- Location
- Birmingham, AL
Long story short: At least two big chain parts stores carry a auxiliary fan that is supposed to be an OEM replacement, but I can't get them in my 1998 XJ because they have a bolt and nut that extend about 3/8" past the fan. Found one that matches my stock fan on ebay and it went right in.
This is my first post, hope I'm complying with the rules. I searched for his but found nothing.
1998 XJ, 4WD, 4.0L, Auto. Owned less than a week with 165xxx miles. My third owned XJ, but second one is my sons and I sold my 87 in 92. Been 25 years -- I'm happy and plan on keeping this one and staying mostly stock.
Auxiliary electric cooling fan needed replacement. Old one just barely slips out. New one from big chain parts store does not fit because the nut/stud protruding from the fan hits the power steering pulley. I couldn't figure any way to get it in without removing the radiator crossmember or cutting a little notch out of it.
The supposed "OEM" fit replacement had less blades than the original but the housing was otherwise identical to he stock unit. I checked with other big chain store and their replacement also has the protruding nut.
Searching on ebay I found a replacement that does not have the nut and instead uses a clip for fan retention like the original. It appears identical to the original in all other respects as well. Was half the price and free shipping too. :yelclap:
I have the new fan installed now but wonder if maybe the engine has crept forward about 3/8 of an inch or if sagging motor mounts cause the edge of the pulley to be in a position to hit the nut? Either that or there is some secret for getting the fan in there with that nut or the parts store have things wrong on their computer.
This is my first post, hope I'm complying with the rules. I searched for his but found nothing.
1998 XJ, 4WD, 4.0L, Auto. Owned less than a week with 165xxx miles. My third owned XJ, but second one is my sons and I sold my 87 in 92. Been 25 years -- I'm happy and plan on keeping this one and staying mostly stock.
Auxiliary electric cooling fan needed replacement. Old one just barely slips out. New one from big chain parts store does not fit because the nut/stud protruding from the fan hits the power steering pulley. I couldn't figure any way to get it in without removing the radiator crossmember or cutting a little notch out of it.
The supposed "OEM" fit replacement had less blades than the original but the housing was otherwise identical to he stock unit. I checked with other big chain store and their replacement also has the protruding nut.
Searching on ebay I found a replacement that does not have the nut and instead uses a clip for fan retention like the original. It appears identical to the original in all other respects as well. Was half the price and free shipping too. :yelclap:
I have the new fan installed now but wonder if maybe the engine has crept forward about 3/8 of an inch or if sagging motor mounts cause the edge of the pulley to be in a position to hit the nut? Either that or there is some secret for getting the fan in there with that nut or the parts store have things wrong on their computer.