sounds like a diesel truck taking off?

1998 CHEVROLET BLAZER
192,000 MILES • 4.3L • V6 • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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BRIBRI4275
  • MEMBER
  • 24 POSTS
When I start my vehicle listed above it goes through the warmup time and it sounds like a diesel truck taking off. Then when I drive it about 5 miles or so it makes that same noise like it's warming up again and I lose power for a minute and then sometimes it goes away fast but other times it takes a while to run normally again. What could the problem be?
Sep 6, 2024 at 6:55 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 110,194 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Hi,

What I think I'm hearing is the cooling fan under the hood. This vehicle has a clutch fan that is designed to engage based on under-hood temperatures.

Before you start it, open the hood and try to spin the cooling fan. There should only be a slight resistance if the engine is cold. If it is hard to turn, have a helper start the engine while you take note if that is where the sound is coming from.

I attached a pic of the fan clutch below so that you know what I'm referring to. Note the fan blade bolts to the clutch. The clutch is attached to the water pump pulley.

Let me know what you find.

Joe

See pic below.
Sep 6, 2024 at 9:00 PM
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