Fan clutch adjustment.

[maddhatter72]

I just bought a 2000 rodeo 5sp 3.2 litr with 43000 miles. I had an issue with the plugs but that looks like it is resolved. I don't really know what these cars are suppose to sound like but the fan makes a lot of noise. High reving sounds. It sounds like it is always on even when cold. What should the fan sound like. Does it ever get quiet. I have not really paid attention to it on the freeway but I think it is still on. Is that normal. The person I bought the car from said that it did not use to make this much noise but he had taken it in to a mechanic and the mechanic "tighten the bearing on the fan" which resulted in the noise and that it is normal. The person seemed honest. The mechanic may not have been. Can I adjust the fan without replacing it if it is in high gear....whatever that mean. I've never had a car that didn't have an electric fan so I don't know much about these clutch fans or how labor intensive they are to "fix". I would rate my self as a competant novice when it comes to working on cars.....higher with the right tools and manuals.........


This is an awesome site...........people are very helpful.

Thanks

Maddhatter72

[rodeo02]

These clutch fans can 'roar' a bit on take-off at odd times, but you shouldnt have that 'roaring' noise (fan fully engaged) all the time. It's supposed to only engage at low speeds on a hot engine. They are just a fluid clutch & as far as I know, there's no way to adjust them. Basically toss it & get a new one. I've seen reports where parts store replacements are real noisey as well, so I'd price an OEM replacement.
G/luck
Joel

[2eyefishclaw]

oh and by the way there is no way to adjust a fan clutch

[maddhatter72]

Thanks I think I may be looking at a replacement OEM then. The roaring fan seems linked to the rpm gauge. It is very quiet the second I put it in neutral but roars every other time. It was 30 degrees this morning with the windows iced over but the fan still roared when I put it into 1st, and there after as long as it was in gear. Even on the freeway going 70mph which was some 30 minutes later. I take it this is not normal. Is it a bearing or something that goes bad? Is it pretty easy to replace? I do not have a manual....could someone give me a brief overview of what the steps would be. Is it also linked to the waterpump or can it be removed by unscrewing a few bolts and the new one put on. I was thinking of buying one and taking it with me but not replacing it until it gave out. I'm driving to virginia from houston this evening. Thanks.............any ideas of how much these things are?


thanks Rodeo02, 2eyefishclaw. You guys are great.