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RVLane's avatar
RVLane
Explorer
Aug 21, 2013

Fan Noise 97 Dodge RT Versatile

Hello everyone, I have a 97 RT Versatile on a Dodge chasis. I recently had the fan clutch replaced, as the fan was running at very high RPMs most of the time, even when traveling at low speeds, causing a roaring sound, annd robbing the engine of power.I had the part replaced with an aftermarket at first, which didn't cut it, and the problem continued. Then I had it replaced with an OEM Dodge part, and it fixed the problem, with no roaring 99% of the time. Now two times this week the roaring fan happened again when I was traveling in a slightly hilly area.. now this is a short trip to a local beach of only 8 or 10 miles away. It's really not far at all, and it's not like i'm climbing mountains. I live on Long Island in NY which is mostly flat. It wouldn't concern me that much, but it really effects my engine performance when it's happening, robbing the engine of power. When it stops, the engine is fine again. I assume it's normal for the fan to spin fast and be loud under certain conditions such as a hilly area, and when under load, but it's really concerning. I mean isn't the RT , even the older ones, supposed to have towing capability? How come it can't handle a few hills? ( my tranny is fine, it was checked out twice)anyone else have this happen with their older RT?

Thanks, Lain
Class B
  • Bob_N_'s avatar
    Bob_N_
    Explorer
    Aug 22, 2013
    Hi,
    The fan clutch locks up to run the fan as a function of coolant temperature, so when driving slowly in traffic, or up hills, or in hot weather you can expect the fan to run much more than at cruising speed in flat country or cooler weather. I think the weatherman reports you have been having near record temps in your area this summer, so that may have a bearing on your problem.
  • steveh27's avatar
    steveh27
    Explorer
    Aug 21, 2013
    My 1997 Dodge 360 Xplorer 230XL sometimes does something similar. When I haven't run the engine for some time it has a loud noise ('roar') when first starting to move until I can get it to shift out of low. After the first shift it never happens again. Usually I only have to go 100-200 yards to get it to shift.

    Not sure if this is similar or not
  • RVLane's avatar
    RVLane
    Explorer
    Aug 21, 2013
    ScottG wrote:
    If the AC is on and your moving slow enough it will kick in.
    Otherwise I think Donn has the right idea.



    It usually happens when I start to move forward from a dead stop. It doesn't just happen out of the blue once i'm cruising, only moving forward from a dead stop
  • ScottG's avatar
    ScottG
    Nomad
    Aug 21, 2013
    If the AC is on and your moving slow enough it will kick in.
    Otherwise I think Donn has the right idea.
  • RVLane's avatar
    RVLane
    Explorer
    Aug 21, 2013
    donn0128 wrote:
    Take it to a qualified raditor shop and have the cooling system flushed and recharged with the correct coolant. I suspect your cooling ayatem is partially plugged or your low on coolant.


    I definitely have enough coolant.. It's been checked, but haven't had the system flushed. I will look into it. Thank you
  • donn0128's avatar
    donn0128
    Explorer II
    Aug 21, 2013
    Take it to a qualified raditor shop and have the cooling system flushed and recharged with the correct coolant. I suspect your cooling ayatem is partially plugged or your low on coolant.

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