Cooling Questions!??

[LANDY96]

Ok, tell me if this seems right? First off, I am used to driving a 96 Disco with Gems! I now own a RRC. The difference is tremendous! I never thought I would say this, but I like the GEMS so much better! My biggest question is the engine roars all the time, sounds like the fan clutch is always engaged. Is this correct? Second, the water pump shaft seal has got a high pressure leak in it. Could this be caused by the fan clutch? Third I understand that the clutch has right hand threads? Take it off backwards? Do I need special tools for this? This truck has 58,000 miles, and the PO told me he replaced the water pump before! Thanks!
Eric.

Yep... just felt the fan clutch, it has been sitting for 2hrs. Clutch is still tight! Keeps things cool though!!!

[Badger1]

Yep you'll need a new fan viscous clutch. It is also reverse thread like you said. There are special tools out there but you can spend alot less money by buying a large strap wrench(SEARS,HD), wrap that around the viscous clutch and turn the nut on the water pump shaft the other way. I can't remember exactly what the size of that nut is...32mm? 34? Might also be the time to put in a new thermostat and have the radiator rodded out too, since you'll need it out of the truck to give you more room to work on the water pump(at least I did ).

[LANDY96]

Originally Posted by Badger1

Yep you'll need a new fan viscous clutch. It is also reverse thread like you said. There are special tools out there but you can spend alot less money by buying a large strap wrench(SEARS,HD), wrap that around the viscous clutch and turn the nut on the water pump shaft the other way. I can't remember exactly what the size of that nut is...32mm? 34? Might also be the time to put in a new thermostat and have the radiator rodded out too, since you'll need it out of the truck to give you more room to work on the water pump(at least I did ).

Do I REALLY need a new clutch???? Will it harm anything if I don't change it? It runs nice and cool, not too cold just right below half-way mark! Since I am in a HOT climate, I would rather just not worry about it. I will however do a flush of the radiator!!

[Badger1]

No I guess you don't need a new viscous clutch, however it is robbing you of both horsepower and therefore fuel mileage because of it constantly being engaged. PM Dan Erickson and ask him what aftermarket viscous clutches he used on his 99 D2. Don't know if the part number will cross, but he found a couple of viscous clutches one that is near stock and one that is more aggressive and locks up much earlier, and I am pretty sure they were much, much cheaper than oem. Like I said though I am not sure if the parts#'s will cross referance, but they might have something for the RRC.

[Badger1]

You might want to think about flushing the motor since your doing all this other stuff. Just a thought, then you at least know you have done everything.

[LANDY96]

Yes, thank you! I am going to do a flush before I change the water pump. Engine/radiator. I am also going to change the thermostat! I am going to a 180. Maybe even a 165? I used an engine flush before, and it worked great!!
Thanks!!
Eric.

[Badger1]

One more thing, test or just replace the coolant overflow tank cap. Just to be sure you are getting correct pressure in the cooling system.

[LANDY96]

Ok, I will! Thanks!
Eric.

[Dan Erickson]

Originally Posted by LANDY96

Second, the water pump shaft seal has got a high pressure leak in it. Could this be caused by the fan clutch?

If the water pump is leaking at the seal, you are going to have to replace it.

It really is not that bad of a job.

Maybe you should start with that, and go from there.

Autozone had a set of fan wrenches you can rent or buy if you want. You can get the fan off with them.

I have tried an off brand water pump gasket and it leaked bad. I then went with one from the dealer and it work great with no sealer of any kind.

roverlandparts.com may have a used pump at a decent price (may have to call).

As for the clutch; I am not sure if the Imperial that I got will work, as my DII has right hand threads and I do not know what you have on the RRC. I sent you a PM about part numbers and such.

Also, I know the Discoverys have a temp gauge that reads just fine even when you are running pretty damn hot (not sure if the RRCs are the same), so you shoud not trust it. I have installed an aftermarket sender and gauge, so I always know exacty what it is (pretty scary sometimes).

I hope this is not all too confusing, but I would think you should think about changing the leaky water pump first.

Peace,

Dan

[Disco Mike]

Originally Posted by LANDY96

Do I REALLY need a new clutch???? Will it harm anything if I don't change it? It runs nice and cool, not too cold just right below half-way mark! Since I am in a HOT climate, I would rather just not worry about it. I will however do a flush of the radiator!!

You really want and need to replace the clutch, who cares how cool it is keeping your engine, when it fails and takes out your radiator and or hood????
After all you are complaining about the noise anyway, so just replace it cause it will get worse.
There are plenty of aftermarket clutchs out there, check out Rover Connection or DAP for starters.
Mike

[LANDY96]

Roverconnection has a clutch for $140.00 Not bad I suppose?

[hamrendan]

Have you considered an electric fan replacement.. For $200 for a nice Kenlow unit it will pay for itself over time... Plus you will get more horse power out of your engine... My 88 RR had a some what generic unit put in.. I think they go for about $80 more or less... I am not sure how to wire it together with the temp sensor, but her is a link as to how one guy did it.. I don't like the zip ties going through the radiator fins though.. I do remember my fan was zip tied on but NOT through the fins..

http://www.jpurnell.com/RR/repairs/e...an_install.htm

with this set up. you may not be paying much more, but It will reap rewards down the road in fuel savings, and more horse power ( 8 HP if i remember correctly)

[Badger1]

You gotta love that guys jerry rig setup with those fans!

Zip tie them right to the radiator....LOL!