Fan clutch replacement results

[perk]

I just fininshed installing a new fan clutch. I was able to easily stop the old one by hand (gloved) while running. Install was easy (Thanks Mabrodis). I also replaced thermostat and coolant. No change in running temp, according to gauge, has occurred since install. Since I purchased the vehicle last December, the gauge has never budged from its position at a nanohair above horizontal. It reaches this position very quickly, and does not change up or down while driving. Coolant system was flushed fairly recently, no signs of sludge were observed. I am wondering now, if I should take radiator to shop for cleaning, or if I should just stop worrying about my slightly elevated gauge.

 

[sjcruiser]

Mine is the same for the years I've owned it; so don't sweat it.

 

[Rookie2]

I was able to easily stop the old one by hand (gloved) while running.

I'd like to hear more about this. I've been wondering if mine was not working, but haven't quite figured out how to test it. I don't seem to ever hear the fan kid into a different moad.

BTW, how much does the new fan clutch run? This is the same thing the FSM refers to as "Fluid Coupling" right?

Thanks,
Rookie2

 

[elmariachi]

I'd like to hear more about this. I've been wondering if mine was not working, but haven't quite figured out how to test it. I don't seem to ever hear the fan kid into a different moad.

BTW, how much does the new fan clutch run? This is the same thing the FSM refers to as "Fluid Coupling" right?

Thanks,
Rookie2

Fan clutch/fluid coupler, same thing. If its working, you will hear it when you start the truck cold...lots of "blowing and roaring noise" as the fan sucks air through the grill. After the truck warms up it quiets down a little. Without overdoing it, you can stick a gloved finger down onto the edge of the fan while its idling. If it stops at your touch..its fried. If it thumps hard and keeps kicking, its likely okay. FWIW, I have never found an aftermarket fan clutch worth the savings over Toyota OEM.

 

[landtank]

you can stick a gloved finger down onto the edge of the fan while its idling. If it stops at your touch..its fried. If it thumps hard and keeps kicking, its likely okay.

Sorry IdahoDoug but........are you FxxxING serious?

 

[robbie]

Yes Rick he is, I usually use a heavy leather glove at idle to stop the fan blade and allow the engine to get warmer. If the fan does not lock up when the needle moves on the temp guage then the coupling is bad. if it locks up and it move it out of your hand then the coupling is good. It is not dangerious if you are prepared and hold your hand right. It does not take that much to hold the fan blade against the coupling until the area between the radiator and the fan clutch get hot enough to allow the fluid to flow and lock the coupling. This takes two people to do, one in the cab watching the temp guage and me holding the fan. I do this and have done it for 20+ years to test toyota fan clutches. later robbie

 

[perk]

Yah...it sounds a little crazy, but its really no big deal...that is unless you have Terets, incredibly poor hand-eye coordination, or are prone to involuntary movements. I don't know about the "thumps hard" bit, but when I did it, I just applied very light pressure, letting the fan lightly drag over my finger tips. When I gradually applied more pressure, my fan easily came to a stop. You certainly don't attempt to grab it or stick a finger perpindicular to it. Otherwise you need a helper to perform the test Robbie states.

Rookie2,
I got it for about $100 from Dan (God that guy is awesome!!). It was a simple install. Let me know if you would like me to pass on/PM Mabrodis' install instructions.

sjcruiser,
Thats good to hear. When did you purchase yours? Anybody else's gauge reading similar??

Perk

 

[elmariachi]

Sorry IdahoDoug but........are you FxxxING serious?

Be sure and touch it on the downhill side as the blades are moving away from you. Do it on the uphill side and your finger will probably fly across the room, which would inhibit this.

 

[landtank]

I always thought it was to grap onto the fan while the engine was cold and STOPPED! Then start the engine while holding the fan and wait for the temps to rise.

I got a brand new TorqueFlow coupler for like $57.00 that has been working fine for quite a while. Call me a pansy but I'm not sticking any body parts into a moving cooling fan.

 

[perk]

pansy