Ticking noise

1999 JEEP WRANGLER TJ
160,445 MILES • 4.0L • 6 CYL • 4WD • MANUAL
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KRSBAILEY1979
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
I have developed a ticking noise that is most notable through the radiator from in front of the vehicle. I am sure it is not coming from the engine. It sounds like it is coming from the fan pulley or clutch. The fan still free wheels. With the engine off, I can move the fan by hand, but it does not freely spin. It gets louder as the engine warms up. There is no fan contact with the shroud or other posts when running. Everything seems to solid, no wiggling or free play.
Nov 29, 2019 at 10:23 PM
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CJ MEDEVAC
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 11,000 POSTS
Remove the belt for no more than a couple of minutes as a test.

Does the ticking continue to tick when you crank it up?

The "roar" should come and go as the radiator gets heated and cooled, this is normal and verifies the fan clutch works.

The Medic
Nov 30, 2019 at 1:48 AM
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KRSBAILEY1979
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
I removed the fan/clutch entirely and ran the engine for a couple of minutes. Ticking persisted. I tightened up the belt and all of the pulleys I could. I think it might be the compressor clutch.
Nov 30, 2019 at 5:56 AM
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CJ MEDEVAC
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 11,000 POSTS
Did not take the serpentine belt off to see if it stopped?

At least the clutch is no longer suspect.

The Medic
Nov 30, 2019 at 11:06 AM
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