Roaring Rad Fan 97 F53

Could be a slipping belt.

The fan on the '97 F53 is VERY LOUD when it kicks in, that's not unusual. What issues are you having with it?

Buy the OEM fan clutch. The aftermarket ones do not work right or last as long. Just speaking from experience.

MiPaJacks wrote:
Loos like I'll need to replace the Rad fan on my MH. I am planning on the Hyden 2799 clutch. Question, I have a bit of bearing squeal on start up and for a few minutes after. Do I need to replace the water pump at the same time?
Thanks

Well Sir,
You're not stating what the problem(s)are. And, I'm assuming you're going to replace the fan "clutch" not the fan, unless there's something wrong with the fan too. About 99.999% of the time, when an engine has a squeal when it starts up, it's a belt issue, not a bearing issue. The belt sits for a bit, maybe get's cold and loosens a tad bit and then, upon engine startup, when loads like the alternator is trying to put juice into the battery from cranking the engine, the belt slips under that extra load for just a short while.

Then, things resume normal tension and the belt starts to seat and not slip or, make noise. Now, first off, how old is the belt(s), how many miles, last time changed? It's a '97 M/H so, are any of the belts under an automatic tensioner or, are all of them manually tightened?

As for your fan clutch, many times, the fan clutch automatically reverts to 75% lockup during cold engine operations. That intern, causes excessive fan noise on cold engines. That too will put an additional load on a belt, especially a worn, older belt. Then, as the engine RPM is increased for cold engine operations, the bi-metal spring in the clutch senses the cold air and, releases the fluid in the clutch which, allows the fan to basically free-wheel and, the noise, from the fan, drops to almost nothing.

Anyway, maybe a bit more info is needed to help us, help you in your inquiry.
Scott

Hi,

While you are in there, it probably will only take an additional 30 minutes to replace the water pump. If you have to replace the pump 3 years from now, it will require removing the shroud, fan clutch, and all that stuff, to get to the 6- 8 bolts that hold on the water pump.

I know this because my brother in laws Dodge 360" engine required a water pump, and then about a month later the engine died. It turned out to be a bad timing chain! Then engine already had about 175,000 miles on it, and it was 'take everything off again, and replace the timing chain' At least the 360" engine, it was 'easy' to get to the timing chain while in the engine bay. ..

How many miles are on your RV?

I would not consider replacing the water pump on my 1997 460" engine with 55,000 miles on it. I have been using a water filter since it was new, so the coolant has been mineral free, and the water pump bearings and seal should be clean as they where when new - on my motorhome. . .

I had to replace a idler pulley on my 1995 Windstar van. I think that the dealership wanted something like $100 for one, but the junkyard had one for about $10. That one worked fine until I sold the van a couple of years later.

Good luck,

Fred.

My 2001 F-53...the fan, when it kicks in DOES make a real "roar". First time it happened I got real anxious. But then, later, I found it was "normal".

Hyden 2799 clutch I have one sitting here need to replace it looks like a very well built part. I also order a water pump from Tousley ford. Going to do both while I am in there.