Fan clutch removal on TJ

[rpiereck]

Last winter I drove a Subaru Loyale, it had the same type of radiator fan as the stock setup on a Jeep TJ, with the fan attached to a thermo-viscous clutch. During the winter I noticed my Loyale would take forever to warm up, mostly because the fan was always turning, throwing cold air around and preventing the engine from warming up.

So I simply removed the fan and the clutch from the engine, and the Loyale warmed up quickly every day. It never overheated, always staying at normal operating temperatures, even when parked, idling with the radiator covered. Once temperatures raised to the 20s I reinstalled the fan and clutch.

I know running an engine without a fan sounds ennerving but I drove all the way from FBX to A-twon with my Subaru setup like that, no problems...

I foresee my TJ doing the same, taking too long to warm up because there's just too must frigid air being thrashed about by the ever-rotating clutch fan combo. Has anyone ever removed their fan during the winter and run it like this? I know idealy I should add an electric fan, but a new one is pricy and a used, thin one from a Ford Taurus not easy to come by.

[AKMark]

I'm pretty sure a 4.0L needs a fan, my ZJ wouldn't stay warm well with one and the one time I tried without, it turned to a short trip as the temps went up before I could get off Eielson.

[rpiereck]

Even in the dead of winter?

[AKMark]

It was -40 and my mud rovers were still square when it got to 230 and kept climbing.

[reeferman]

You can cover the the grill opening but you need to leave a hole in the middle of the cover about 3" round lined up with the fan hub, so it can still work .

[akhillbille]

I wouldn't remove the fan. get a grill cover or make on for it instead. You take too big of a chance overheating you TJ without a fan. Plus moving slow with high rpm's on the trail will raise temps really quick.

[rpiereck]

I guess I'll be budgeting for an electric fan then. Didn't the TJ go to an electric fan in 2003 or 2004? I know the JK has an electric fan, but it's a totally different engine and chassis.

[boostlesstj]

i have an 04, still has a clutch

[rpiereck]

It would be an OK system if the fan completely stopped turning, but even when the clutch is disengaged the fan still turns. It throws cold air around whether you want to or not.

With the 4 cylinder TJs you can pretty much find any fan that fits and replace the clutch fan, but the 6 cylinder is limited on space, there are few fans that are slim eno9ugh to fit there. I checked the Flexlite fan kit for the TJ is it is over $350!

From what I gather a Ford Taurus fan will fit, but of course you need not only the fran but the whole wiriing that goes with it, including replays, fan control box, thermoswitch, etc.

Seems like a big project to get this replaced.

[AJPTHNG]

The 4.0 will over heat even in the extream cold. My fan clutch was frozen wide open due to mud getting in it so I put an electric fan in from Novak convertions. If you do an electric fan make sure you put a switch in so you can turn it on and off, it will help for water crossings and for faster warm up in the colder temps.

[rpiereck]

How much did the Novak fan cost you?

[The Bronze]

It would be an OK system if the fan completely stopped turning, but even when the clutch is disengaged the fan still turns. It throws cold air around whether you want to or not.

With the 4 cylinder TJs you can pretty much find any fan that fits and replace the clutch fan, but the 6 cylinder is limited on space, there are few fans that are slim eno9ugh to fit there. I checked the Flexlite fan kit for the TJ is it is over $350!

From what I gather a Ford Taurus fan will fit, but of course you need not only the fran but the whole wiriing that goes with it, including replays, fan control box, thermoswitch, etc.

Seems like a big project to get this replaced.

taurus fan, relay and temperature switch, plus an override switch should you desire to shut it off for a few moments.... easy.

[rpiereck]

Sometime this week I'm going to prowl the local junkyards for a Taurus fan. Am I looking for any specific year/engine?

[AJPTHNG]

It's $220 + Shipping. http://www.novak-adapt.com/catalog/cooling_fans.htm
The Taurus fan is much cheaper and I'm sure Kelly can hook you up with the wireing issue :D I like my Novak fan, I've never had any cooling problems but if your looking to save money go with the Taurus fan.