Fan clutch not working properly?

Tiny
EWIDIBIT
  • MEMBER
  • 2002 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER
  • 4.2L
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 160,000 MILES
Hello. I'm actually asking this question because of a question an expert asked the OP in their posted response.

I plan on replacing my fan clutch and water pump because I don't know if it's ever been done, and TB has a lot of miles. It is starting to act up, staying engaged and keeping engine temperature too low. Not constant. Most noticeable on hard acceleration because it's loud, but I know it's happening even if at lower speed when driving slower because engine coolant temperature will be dropping.

A response to the original poster with a similar problem came from an expert asking if this was first happening when it was cold and just started. That's when I have my problems, and as the day/drive goes on, the problem goes away. This is hugely problematic though since I live in very cold weather and it will drop the temperature by a lot and suddenly, I'm driving a "cold" engine (180), riding rough, eating gas etc. The original poster of a similar question never answered the expert's question, so I didn't get to see why and how that is relevant.
Friday, January 6th, 2023 AT 9:50 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,709 POSTS
Hi,

If the fan clutch is staying fully engaged at all times, it should be replaced, but I'm not sure why the water pump and the throttle body are being replaced.

As far as replacing the pump, I don't want to say it is a bad idea, but I learned a long time ago that if it isn't broken, don't fix it. LOL You may end up with issues you didn't have originally. Also, am I correct in assuming that where you listed TB, you are referring to the throttle body?

Let me know. As far as the fan clutch, here is a link that explains in general how one is replaced:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/fan-clutch-removal

If you look below, I attached the directions specific to your vehicle.

Let me know if this helps.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.
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Saturday, January 7th, 2023 AT 8:35 PM
Tiny
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Hi, I'm sorry. TB is for my trailblazer. The throttle body was cleaned but that was a separate deal a while ago. So, am I correct in assuming there was no specific reason you had asked the other poster if it was only happening a cold start? I am familiar with how it works and the replacement process but that question specifically made me curious if there was something I was missing. Thank you for your reply.
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Saturday, January 7th, 2023 AT 9:14 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,709 POSTS
Hi,

No problem whatsoever.

Okay, the fan clutch is an electro-viscous clutch. In a viscous drive, the main shaft turns at engine speed while the drive housing attached to the engine fan maintains a separate speed. The powertrain control module (PCM) controls the electro-viscous fan clutch engagement.

The reason I asked about start-up is that the viscous fluid can move causing the fan to fully engage even with a cold engine. Vehicles parked nose up on a 16% or higher incline (such as vehicles parked on steep driveways) may have prolonged fan noise/flare until the fluid is pumped out of the working chamber of the fan. These conditions can occur in as little as ten minutes.

Does that make sense?

Let me know.

Take care,

Joe
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+1
Saturday, January 7th, 2023 AT 10:34 PM
Tiny
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Yes, thank you!
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Saturday, January 7th, 2023 AT 10:35 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,709 POSTS
You are very welcome. Please feel free to come back in the future.

Take care,

Joe
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Saturday, January 7th, 2023 AT 10:36 PM

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