If it does, I agree the fan clutch is faulty. Have you used the same brand of fan clutch each time it failed? Is everything tight on the fan, pulley, water pump, and so on?

Joe

Hi,

When it starts to overheat, does the fan make excessive noise? Also, has the same brand clutch been used each of the three times?

If you look below, I included the clutch fan diagnostics. Here is the thing. If the fan is excessively loud when it is overheating, there is a different issue causing the overheating. If the fan slows down when overheating, it has to be the fan clutch. That's why I ask if it was replaced all three times with the same brand. You may be getting faulty fan clutches.

Let me know your thoughts.

Joe

See pic below.

Hi,

The thing that is confusing me is the fan gets quieter when the engine gets hotter as mentioned above. That shouldn't happen. But at the end of your last post, you indicate excessive fan noise when it overheats. That does make sense.

That leads me to think the problem isn't the fan allowing the engine to overheat. I have another question for you. If you are driving at highway speed, does the engine overheat?

Let me know.

Joe

If it is getting that hot at highway speed, something other is likely the problem. Also, that temperature would cause the fan to make more noise.

So, now I have several different thoughts. First, I suspect the thermostat was inspected or replaced, correct? Also, by chance do you have a live data scan tool or access to one? If you do, can you provide me with the short-term fuel trims when the engine is at operating temperature? Also, could you let me know how the oxygen sensors are reacting at operating temperature as well?

Last, do you notice any of the following:

Any smoke from the exhaust other than normal steam?
Any odd odors from the exhaust that could indicate a fuel mixture issue?
Has anyone checked for a partially plugged catalytic converter?
Do you hear any rattling from the catalytic converter or hissing sounds?
Has the radiator been flushed or inspected?
When the engine is excessively hot, have you checked to make sure none of the radiator hoses are partially collapsed?

Sorry for so many questions. The idea that it runs hot where you are located at highway speeds sounds like something is causing it other than the fan.

Let me know.

Joe

Hi,

You are very welcome. Let me know what they tell you. I'm really interested in knowing what they find.

Take care,

Joe

Jaye,

Was anything indicated related to the higher temperatures? Also, a delayed engagement or slightly delayed shift wouldn't cause it to run hot.

Let me know. Also, let me know how bad the exhaust leak is and if possible, where approximately it is located.

Joe

Hi,

Thank you for the update. I'm glad to know you got it taken care of and it wasn't too big of an issue.

Regardless, certainly, you are always welcome here. Come back any time in the future.

Take care of yourself,

Joe