The Fan Clutch (clutch fan / fluid coupling) Thread

[Reducto]

That looks exactly like the OEM one I installed a few months ago. It's the one on the right in this picture:

[JDM VANMAN]

Is the fan clutch the same for 2wd and 4wd vans? I've had a bunch of worked preformed on my 4x4 van and I know Tim had mention to keep a healthy and cool running system. I haven't replaced the fan clutch but wanted to order one up so when it's time to replace it it'll be on hand.

Thank you😊

[timsrv]

At one point I think there were 2 or 3 different OEM part numbers for these. All would mount the same (interchangeable) so not sure what the difference was (suspect the 4wd ones were a bit more heavy duty?). I haven't checked lately, but I would assume they all cross over to the same part number now. Even if they didn't, I'd still get this one off rockauto than pay double for the one that comes in a Toyota box (I'd consider this Aisin to be every bit as good as one from Toyota.......probably the exact same thing). Tim

[mr_josh]

I have to say- everyone has their opinions about things like non-OEM thermostats, non-OEM gaskets, etc., but the fan clutch is one thing where I think it's easy to see the difference in quality. When I first got my van, the OEM fan clutch was toast and I just needed something that would let me diagnose other parts of the van. Bought one from AutoZone and it's currently on its way out; has about 20k on it. Will be either rebuilding my original OEM unit or purchasing a new Aisin brand.

[ratatouille]

Hey Tim, How's that Aisin 75$ aftermarket working since you posted? About to finally pull trigger on one...

[timsrv]

It's been awesome so far (no leaks and it engages at appropriate times). The Hayden aftermarket clutch was leaking from day one. I can't believe what a fricken mess that thing made. Talk about the sh*t hitting the fan. Had just overhauled my engine, polished my manifold, painted, cleaned everything spotless, and only 5k miles later there was this nasty black mixture of silicone goo and road grime all over everything. And since the fan sits in the very front, it literally covered EVERYTHING. Of course this silicone stuff is not easy to clean off (nothing cuts it). The stuff that worked the best was silicone spray, so I used that. I finished that job about 2 or 3 k miles ago. I've been meaning to post, but have been putting it off.

Here's some pics of the old one (if you consider 5k miles old) and the mess it made:









Here's the new one ready to go back in:



And here it is all snug in it's new home:

[ratatouille]

Thanks Tim for sharing. I'll be putting mine on a few days when it arrives. Everything on my cooling system has been upgraded or replaced except the clutch. I've been suspect about the thing. No overheating still, specially after I upgraded to a high efficiency radiator, but I've ran the tests you suggested and I'm gettin' mixed results. I'd like to drop that temp needle as far as I can..ha.