Hidden damage?

RICHARD MCCRAY

MEMBER
2004 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA
2.5L
V6
4WD
AUTOMATIC
91,000 MILES

While driving the vehicle, the fan shroud became separated from the backside of the radiator, then airflow would likely have forced it into the high speed (approximately 3,000 RPMs) rotating blades of the cooling fan/fan clutch. Results: 1. A 10 inch long, 1/2 wide gap ripped in top of shroud, 2. A 12 "long x 3" wide shredding of insulating material underside the hood, 3. Shearing-snapping at the base of all blades of the cooling fan where they attached to the clutch fan, 4. Immediate loss of coolant fluid caused by the multiple holes in the backside or radiator produced by high speed flying debris when the blades of the fan were obliterated upon contact with the unsecured fan shroud. All this being said what hidden damage could result from an event such as this?

3 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,867 POSTS

Hi,

Was the vehicle driven after this happened or overheated?

If not, check to make sure no hoses were damaged, make sure no wiring was damaged at the front of the engine, and if coolant sprayed everywhere on the engine, make sure no electrical components have been affected.

Let me know if you have other questions.

Take care,

Joe

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Tuesday, June 29th, 2021 AT 9:57 PM

RICHARD MCCRAY

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Hey Joe, many thanks for the info. I can now see where the antifreeze did indeed spray back over entire engine area. Going to one of those places that allow you to spray down your engine bay and get rid of as much of it as possible before it starts to "eat" through all the rubber products. That antifreeze can be some nasty stuff. Update on original damage to my vehicle: Pep Boys admitted fault that one of there mechanics didn't tighten bolts properly when attaching fan shroud back to the radiator six weeks prior during a service call, thus allowing shroud to free itself and be forced into moving fan blades and you can just picture what resulted (it was "hell on wheels" for sure). One more thing and I'll quit bugging you about this ordeal: Pep Boys agreed to replace and repair all damage to the vehicle. I got car back today. They didn't replace the fan clutch (or is that clutch fan?) Could that have survived such an impact and still function properly undamaged? I will try and upload an image of what it looked like afterwards. Joe you have been a tremendous help. And I wish you and your family all good health and wealth for that matter!

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Sunday, July 18th, 2021 AT 5:41 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,867 POSTS

Hi,

First, you are very welcome. I'm happy if I can help. As far as the fan clutch, it should be fine. What to do is pay attention to sounds indicating a possible problem. A fan clutch is affected by the temp under the hood. The hotter it gets under there, the more it engages and the faster it turns. So, if you hear something that sounds like a jet engine all the time, that indicates it isn't releasing when it's cooled off. On the other hand, if you are in extreme heat and notice the temp gauge going up but don't hear that type of sound, that indicates it isn't engaging. Does that make sense? LOL, Sometimes I type faster than I think.

Let me know. Also, you are never bugging me. Please feel free to come back anytime in the future if you need help or just have a question. You are always welcome here. Also, I'm glad to know they fixed it for you.

Take care and let me know if you have other questions.

Take care,

Joe

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Sunday, July 18th, 2021 AT 8:57 PM

Hidden damage?

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