1994 Pickup V6

Taken it to three mechanics already, everyone has different opinions so I don't know what to do. Previous threads don't seem to have any conclusive findings. First shop says its the water pump for sure, need to replace it ($600!). Next shop says it looks like just the water pump pulley that is bent (possible that the person who took it off last didn't have proper tool?). Told this to the first shop and he said you can't replace the pulley without replacing the water pump too, is this true? Third shop says its not the pulley or the pump its the fan clutch.

What do you guys think?

There is also a noise (sounds like maybe metallic grinding) coming from the airbox, could this be related?

 

on a 3vz, the water pump doesn't have a pulley. its a fan bracket. and yes the fan bracket needs to be replaced. I'd go AISIN only on that kind of part. its very easy to replace, just gotta take your time.

http://www.lceperformance.com/3VZ-93...-p/1093029.htm

 

also, be careful. if that thing self destructs, it can cause some serious damage. I had one seize and skip all the belts off.

 

Thanks for your help! So for sure the bracket and not the fan clutch right? Does it look bad enough that I should replace it asap?

 

Fan clutch attaches to the fan bracket with 4 bolts.

Fan bracket has the bearing and is known to fail.

RockAuto has the AISIN for $116 + shipping

1994 TOYOTA PICKUP 3.0L V6 : Cooling System : Radiator Fan Clutch Bearing Bracket
http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/more...552&cc=1278064

 

Also suggest replacing water pump and timing belt since your already in there.

 

Thank you, that is a great deal.

Now on this install, do I need a special tool to remove the pulley from the bracket? And do I need a torque wrench to tighten the bolts?

I don't really have the confidence required to do that one myself, ha. They were done about 18k miles ago so I think should be fine.

Thanks guys.

 

No special tools needed. Unless you have a torque wrench with a crows foot offset or something similar you can't get a torque wrench in there on those 4 bolts on the fan clutch. Others are easy to hit with a torque wrench.

 

Got your message carter, sorry I didn't get back to you. I don't really sign in to often and I check a different email nowadays.

In my case, the fan had curves that made it look like it was wobbling. So I replaced everything for nothing.

Your case though looks severe compared to mine was, because your whole pulley is wobbling. So yeah, the fan bracket probably fixed your problem I'm guessing.

 

No worries, yep it was the fan bracket, replaced it and now there is no wobble. Took the advice of Punchy and replaced the timing belt/water pump and seals.

Still has the noise coming from the airbox, I was hoping that might have been the sound of a bad bearing in the bracket...no dice. I've kinda just gotten used to the noise, so I guess I'm fine with it for now.

Thanks for the help guys.

 

I have the exact same noise coming from my intake since I got my truck. I have checked everything I can think of and cannot figure it out. My truck runs great but makes this sound at idle.

I have replaced every bearing on the front of the engine when I did my timing belt. I have checked my valve clearances. It seems like it it coming from inside the plenum. The sound is much louder if you listen by pulling the host that connects the valve cover to the intake right before the throttle body.

It scared me at first but my truck runs so well I assume it isn't a huge issue. This is the last annoyance with my truck and is driving me crazy at this point.