New member need help--loose fan 1977

[captchuck]

Hoping you'all can help me out here!
I'm kinda new to fixing my 1977 vette--but I'll try anything once!

My problem is this: Yesterday, I noticed that while the motor was running there seemed to be a funny noise coming from the fan area.
After turning the car off, i noticed that the fan had some play in it.

Question: Is this a fan clutch problem or is there a way to tighten it up?

If it is a fan clutch problem, can a novice replace it in the comfort of my garage? Please provide a step-by-step process .

THANK YOU for your help!
Capt. Chuck
Florida

 

[Bob Chadwick]

Capt Chuck,

Welcome to the CAC.

I suspect that this is a water pump going bad. You can do it yourself in an afternoon tops. If you have a/c, it is a little more difficult in that I recommend that you loosen and perhaps take off the bracket that attaches to the waterpump when you place the pump back on. The pump comes out with the bracket in place but it is difficult, if not impossible, to keep a good bead of RTV and align the gasket when you have to slide the pump back under this bracket. You increase the risk of a leak.

Oh yeah, RTV the 4 bolts holding the pump when you put them back in. I didn't believe it but by doing so you stop coolant from leaking from this area. Guess who had to remove the bolts and RTV them.

Bob

 

[captchuck]

Bob:
Thank you--I kinda suspected the water pump--but since it was not leaking any fluid (yet!), I suspected the fan clutch--maybe I should just replace both since I'm already in there.

Capt. Chuck

 

[Bob Chadwick]

Oh it will and not when the car is parked in the driveway.

When I took my fan clutch off it started to leak so I replaced it.
$60 or so at www.tld-corvette.com.

Water pump is not bad. I think around $60 or so as well. I bought an aluminum Edelbrock Victor and as I recall it was around twice that.

 

[captchuck]

Thanks Bob!
Looks like I got my weekend planned!

Appreciate your help!

Capt. Chuck

 

[Bob Chadwick]

My pleasure. Hang around. You'll like it.

Does Capt. refer to military or other public service? These occupations are generally appreciated here.

 

[captchuck]

Bob:

I've added this site as a 'favorite'--will be checking in daily--looks like alot of great folks willing to help others!

Capt.--as in Charterboat Capt---hope they are appreciated too!

Capt. Chuck

 

[Bob Chadwick]

Don't know about that. You might be the first.

 

[captchuck]

thank you sherry---i will cover the radiator when replacing the pump.

just as you indicated, the fan DOES move back and forth about 1/2" play---luckily it did not leak/break down before I discovered the problem.

But I'll do anything to keep her going---175K and no major repairs or overhaul yet!!!
(knock on wood!!!)]

Capt. Chuck

 

[vmrod]

I hate to bring up the obvious, but check the fan bolts first before you start buying stuff.

I helped a friend the other day troubleshoot his running lights on his Maxima. Fuses, relays...everything look fine. I was stumped. It turned out that both light bulbs went out at the same time! (a reminder to me to check the obvious)

-Vic

 

[captchuck]

Vic:
Being a novice--where are the fan bolts located?
Do I have to remove the fan shroud to get to them?
Thank You for your input!

Capt. Chuck

 

[vmrod]

You know, I don't recall on the top of my head. But, you should be able to feel them with your hand and see if they are loose. (obviously don't have engine running while doing this.) I doubt that they all happened to get loose at once, so it would be your water pump, but it's worth a shot.

The bolts are in the center portion of the fan blade. You get to them from the front of the fan.

-Vic

 

[captchuck]

Thanks Vic--I'll look at that 1st before buying any parts.
Capt. Chuck