Feeling VERY fortunate. Found an important issue AT HOME, as opposed to on the road.
Upon routine inspection, very recently observed my radiator fan was engaged at first start-up of the day.
Upon closer inspection, with the engine off, the fan blade would not free spin by hand.
A bearing inside the fan clutch had failed and it was such a better find at home than on the road!
To allow access to the fan clutch, as opposed to the Prevost way of removing the cooling package, I removed the Superior Gearbox, fan belt pulley arm, and turbo piping from the turbo to the charge air cooler. Next, placed cardboard between the fan blade and radiator, then removed the fan blade before having someone stronger than me remove and replace the old clutch. (Clutch is comparable to a 50 pound bowling ball).
Then proceeded to reinstall all removed items, including installing new turbo boots & clamps after repainting the pipe, and then tested the new clutch. It is properly working
Also installed new turbo boots and clamps, and a new belt tension air bag as preventative maintenance since it was convenient with everything out of the way.
In hind sight, and compared to the new fan clutch bearing, the old clutch bearing likely free-spun way too freely. The new fan clutch bearing(s) allows the fan to free-spin, but not like a marble rolling across the floor. The new bearing has some resistance. PERHAPS that could have been a missed clue it was close to aging out. And, speaking of age, the old clutch was only 6 years old 🙁
Final possible missed clue the old clutch was failing was a sizable accumulation of red, rusty looking powder accumulated under the old clutch. The person who did the heavy lifting said it was bearing dust.
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Jeff & Sandy
2007 Liberty H3
Toyota FJ Cruiser Tow
Plus Bella & Essie (Chihuahua & Toy Aussie)
Home is 10 Miles North of Houston Intercontinental Airport |
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