Really loud sound from fan

[jaredlangston]

Here's what happened. About 2 weeks ago when it was really cold(about 10 degrees out). I noticed my 99 limited was making a lound sound from the engine. It made the sound only when I hit the gas. But the sound would go away after a bit of driving. Than last week I was driving and the engine got really loud almost like an air sucking sound. The fan was wedged into the plastic around the fan. How the hell does that happen. Well I cut out the plastic to free the fan. Its making the loud noise all the time now. But only when I hit the gas. It sounds like a jet engine. It went off for a day when I ran over some railroad tracks but now its back on. Also my gas mileage is sucking bad. 15.5-16 when its normally 18.5-19.5. From other threads it seems like it is the Fan Clutch. Any ideas? If it is the Fan Clutch does anybody have a link to a walkthough so I can do this myself?

thanks all

 

[jaredlangston]

I guess when I learn how to spell "loud" people would reply

 

[Turdle]

I guess when I learn how to spell "loud" people would reply

I fixed it for you--
I would assume the fan clutch has "seized"-and is no longer functioning.

here--this link may help--

http://www.autozone.com/servlet/UiB..._us/0900823d/80/0e/2d/39/0900823d800e2d39.jsp

 

[jaredlangston]

I dont know if it has seized. The fan is still spinning. But either way I'm assuming this is what needs to be replaced. Thank You

 

[trucku]

Even if its not seized, it can be failing and sending power to your fan when not needed. Mine is doing the same crap. I am waiting for a little warmth to toss in my electric fan. That whirring is your fan under power at high RPMs. It should spin freely, especially when so cold. Mine sounds like a wind storm also and killing my mileage.

I found a few places on ebay selling them from used vehicles, with very reasonable prices. I e-mailed one and they warranty it and will send replacement at no cost to you if it fails. Sorry can't remember which one.

 

[gerry]

If the fan was chewing up the shroud, I would also check the motor mounts.

 

[jaredlangston]

Where are the motor mounts? Do you know of a link with some photos? I will check my Haynes manual tonight.

 

[ExplorerDMB]

motor mounts are on the sides of the engine (under exhaust) and attached to the frame. You may be able to see them from the fender cover

-Drew

 

[aldive]

Are you certain its the fan and not one of the pulleys?

Good luck ....

 

[jaredlangston]

Sorry to ask so many questions. But, where is the pulley? Do I need to replace it or how can I check to see if its bad?

 

[Vinniety]

Sorry to ask so many questions. But, where is the pulley? Do I need to replace it or how can I check to see if its bad?

The motor mounts are where explorerDMB stated but just looking at them will not tell you if they are bad. You might need to pry your motor from them to see if they are broke or let someone rev the motor to see if your motor is rocking or moving alot. It might be that your fan is hitting the shrout, that is the plastic around the fan. The motor mount might be bad and when you are driving it is rocking the motor enough not to hit it but at idle it might be touching it. As for the pulleys they are what the fan belt goes around. You have more then one. Each device that the belt goes around example alternator has a pulley on it. It might be that your belt is bad and it stretched. Change your belt first.

Cheap way out to at least test will be to get a can of wd40 and spray alittle bit here and there andd see if the sound goes away. If it goes away after spraying a little bit on a certain pulley that might help you troubleshoot where your problem is.

Just a few ideas of mine, i hope it helps in some way.

 

[aldive]

Do not spray anything on the belt.

 

[trucku]

Try giving all your pulley wheels a check with the belt OFF.
With changing your belt, it would be a good idea to take a wire brush and clean the groves out of all the pulleys.I second "don't spray anything on the belt". Also don't spray anything on the pulley grooves or it can contaminate the new belt.

If its not your motor mount make sure your shroud is secure and not shifting somehow. Is your fan wobbling around or loose? Replacing the fan clutch and fan is not hard.



Good luck

 

[jaredlangston]

It doesn't seem loose. I can wiggle it slightly. When the car is cold. The fan is really hard to turn. When its warm I can turn it but again its really hard and it gets to point when I can't turn it anymore.

 

[Hoppy]

Once you let the fan clutch cool down it should spin somewhat freely. When it is really warm, or hot, the bimetal spring tensions up and the fan turns in sync with the pulley it is mounted to. When the spring untenses, the fan will just idle along, not with the pully, but slip somewhat. When the fan is cold, it will spin with the pulley until the oil in the clutch warms up and it loosens up.

I really think your fan clutch is seized. Anyone concur?

 

[Turdle]

I really think your fan clutch is seized. Anyone concur?

That is what I said ----
Dang read the very first reply---

 

[jaredlangston]

I thought you ment the fan stopped spinning all together even when the car was running.

 

[Turdle]

Ahh
I see-
If the clutch siezes-it no longer "slips" and the fan turns at engine speed, which is too fast--sounds like a vacuum cleaner under the hood.

 

[Hoppy]

Sorry. I just thought that I would help. I don't read the entire thread before replying.

 

[jaredlangston]

Thanks for everyones help. I am going to put a new clutch and fan in tonight.