Water leak - '98 4.0 SOHC V6--HELP!!ASAP

[taruffi57]

Leak is at top of water pump in area where there is a short (approx. 2-1/2" vertical water hose) but can't tell exactly where. After overheat/cooldown/top up, drove car 20+ mi. with radiator cap loose & didn't overheat but when I stopped, water pouring out & running down off the lower rad. hose. Have removed radiator, shroud, bolts in fan-to-fan-clutch, 4, 10 mm bolts in black dog dish hub BEHIND fan. Still can't get fan off to see WHERE leak is. Fan is cracked between EVERY blade so need that too.
Question: How do I get fan - and probably fan clutch off? I see big nut on shaft between fan and black dog-dish hub. Can't see how to get that off. Tried a tool with rubber band/strap on the hub but now I have the 4 bolts out of it & of course, it spins freely. Couldn't find this repair on here either.
I NEED TRUCK NOW FOR WORK!!!!!!! Would be nice if someone could call my cell in Florida anytime, or post step by step instructions. (352)552-6567
Also, thermostat was replaced about 2 yrs. ago (truck has 175K miles on it and runs like new. Don't know if sticking thermostat is the problem or a hose or water pump. I have a new thermostat ready to go in. Thanks, Joe

 

[Sams01XplrSprt]

welcome

 

[Russ in CT]

Don't know how to get the fan clutch off, I was working on something esle the other day, and wondered the same thing. Would have been useful to remove the fan for access to somethign else, but I ran into same issues as you, and just worked around the fan, as I couldn't figure out how to remove.

One thing that occurs to me, the housing that the thermostat is in is plastic, and a shop that did some top end work on my rig had to replace that entire housing when they tried to remove as it cracked. Maybe that is where your leak is (this housing is where the top of that short vertical house connects to).

Wish I could be of more help.