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I purchased a used 5 blade fan from eBay. I installed a new HD fan clutch from the parts store. When I installed the new set up, it created a terrible vibration. It took out the older water pump bearings plus created a water pump leak where it attached to the block.
I replaced the water pump, re-installed the flex fan that was on the car.….Smooth sailing.
My first question is, was the older water pump on its way out, and could not handle the weight?
What is the possibility the fan itself is out of balance?
Could the new fan clutch be the culprit of
the vibration?
I’m more interested in knowing if a cooling fan can be out of balance, or has anyone experienced a defective fan clutch. The water pump was old and not part of the mystery.
I’m more interested in knowing if a cooling fan can be out of balance, or has anyone experienced a defective fan clutch. The water pump was old and not part of the mystery.
actually, no.
it is a balance between all belts.
if you see a out of whack blade, you answered you own question.
Set the fan on the ground with the blades pointed down.
If it rocks the blades are out of whack. All the blades should be touching.
^^^^^ This ^^^^^
That little nick in the blade is nothing to be worried about.
You could install the unit back on the W.P. and no belt. Then see if you can spin the whole unit by hand. See if there's any noticeable wobble.
If you have a straight-edge you can check the blade tips for straightness on your workbench. (I have a steel yardstick for such tasks)
I suspect just one blade is off enough to induce a vibration. And that is likely what stressed your W.P. bearing too.
You might be able to rig-up some type of balancer on your workbench also. Think "cone" or something pointed that you can place the fan on horizontally. Watch for imbalance and spin slowly.
Last edited by HeadsU.P.; Jun 26, 2023 at 08:24 PM.
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5 Blade cooling fan questions
