Fan Clutch

[scott0303]

Hey guys, I think I might have a problem with my fan clutch. Ive gota 99 Sierra 1500 with the 5.3l. Once agian, with cold weather setting in, I am hearing a noise upon start up and it lasts about 10-15 seconds. At first I thought it was my timing chain. Its that kind of noise. Im reading a few things elsewhere that makes me think its the fan clutch going bad. It did it a little last winter, none this summer, and now its starting again since its getting cold. What do you guys think?

 

How hard is it to replace the fan clutch and do I need any special tools? Thanks

[ken1mod]

Not too bad to replace the fan clutch. Dealer parts here are in order as they really work better.

 

Ken

[scott0303]

Not too bad to replace the fan clutch. Dealer parts here are in order as they really work better.

 

Ken

 

 

Thanks Ken. Is that typical of a fan clutch going bad what I am describing?

[clemsonblozz]

Not too bad to replace the fan clutch. Dealer parts here are in order as they really work better.

 

Ken

 

 

Thanks Ken. Is that typical of a fan clutch going bad what I am describing?

 

 

 

that is normal operation my man... the clutches use a fluid inside of them, and when the fluid is cold, the clutch will lock up for a short while..

[[email protected]]

Exactly, it's a viscous clutch, it does that.

[minibike132]

Not too bad to replace the fan clutch. Dealer parts here are in order as they really work better.

 

Ken

 

 

Thanks Ken. Is that typical of a fan clutch going bad what I am describing?

 

 

 

that is normal operation my man... the clutches use a fluid inside of them, and when the fluid is cold, the clutch will lock up for a short while..

 

 

 

+1

[ColoradoSkiCountry]

Have the same issue on my 08. Started a topic on it in the HD section, and got the same thing. It's normal.

[Silverado4x4]

Normal.

[ColoradoSkiCountry]

You will know if you have a bad fan clutch if it stays on ALL the time or if it does not come on at all when its hot and your temp starts to rise, or you see a bunch of grease all around the fan and engine

[scott0303]

so if this is normal operation as everyone says, I dont need to replace it until it actually fails? Thx

[ColoradoSkiCountry]

yes sir, that's what we're trying to say

[jro909]

its normal...if i drive the truck during the day while its semi-warm then start it again later at night when its cold it will kick on

[scott0303]

So you guys just live with that noise?

 

My question is if this is normal, why didnt it do it the first few years I owned it? I have had it about 6 years total

[jro909]

So you guys just live with that noise?

 

My question is if this is normal, why didnt it do it the first few years I owned it? I have had it about 6 years total

 

 

what noise? the loud whirling sound when you take off with it going? i don't mind it, as it disengages after the trans shifts...it beats overheating

[[email protected]]

Mine always does that first in the morning, but you get down the road it stops. I don't even notice it most the time. All that means is your fan is working like it should. Mine also will do it if I sit in a parking lot in summer with the air on.