UPDATE- I just bought a used '92 taurus PULLER fan. LOTS of air! This used unit seems kinda' noisy, but I don't know 'normal' for reference.
CONCLUSIONS RE SERP-BELT TENSION/DEFLECTION: UPDATE 2: At 1/2" tensioner-load, the PS pump (power steering) was slipping at low rpm/load causing heavy steering. Installing a 1/2"-shorter serp increased the tensioner-load to 1" (from fully-relaxed) and issue solved. Also gained the added benefit of additional space between the tensioner-pulley and belt-run from PS-IPA. This also suggests that the PS will slip before slippage at the ALT or MF. "Tensioner Load" is more important than how much "flex-deflection" you feel in the mounted belt. Once the belt is on, when you "relax" the tensioner it can settle to a position 1" tighter than "unloaded". When sizing alternative-setup serp-lengths, "heavy steering" is your coal-mine canary. As long as you have "normal" power-steering when your jeep is WARM, AND AT IDLE the serp isn't too loose. You want to strike a balance, maintaining adequate "play" at the tensioner so that it has sufficient 'throw' when the serp is suddenly placed under load. 1" of tensioner 'load' seems fairly ideal. Other opinions welcome.
REMINDER: SERP IDLER PULLEYS (X2) ARE REVERSE-THREADED; HOWEVER, SERP TENSIONER BOLTS ARE NORMAL.
Meanwhile, back under the hood... My mechanical fan bearing just gave-out. Looked like the original, so let's just say they last 148k. A complete new bracket/bearing assembly is ballpark $150 online (although ID wants $240). However, I'm attempting to source a replacement bearing here in Ensenada.
This failure has me considering alternative cooling options. Reviewing posts, it seems like the ideal setup might be: - For <80f ambient-temp, non-towing driving, save 2mpg + add hp by removing the mechanical fan and installing an electric. Merely holding the mechanical fan assembly in-hand makes you want that beast gone; it is HEAVY! - If so, it seems like the best setup would be: A. Split annoying fan-shroud into upper&lower halves, per LJ posts, allowing easy-access for serp shenanigans, etc. B. Re electric-fan installation, use a front-mounted "PUSHER" fan (between grill & radiator), instead of a rear-mounted "puller" fan (between radiator and engine). Here's why: although puller-fans cool more effectively than pushers, as long as ALL the cooling-system components MINUS the fan are functioning properly, CRD's reportedly do not require tons of cooling under non-extreme loads and climates. BUT, when summer hits and/or you are going to tow, unlike a puller, installing a PUSHER fan permits you to: 1. Remove the upper shroud. 2. Remove your shorter, re-routed serp belt. 3. Re-install your 11-blade-w/Hayden-clutch mechanical fan (only one mounting bolt!). 4. Re-install your stock serp. and upper shroud. PRESTO! 30 minutes labor and you are now good for 120f. uphill desert towing with the A/C on "high". PLUS you have the additional cooling of the (manually switchable) auxiliary PUSHER fan! Given that this setup is intended for non-summer heat, the alternative serp routing could also eliminate the AC pump.
Opinions?
Insights and recommendations for the best serp layout after eliminating the Mech fan & AC pump?
THANKS!
Keywords: serpentine belt, serpentine-belt, serp., serp , accessory belt, accessory-belt, alternator belt, fan belt, AC belt, A/C belt, aircon belt, air-conditioning belt, air conditioning belt, P/S Belt, power-steering belt, power steering belt, air-pump belt, air pump, timing-belt diagnosis, tbelt failure, troubleshooting timing, timing belt installation, timing-belt cover modification, (add additional keywords at end of your response[s], as desired)
_________________ '15: bought '05 w/138k. '16: HG/Rockers/ARPs/Thermo/H20pump/TbeltKit/ Seals/ Mounts/Kennedy fuel pump. '17: bought manual Gas donor for its' ARB F/R Airlockers, OME 2.5" lift (gas-rated), JBA UCAs, ARB bumper. '19: Trans w/Suncoast/Transgo/HDdiscs, new OME CRD-rated lift, electric tri-fan setup, BlackMagics/Centric Premiums, Airbags.
Last edited by Gypsy62 on Wed Jan 17, 2018 1:04 pm, edited 18 times in total.
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