In a Clutch

[gaboi68]

I have a 91 9C1 with a frozen fan clutch, and its still moving air. Could that be the reason for the engine to overheat.

[silicon212]

Originally Posted by gaboi68

I have a 91 9C1 with a frozen fan clutch, and its still moving air. Could that be the reason for the engine to overheat.

No - if it's frozen the most that will happen is wasted gas. Until it breaks, that is. Of course, the water pump bearings will become damaged over time from such a condition. Overheating can be caused by many things - I assume you inspected the system for coolant level as well as any obvious broken hoses, leaks etc. Is there any coolant on the ground under the car, in the area of the water pump?

Does the car lose power as you increase speed? If so, there could be a restriction in the exhaust, i.e. plugged catalytic converter.

Other causes for overheating include, but are not limited to:

*Stuck thermostat.
*Retarded ignition timing.
*Exhaust system restrictions.
*Excessive carbon buildup
*Slipping or overheated transmission
*Restriction in the cooling system
*Blown head gasket(s)
*Excessive RPM for condition (i.e. running @ 60MPH with trans in 2)
*Failed water pump
*Inoperable fan clutch (freewheeling)
*Missing fan (I've seen this)

[gaboi68]

Thanx for the info...What is the correct way to test for a blown HG, there are no visible oil leak and the motor runs smooth? What the correct way to check the for a clogged c. converter? There is some evidence that so water may be leaking from the water pump weep hole, but no all the time. And the car will overheat sittin in one spot without A/c.

[silicon212]

Originally Posted by gaboi68

Thanx for the info...What is the correct way to test for a blown HG, there are no visible oil leak and the motor runs smooth? What the correct way to check the for a clogged c. converter? There is some evidence that so water may be leaking from the water pump weep hole, but no all the time. And the car will overheat sittin in one spot without A/c.

A head gasket failure will generally have some things manifest, but not always. Check for the presence of coolant in the oil (brownish goo or grayish goo), the presence of oil in the coolant (or the smell of exhaust gas in the radiator, excessive bubbling while running with the radiator cap off), or run a compression check on all 8 cylinders.

A plugged converter will usually cause a sharp power falloff at cruise, getting worse the more you "punch it". At a point, it will fall completely flat in power, and the engine will get hot. The smell of sulphur in the air also can point to a restricted cat.

You said some water comes out of the weep hole, sometimes. Time for a new water pump dude. This is probably the cause. Change that clutch at the same time.