Dodge Dakota 2001, Service Manual

Page: 266 / 2307

OPERATION
When sufficient heat is present, the viscous fan
drive will engage. This is when the air flowing
through the radiator core causes a reaction to the
bimetallic coil. It then increases fan speed to provide
the necessary additional engine cooling.
Once the engine has cooled, the radiator discharge
temperature will drop. The bimetallic coil again
reacts and the fan speed is reduced to the previous
disengaged speed.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING—VISCOUS FAN
DRIVE
If the fan assembly free-wheels without drag (the
fan blades will revolve more than five turns when
spun by hand), replace the fan drive. This spin test
must be performed when the engine is cool.
For the following test, the cooling system must be
in good condition. It also will ensure against exces-
sively high coolant temperature.
WARNING: BE SURE THAT THERE IS ADEQUATE
FAN BLADE CLEARANCE BEFORE DRILLING.
(1) Drill a 3.18-mm (1/8-in) diameter hole in the
top center of the fan shroud.
(2) Obtain a dial thermometer with an 8 inch stem
(or equivalent). It should have a range of -18° to
105°C (0° to 220° F). Insert thermometer through the
hole in the shroud. Be sure that there is adequate
clearance from the fan blades.
(3) Connect a tachometer and an engine ignition
timing light (timing light is to be used as a strobe
light).
(4) Block the air flow through the radiator. Secure
a sheet of plastic in front of the radiator (or air con-
ditioner condenser). Use tape at the top to secure the
plastic and be sure that the air flow is blocked.
(5) Be sure that the air conditioner (if equipped) is
turned off.
WARNING: USE EXTREME CAUTION WHEN THE
ENGINE IS OPERATING. DO NOT STAND IN A
DIRECT LINE WITH THE FAN. DO NOT PUT YOUR
HANDS NEAR THE PULLEYS, BELTS OR FAN. DO
NOT WEAR LOOSE CLOTHING.
(6) Start the engine and operate at 2400 rpm.
Within ten minutes the air temperature (indicated on
the dial thermometer) should be up to 88° C (190° F).
Fan drive engagement should have started to occur
at between 74° to 82° C (165° to 180° F). Engage-
ment is distinguishable by a definite increase in fan
flow noise (roaring). The timing light also will indi-
cate an increase in the speed of the fan.
(7) When the air temperature reaches 88° C (190°
F), remove the plastic sheet. Fan drive disengage-
ment should have started to occur at between 57° to
79° C (135° to 175° F). A definite decrease of fan
flow noise (roaring) should be noticed. If not, replace
the defective viscous fan drive unit.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect battery negative cable.
(2) The thermal viscous fan drive/fan blade assem-
bly is attached (threaded) to water pump hub shaft
(Fig. 26). Remove fan blade/viscous fan drive assem-
bly from water pump by turning mounting nut coun-
terclockwise as viewed from front. Threads on
viscous fan drive are RIGHT HAND. A Snap-On 36
MM Fan Wrench (number SP346 from Snap-On
Cummins Diesel Tool Set number 2017DSP) and Spe-
cial Tool 6958 Spanner Wrench with Adapter Pins
8346 can be used to hold the pulley still. (Fig. 25) to
prevent pulley from rotating.
Fig. 24 Viscous Fan Drive—Typical
1 - VISCOUS FAN DRIVE
2 - THERMOSTATIC SPRING
3 - MOUNTING NUT TO WATER PUMP HUB
AN
ENGINE 7 - 45
FAN DRIVE VISCOUS CLUTCH - 3.9L/4.7L/5.9L (Continued)