Based on what I've read here, I think my fan clutch has gone south. Temp gauge reads about 1/4 on the highway but spikes up to between 1/2 to 3/4 at stop lights. How tough of a job is it to remove and replace the fan clutch and how much time should I expect to spend doing it?
It shouldn't be that big of a job - but if this is the case, it might be a good time to consider going electric (if your alt can handle the added strain, etc) - if you are so inclined.
on a 62 you really need(have to I think) to take the fan shroud off(take shround and fan/fan clutch off as one) I did my 82 fj40 last weekend, prolly took me an hour because I had to pull the shround and because of my PS cooler was in the way it was hard to get to a few bolts.
I sudjest using a magnet(on a stick) when you remove and install the 4 nuts for the FC/Fan, when I loosen the nuts I hold the magnet next to the nuts to it grabs them before they fall(and have spares for this) Bo the same thing in reverse when putting them back on so my butter fingers have some help.....its kinda tight down there.
the longest 12mm open end wrench you have is needed
one of those magnetic bowls also works well for catching the nuts. My wife discovered that a plastic grocery bag with the handle slipped over the fan works well too.
While you are there with the fan out of the way, check the big ol nut on the crankshaft. When those fall off, it really ruins your weekend. Trust me.
I just changed mine last week. I would say it took me and a friend a few hours. We got it off without taking out the shroud but it was not easy and took a lot of shimmy action and tricky finger work to get the nuts back on.
I found it easier to loosen the nuts while the belts were still on. The belts hold the pully, and make it easier to break em loose. I was not able to remove the fan clutch w/out removing the fan shroud. First time it took me about 2 + hours to do the whole thing. (It was dark and raining too.) Second time (was replacing the water pump) was much faster, probably only 90 minutes (not including the water pump).
As pimp says, the magnetic probe is key. Also not a bad idea to have an extra nut or two laying around.
I use to loosen the belts, this last time I didnt.......not a problem at all, actaully was maybe easier with the belts holding it on.
thinking magnetic fingertips might be handy.....someone must make something like that.
lovetoski said:
I found it easier to loosen the nuts while the belts were still on. The belts hold the pully, and make it easier to break em loose. I was not able to remove the fan clutch w/out removing the fan shroud. First time it took me about 2 + hours to do the whole thing. (It was dark and raining too.) Second time (was replacing the water pump) was much faster, probably only 90 minutes (not including the water pump).
As pimp says, the magnetic probe is key. Also not a bad idea to have an extra nut or two laying around.
You might be on to something. Perhaps the folks who make the Mechanix line of gloves could make them with powdered magnetic material sewn into the tops (kinda like the padding on a motocross glove). Just a thought.
In any event, I ordered a new fan clutch and will tackle the project this weekend if the part gets here on time.
Thanks for the encouragement. I changed out the fan clutch, flushed the coolant and refilled with Toyota red. The temp gauge is again resting comfortably at 1/4. I'm glad I tackled this PITA job even though it took me the better part of Saturday to do it.
