Fan in front of radiator in 97 passport

[ckaiser23]

My passport has been making loud ticking noises off and on for years now and for the past 6 months or so it has been very loud. All the sudden, the noise died down a great deal almost going completely unnoticeable. I was happy at first but then i noticed the fan in front of the radiator (you can see it thru the grill) wasnt working. What does this mean exactly? I'm assuming the fan is used to help keep the engine cool but is it ok if i dont replace it...i dont know how important it is and i'm low on money at the moment. Also, is that why my engine is much quieter now? Sorry, I'm a newbie when it comes to this stuff.

[Cat Fuzz]

That fan is an auxiliary cooling fan used when the A/C is on. Also, it may be used as a back-up if the engine gets to hot. You could probably live without it for awhile but you should get it repaired.

[ckaiser23]

Thank you. It actually started working again. I've been having some random electrical problems where things will start/stop working. Right now I'm getting a new alternator and computer. I got a new alternator just a little over 3 months ago but apparently the computer problem wasnt solved and the same thing happened again. My passport has also had the issues with engine ticking that you hear so much about from these things. With almost 130,000 miles, its starting to fall apart i think.

[Ramblin Fever]

Originally Posted by ckaiser23

With almost 130,000 miles, its starting to fall apart i think.

Don't even think that way

I currently have 190k on my '97 Rodeo, she runs better then most newer vehicles on my block. Rodeo's are not known for electrical issues....what problems are you having?

FWIW...these trucks require good solid alternators...i.e. Napa, Bosch, Hitachi, etc. do not just install any box store alternator, they will eat them alive and cause you to believe you have major issues when it's simply a lack of voltage.

For the ticking issue, try switching to Rotella synthetic 5w-40 diesel/gasoline rated oil with a napa gold filter....it works, but takes a while. Sounds like you have crud built up in your lifters...the oil will help clean it out, but takes several thousand miles to do so. This oil is a favorite amongst Isuzu owners and very highly recommended by Isuzu mechanics as well.

[ckaiser23]

Thanks for all the help. I used some engine flushing juice, changed the oil with 0w-30 synthetic, and added some Seafoam and that ticking noise has went down dramatically.
But now I'm having another problem. I've started to notice that when I am idling my passport is starting to overheat. The gauge goes right back down to normal as i drive and will go back up when I'm stopping for a period of time. I'm getting it checked out in a few days so nothing has been ruled out at this point. I did look at the coolant and it doesn't seem to have leaked out...maybe a little bit lower than usual. Can someone tell me what this problem sounds like to them?