Fan Noise
Fan noise is sometimes evident under the following conditions:
• | When the clutch is engaged for maximum cooling. |
• | During the first 15 seconds to 1 minute after start-up until the
clutch can redistribute the silicone fluid back to the fluid's normal disengaged
operating condition, after overnight settling. |
Fan noise, or an excessive roar, generally occurs continuously under
all high engine speed conditions, 2500 RPM and up, if the clutch assembly
is locked up because of an internal failure. If the fan cannot be rotated
by hand, or if there is a rough grating feel as the fan is turned, replace
the clutch. Refer to
Fan Clutch Replacement
.
Looseness
Inspect a loose fan clutch assembly for wear. Replace the fan clutch
as necessary.
Under various temperature conditions, a lateral movement is visible
at the tip of the fan blade. About 6.5 mm (¼ in) maximum
lateral movement, measured at the fan tip, is allowable. Replacement of
the fan clutch is not necessary.
Ensure that the fan blade is installed properly. If the fan is installed
incorrectly, the fan will cause an overheating problem.
Silicone Fluid Leaks
Small fluid leaks, occurring in the area around the bearing assembly,
do not affect the operation of the fan blade clutch.
If leakage appears excessive, replace the fan blade clutch. Refer to
Fan Clutch Replacement
.
Engine Overheating
- In order to ensure complete fan blade clutch disengagement, begin
testing with a cool engine.
- If the fan blade clutch assembly revolves more than 5 times
when spun by hand, replace the fan blade clutch. Refer to
Fan Clutch Replacement
.
- If the clutch performs properly with a slight drag, refer to
step 3. Testing a fan blade clutch by holding the small hub with one hand,
and rotating the aluminum housing in a clockwise/counterclockwise
motion, causes the clutch to "free wheel." Consider this
operation normal and this test should not determine replacement.
- Position a thermometer between the fan blades and the radiator.
Do this by inserting the thermometer sensor through one of the existing holes
in the fan shroud, or by placing the thermometer between the radiator and
the fan shroud. On some models, you may have to drill a 5 mm (3/16 in)
hole in the fan shroud in order to insert the thermometer.
- With the thermometer in position, perform the following steps:
5.1. | Sufficiently cover the radiator grille in order to induce a high
engine temperature. |
5.3. | Turn on the A/C, if equipped. |
5.4. | Operate the engine at 2,000 RPM. |
- Inspect the thermometer reading when the clutch engages. Allow
approximately 5-10 minutes for the temperature to become high enough
to engage the fan blade clutch. This will be indicated by an increase,
or roar, in fan air noise and by a drop in the thermometer reading
of about 3-10°C (5-15°F).
• | If the clutch did not engage between 110-121°C (230-250°F),
replace the assembly. Ensure that the fan blade clutch was disengaged at
the beginning of the test. |
• | If you observed no sharp increase in fan noise or temperature
drop, and the fan noise level was constantly high from the start of the test
to 121°C (250°F), replace the assembly. Do not continue this test
past a thermometer reading of 88°C (190°F) in order to prevent
engine overheating. |
- When the clutch engages, perform the following steps:
7.1. | Remove the radiator grille cover. |
7.2. | Turn off the A/C in order to assist in engine cooling. |
7.3. | Operate the engine at about 2,500 RPM. |
- After several minutes, the fan blade clutch should disengage as
indicated by a reduction in fan speed and roar. If the fan blade clutch fails
to function as described, replace the fan blade clutch.