Fan clutch replacement. Part number question

[NCFJ54]

So my 97 lx450 wasn't cooling properly. Poking around the engine bay I noticed that the fan clutch nuts were messed with at one point (looked a tad rounded).

I could tell the clutch was a black hub but no idea what kind. At any rate I ordered a factory clutch off of amazon and it took me roughly 30 minutes to swap out the clutch.

I will post pics but looking down on the clutches the old one looks similar to the factory but looking from the side the factory clutch is about 40% thicker. Haven't driven it yet but am hopefully my problem is solved.

Now to my question has anyone run into this clutch or recognize this part number.

Vk-to-003 09140

Couldn't find it online, just want to see how bad or good of a brand it was.

 

[Tools R Us]

Post pictures of it.

 

[NCFJ54]

Hope these work

 

[LFD2037]

The one on the right, assuming it's the new one, should/looks to be the blue fan clutch. I don't know what the one in the left is but it looks new as well. Kevin will fill you in on what you need to know.

 

[Tools R Us]

The one on the top of the first pic and to the left in the second, is aftermarket. Have never seen good performance or life from them.

 

[NCFJ54]

So far the new clutch is keeping the truck about 4-5 degrees cooler.

Going threw the old paper work from the previous owner the factory clutch was changed to this aftermarket unit because the factory clutch "roared on start up" lol.

After the aftermarket clutch was installed. The ac started to cut out in the summer when driving around town.

So hundreds of dollars were thrown at the truck for ac repairs. When all it needed was the proper clutch.

 

[Tools R Us]

Common, the clutch is not a fix all, the rest of the systems have to be in good condition, but without a good clutch, the rest of it wont work correctly.

 

[NCFJ54]

Update...the new clutch...is WORSE!!!!!

Just took it for a longer drive. I drove the same roads I do every day to pick up my kids from school. Temps on avg were 2-4 degrees higher then when I had the after market clutch. I had to stop in the car line to get the kids typically that means being at idle not moving for 5 minutes. Previous high was about 199 degrees. With the new clutch 204.

Something else I noticed is that when I stopped at stop lights or bumper to bumper traffic it would take a minute of 2 for the temps to increase.

So with the old clutch I would come to a stop at say 195 degrees. If I was stopped for a minute of so maybe I would hit 197 degrees.

Now I stop at 195 degrees and almost before I could blink im at 199 or 200.

I dont know what could be going on other then I got a bad clutch?

No way the factory clutch could be worse then that little after market unit I pulled out!?

Nothing in the installation process could cause this. Belts seem to be as tight as they were.

 

[LFD2037]

Did you remove fan shroud? If so, was it reinstalled correctly? The bottom goes in 2 slots. Also, that fan works much better with heavier fluid in it.

 

[NCFJ54]

I did pivot the shroud and it is reinstalled fine.

I understand the clutch works better with different fluid, however it shouldnt work worse untouched then the aftermarket clutch

 

[Tools R Us]

Just about any clutch should work fine with the temps this time of year? What is the condition of the other parts, radiator age, is the condenser plugged full of bug guts, etc?

 

[NCFJ54]

Not sure of the age of the other parts. All appear to be in good order. I know apperances can be deceiving though. I only have records that date back a year.

All I know for sure is that is similar ambient temps the new clutch performs worse then the aftermarket clutch did, and really there is nothing in the installation that could cause this.

No belts were removed so the tension should still be fine.

The shroud was pulled away from the radiator, but lined up fine when I reinstalled it.

Also the condensor is clear and free of any bugs.

 

[LFD2037]

Only thing left I can think of is that it's adjusted higher/wrong from the factory. Search here to see how to adjust when it kicks in. Is it an Aisin blue clutch? I know it's blue, and it appears from the pic to be, but is it an Aisin?

 

[Output Shaft]

All I know for sure is that is similar ambient temps the new clutch performs worse then the aftermarket clutch did

The new OEM clutch actually is performing to Toyota's specification. The old aftermarket one apparently wasn't. Its internal silicon fluid had a higher viscosity than recommended.

Whether this is "good" or "bad" is subjective.

If the engine "truly" is running too hot, the cause is not the new fan clutch.

 

[NCFJ54]

Only thing left I can think of is that it's adjusted higher/wrong from the factory. Search here to see how to adjust when it kicks in. Is it an Aisin blue clutch? I know it's blue, and it appears from the pic to be, but is it an Aisin?

Yes it is an Aisin. I dont know if I should open it up or send it back.

 

[NCFJ54]

The new OEM clutch actually is performing to Toyota's specification. The old aftermarket one apparently wasn't. Its internal silicon fluid had a higher viscosity than recommended.

Whether this is "good" or "bad" is subjective.

If the engine "truly" is running too hot, the cause is not the new fan clutch.

But how do I know that for sure?

If at idle the new oem clutch keeps letting the temps rise to 200...201...206..etc. How can I be sure its doing what its supposed to do? Or operating to factory specs?

 

[Output Shaft]

but how do I know that for sure?

Because it's made by Aisin.

I know that's a glib response, but it's true. Their quality is legendary.

It's possible it's not performing to spec, but highly unlikely.


Here is some info about rising temps at idle. Thread was is the FJ60 section.

Hot FJ60

 

[LFD2037]

It's been noted that they CAN come with varying degrees at which they 'kick in'. Search will help you most on this subject, or Landtank or TRU.

 

[NCFJ54]

The new OEM clutch actually is performing to Toyota's specification. The old aftermarket one apparently wasn't. Its internal silicon fluid had a higher viscosity than recommended.

Whenever someone does a fluid change on their oem clutch arent they running higher then recommended viscosity?

None of the factory clutches people are modding with different fluid/timing changes are running within Toyotas factory specs.

This aftermarket fan which is much smaller then the Aisin is doing what people who modify expensive factory clutches are doing? Might be a nice cheap alternative if I can figure out what kind of clutch it is?

I put on a new radiator cap.

Ordered a new t stat.

Is this correct. Start the truck and let it run. Temps hit about 188/190 and the top radiator hose then gets hot.

Lower hoses still cool.

Does this mean old t stat is working as it should?

 

[Output Shaft]

Rock Auto sells the Aisin fan clutch and it's not expensive.
I just replaced mine on my 60 and it cost about $72. Same identical unit as OEM.

Fan clutch locked

The behavior described above sounds like the t-stat and radiator are functioning normally.