Stock clutch fan question????

PirateFins · 05-13-2003, 06:14 AM

On the subject of fans. Can someone explain how the stock clutch fan works. Does the clutch engage to provide extra fan rpm's for better cooling? Or is it vice-versa? If it enganges to give higher fan rpm's, has anyone removed the fans clutch mech's to keep it from engaging? What I am trying to accomplish is...
It seams like everytime I am climbing a decent sized mountain on the hi-way, right in the middle the clutch engages and rob's my engine of power slowing me down (approx 5 miles per hour or more off loss). I want this to stop before I get run over. Every time I her it kick in I look at the temp guage and it isn't anywhere near hot (about 1/3 up on the eng temp guage). Let me know if it is possible to remove the clutch assy. By the way this is my Dly Drvr, that doesn't see much dirt.
Thanks

<96 Runner> · 05-13-2003, 06:23 AM

If I remember correctly, it operates by fluid exchange. As the fluid heats up, the clutch pack engages, causing the fan to "grab" the current pulley speed, thus increasing drag on the engine.

What you are feeling going up hills is the fan working as it should. I would caution you before you open it up and fiddle with it. But, should you choose to do so, and mess it up, I have 2 fans sitting in my attic.

PirateFins · 05-13-2003, 09:37 AM

thanks for the input. I read somewhere about a taurus elec fan fits nicely so I might look into that. Or just take mine apart and screw with it. If I mess it up I will take you up on your offer to clear out some attic space for you.
Thanks

<96 Runner> · 05-13-2003, 09:43 AM

Shipping might be spendy, and I am not sure if the 3.4 fan will fit the 3.0. Just a heads up.

4runner4ever · 05-13-2003, 10:19 AM

Don't fiddle with the hydraulic clutch unless you want to mount a new head gasket.
As soon as you drain the fluid, the clutch doesn't work anymore and the fan is in fact mounted only on a bearing. It will only rotate at a low speed and will not cool anymore. The way to go is a good electric fan.

05-13-2003, 06:23 AM	#2 (permalink)
<96 Runner> Contributing Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Arizona Posts: 10,690	If I remember correctly, it operates by fluid exchange. As the fluid heats up, the clutch pack engages, causing the fan to "grab" the current pulley speed, thus increasing drag on the engine. What you are feeling going up hills is the fan working as it should. I would caution you before you open it up and fiddle with it. But, should you choose to do so, and mess it up, I have 2 fans sitting in my attic. __________________ Christian <>< My SC'd 4Runner's Profile My YouTube vids

05-13-2003, 09:43 AM	#4 (permalink)
<96 Runner> Contributing Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Arizona Posts: 10,690	Shipping might be spendy, and I am not sure if the 3.4 fan will fit the 3.0. Just a heads up. __________________ Christian <>< My SC'd 4Runner's Profile My YouTube vids

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05-13-2003, 10:19 AM	#5 (permalink)
4runner4ever Contributing Member Join Date: May 2003 Location: the Netherlands Posts: 400	Don't fiddle with the hydraulic clutch unless you want to mount a new head gasket. As soon as you drain the fluid, the clutch doesn't work anymore and the fan is in fact mounted only on a bearing. It will only rotate at a low speed and will not cool anymore. The way to go is a good electric fan.