Noise
Fan noise is sometimes evident when the following normal conditions
exist:
• | The clutch is engaged for maximum cooling. |
• | The engine has been running for 15-60 seconds after start-up. |
| After this time, the clutch can redistribute the silicone fluid back
to the normal disengaged operating conditions. |
Fan noise or an excessive roar may occur when the following conditions
exist:
• | The engine speed is 2,500 RPM or higher. |
• | The clutch assembly is locked up due to an internal failure. |
Rotate the fan (1).
With the engine off, replace the clutch (2) if the following conditions
exist:
• | The fan cannot be rotated by hand. |
Looseness
If the fan assembly is loose, inspect the fan assembly for wear. Replace
the fan assembly as necessary.
Observe the tip of the fan blade for lateral movement. Lateral movement
occurs under various temperature conditions. A lateral movement measuring
6.5 mm (¼ in) is normal. This amount of movement
is not cause for replacement of the assembly.
Silicone Fluid Leaks
Small fluid leaks that are present around the bearing assembly do not
affect the fan clutch operation. If leakage appears extensive, replace the
fan clutch. Refer to
Fan Clutch Replacement
.
Engine Overheating
Notice: Check for adequate clearance between the fan blades and the thermometer
sensor before starting the engine, as damage could occur.
Use the following procedure in order to diagnose the causes
of engine overheating:
- Ensure that the engine is cool. This will allow complete disengagement
of the fan clutch.
Important: Testing the fan clutch by rotating the fan in a repeated clockwise/counterclockwise
motion causes the clutch to free-wheel. Free-wheeling is a normal result of
rotating the fan in this manner. Conduct further tests in order
to determine if it is necessary to replace the fan clutch.
- Spin the fan and clutch assembly by hand.
If the fan and clutch assembly easily revolves more than 5 times with
no drag, replace the fan clutch.
- If the fan clutch performs correctly but exhibits drag, position
a thermometer between the fan blades and the radiator.
Use any of the following methods in order to position the thermometer:
• | Insert the thermometer sensor through one of the existing holes
in the fan shroud. |
• | Place the thermometer between the radiator and the shroud. |
• | On models that do not have holes in the fan shroud, drill a 5 mm
(3/16 in) hole in the fan shroud. Insert the thermometer in the hole. |
- Cover the radiator in order to induce a high engine temperature.
- Start the engine.
- Turn on the air conditioning.
- Operate the engine at 2,000 RPM.
- Wait for 5 to 10 minutes while the temperature increases sufficiently
to allow the fan clutch to engage. The following conditions indicate that
the fan clutch has engaged:
• | A roaring noise or an increase in fan noise occurs. |
• | The thermometer reading drops approximately 3-10°C (5-15°F). |
Important: Do not continue the test past a thermometer reading of 88°C (190°F).
Continuing the test past a thermometer reading of 88°C (190°F) may
cause engine overheating.
- Observe the thermometer reading when the fan clutch engages.
The following conditions are cause for replacement of the fan clutch:
9.1. | The fan clutch does not engage while the temperature measures
65-90°C (150-195°F). |
If the fan clutch does not engage while the temperature is within this
range, verify that the fan clutch was disengaged at the beginning of the test.
9.2. | Both of the following conditions exist: |
• | No temperature drop occurs |
• | The fan noise level is constant from the beginning of the test
until the time when the engine temperature reaches 88°C (190°F). |
• | Do not continue the test past a thermometer reading of 88°C (190°F)
in order to prevent overheating. |
- Perform the following steps as soon as the fan clutch engages:
10.1. | Remove the radiator cover. |
10.2. | Turn OFF the air conditioning. |
10.3. | Operate the engine at approximately 1,500 RPM until the
coolant returns to the normal operating temperature. |
- Observe the operation of the fan clutch.
The fan clutch should disengage after several minutes. Disengagement
of the fan clutch is indicated by a decrease in fan noise or roar.
If the fan clutch does not disengage after several minutes, the fan
clutch should be replaced.