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Fan clutch never disengages

Tiny
DUKESIMP
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 DODGE DURANGO
  • 4.7L
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 130,000 MILES
Fan clutch was locked engaged all the time. Installed new fan clutch and it still howls like a jet all the time. Did check to see if blade would spin when engine off and yes it does?There is nothing else to check as far as I know. Only thing I did not do was to use the three new bolts, I cut the old ones because I couldn’t get washers off the old ones to put on new bolts.
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Sunday, August 4th, 2019 AT 1:51 PM

8 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 48,363 POSTS
It is normal for the fan clutch to engage on hot days. Does it make the noise when the engine is cold? Can you please shoot a quick video with your phone so we can see what's going on? That would be great. You can upload it here with your response.
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Monday, August 5th, 2019 AT 4:20 PM
Tiny
DUKESIMP
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
I have tried to download three times. Video takes forever to download and before it’s finished the screen just disappears and I’m back to your reply waiting for me to reply with a video. I will try again.
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Tuesday, August 6th, 2019 AT 8:25 AM
Tiny
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  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
I finally got it to download. It’s 18°C day today. Not too hot. Here are two videos taken one after the other:
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Tuesday, August 6th, 2019 AT 8:40 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 48,363 POSTS
What brand of fan clutch did you install? I would get an AC Delco unit from rock auto. Also can we remove the serpentine belt and start the engine to make sure the noise goes away? Also check the bearings for the tensioner as well. Let me know.
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Tuesday, August 6th, 2019 AT 10:50 AM
Tiny
DUKESIMP
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Here is photo of part. I’m confused, if I remove serpentine belt there is no chance that the fan will turn at all is there because it’s not hooked up anymore. Is that not correct?
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Tuesday, August 6th, 2019 AT 11:25 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 48,363 POSTS
Correct, I just want to make sure the noise stops to rule out any internal engine noise. That fan clutch I would take off and install an AC Delco unit from RockAuto.com your problem should go away.

This guide will help on newer cars:

https://youtu.be/N_-MLVlBHk8

Please let us know what happens.
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Wednesday, August 7th, 2019 AT 4:22 PM
Tiny
DUKESIMP
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Thank you. You have been very helpful. It’s my daughters vehicle and I still work. I’m not sure when I will be able to finish it. We will probably take it to a shop. I don’t have the know how or tools to start tearing everything apart to eliminate each item. This is not an AC Delco. I just bought this at my favourite parts store that I always deal with. Is it possible that I have a defective one?
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Wednesday, August 7th, 2019 AT 7:19 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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Yes it is possible that you got a bad one, let me know what happens when you can.
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Thursday, August 8th, 2019 AT 10:00 AM

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