she's getting a little long in the tooth. I keep up with all maintenance and repairs. Checking her over for annual family fall trip (Eureka Springs, this year. 6+hr)and noticed my fan freewheels about 1/4+ of a revolution, warm.
I have never changed it on this one, I'm just over 90k. Even though I have no cooling issues, should I opt to replace? I lean more towards,"better safe than sorry", but there is also the "if it ain't broke ........" school of thought. Also what are the best options for replacing these items? I can not find the reference to the chevy van part that interchanges. which van? and is there a preferred water pump? Just want to cover all bases, since I will have my 2 year old twins in tow. I would just take my wife's ride, but we were lacking a little "get around the mountain trails ability" last time, in her touareg. This time we have found more trails for sightseeing and foliage photos, our rental is more isolated, and her ride is now a minivan. thanks for any input.
ON a less crucial, but just as important to my passengers, note, anyone have dvd player preferences? I am thinking headrest ones, but have never done aftermarket. any insight?

 

If it still feels like peanut butter inside you are OK for moment.

But, if you replace the clutch also do the water pump, they have been dance partners for 90,000 miles X 2500 rpms; and pump is about pooped also. A new, stiffer clutch will finish him off for good.

 

If you do the pump, consider buying an Airtex, German made water pump with a bronze impeller, comes with a 2 year warranty and is probably the best on the market, British Parts of Utah and A.B. have them. Here again, if you do this, consider a new 180 t/stat and a new coolant pressure cap.

 

okay, thanks. so I guess i will order parts. just in case, throw them in the back and change when necessary or 1st chance i get(currently added at #15,483 on my to do list.)
airtex for pump......ordered.
is rtv for seal ok? gaskets do not tend to hold up while riding around with me.
is there a clutch that is preferred? cheaper? I think I remember some ref. to a chevy part #

 

Gasket is a paper affair, I used RTV on mine and Dolly did not mind. The Chevy cross over is a 2000 Express van, 4.3, without AC. You will need new fan bolts and enlarge fan mount holes slightly.

 

perfect.... thanks a million.

 

I just did this on my '03. Installed 180 stat, bronze impeller water pump, safari fan clutch, new serpentine belt, and reservoir cap. It took temps from 203+ on my ultragauge down to 188.

 

For rsrandle -

Yes. Big wrench or borrowed fan clutch wrench from parts store. On the big nut. Then take a hammer and smack the wrench to your left when facing the radiator. You may have to use a wrench to increase tension on the belt (press on the tensioner pulley). A sharp slap does it, it spins free and comes right off. Slow application of force will just rotate it and get you angry.

 

Thanks very much. I was trying to do this with a crescent wrench which is too big to fit easily. And just to let you know, I had to quit cause I got angry

 

Northern Tool Item# 9094133 for Ford per the packaging (I think they are 32 mm & 36 mm) and it did the job for around $16 if you care to buy the wrenches. The longer wrench in the set fit the D2 fan clutch nut. The only bad thing about this wrench kit is it does not tell you the size of the wrenches on the packaging or the wrenches, just what make vehicle they are suppose to fit. The 1/2" square drive hole in each wrench allows you to use a breaking bar or torque wrench as well.
http://www.northerntool.com/shop/too...FYie4AodOF4AAw