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 one 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. For the 4.3L, 5.0L, 5.7L engine refer to
Fan Clutch Replacement
.
For the 7.4L and the Diesel engines, refer to
Fan Clutch Replacement
.
Looseness
Check 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.
Make sure that the fan blade is installed properly. If the fan is installed
incorrectly, it 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 "free wheels" with
no drag, (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, do the following steps:
4.1. | Sufficiently cover the radiator grille in order to induce a high
engine temperature. |
4.4. | Operate the engine at 2000 RPM. |
- Check the thermometer reading when the clutch engages. Allow about
5 to 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 65-90°C (150-195°F),
replace the assembly. Make sure 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 88°C (190°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, do the following steps:
6.1. | Remove the radiator grille cover. |
6.2. | Turn off the A/C in order to assist in engine cooling. |
6.3. | Operate the engine at about 1500 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.