ZJ fan clutch install and radiator interference

footdale · Nov 3, 2011

Before I go and try and prop the radiator out of the way without draining, I need a little sanity check please.

I'm trying to install a ZJ fan clutch (NAPA 272310), but I'm not able to clear the studs to slip it on as I'm hitting up against the radiator (CSR 3-row).

Am I missing something?

Thanks!!!
-Joe

Begster · Nov 3, 2011

Unbolt the top radiator support so you can wiggle the radiator some, push radiator away from engine (no need to pull any hoses or drain it), put fan on.

Worked for me, and takes 5 minutes. I ran into the same issue when installing my zj fan clutch with CSF radiator. They are both bigger than stock, so there is some interference trying to install.

xj dreamin · Nov 3, 2011

i don't know how much thicker the 3 core is over a stock piece but i clear the zj fan clutch just fine. maybe check to see that radiator isn't hanging.

ILLXJ · Nov 3, 2011

I only have a 2-row rad., so I don't know if this will help. I put a piece of cardboard between the two to protect the rad. & worked the fan in very slowly.

JIM.

footdale · Nov 3, 2011

That's what I was guessing, but wanted to check first as it seems like I always end up doing a lot of needless stuff.

Forster · Nov 3, 2011

3 core CSF & ZJ Fan clutch here on my 2000 XJ, would not work if had not installed M.O.R.E motor mounts had to much play with stock mounts even thou they looked ok.

YMMV

footdale · Nov 3, 2011

Got it on there.

Thanks guys!

jeeperjohn · Nov 3, 2011

For future work you can always pull the studs and install bolts to hold the fan clutch.

fallacist · Nov 5, 2011

is the extra cooling worth the upgrade?

I'd imagine since its a bigger fan, that installation comes with power loss?

Talyn · Nov 5, 2011

Pry bar on the engine mount will shift the engine back enough to get it in.... perhaps not if you have poly or Brown Dog mounts. I had this problem with a replacement stock style clutch and a CSF rad.

cruiser54 · Nov 5, 2011

fallacist said:
is the extra cooling worth the upgrade?

I'd imagine since its a bigger fan, that installation comes with power loss?

Fan is the original and same size. The fan clutch runs at a higher speed relative to engine speed than the stock one did. Yes, power loss and noticeable more noise. I took mine off an dput it on my son-in-law's hnting rig. Good for off-roading though.

Phil · Nov 5, 2011

Pulled the studs, installed bolts, ???, profit.

My junk sucks but I put on the ZJ fan clutch and the fan doesn't wiggle anymore.

ZJ fan clutch install and radiator interference

footdale

NAXJA Forum User

Begster

NAXJA Forum User

xj dreamin

NAXJA Forum User

ILLXJ

NAXJA Member

footdale

NAXJA Forum User

Forster

NAXJA Forum User

footdale

NAXJA Forum User

jeeperjohn

NAXJA Forum User

fallacist

NAXJA Forum User

Talyn

NAXJA Forum User

cruiser54

NAXJA Forum User

Phil

NAXJA Member

Similar threads