dlcoffin

i am planning to replace the radiator fan clutch. spins too freely, even when hot, which may have contributed to a high heat temp reading in traffic today. has anyone ever deleted the fan clutch, and simply put in a direct-drive fan? i mean one that bolts onto the pump, like the oem setup, not the electric fans.

spuds

dlcoffin - Where is your temp change at?This thread shows were it should be.Also there is a temp sending sensor that can give false readings. Dont know if this is helpful,but its something to think about perhaps? Have been folks here with high gauge readings that were false when checked with thermometer.

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-...-98-ls400.html

dlcoffin

since i put new thermostat in, it'd been rock steady, until today. stop and go on freeway. i got to where i was going, shut off car, its been steady back to normal since, I've determined I'm going to replace fan clutch, it spins too freely when hot.. other threads confirm this as well.. original, expected things to go out after 21 years and 193k on clock. Pretty sure gauge is fine. my gauge sits at 2nd mark, which is normal. i watch the warm up, and always stops there. wanted to know if other people had deleted the clutch and just straight drive the fan and their results, if any.

400fanboy

I replaced mine recently and the new unit was stuck in the fully engaged posistion by a bad install\part. Basically the same as a direct drive, it never shut off ever. It will be loud as **** I don't recommend it. Sounds like a turbine under acceleration, audible over medium volume music on the stock sound system. You'll loose fuel economy and power as well from the parasitic drag, my car felt noticeably slower and sluggish at the bottom end below 3k rpm. Was a huge difference once I got the shop to warranty it and replace the part to a functioning one.

Don't know anything about going to a full electric setup.

Losiracer2

mine failed on me due to someone using an aftermarket replacement. I would only recommend using the OE Aisin clutch fan. Sounds very loud on startup when mine was bad due to seizing and not thermostatically locking and unlocking when hot/cold.

Moarpower

I just threw in an electric fan and switch.

dlcoffin

update: i put in a new fan clutch. no more temp creep, in even stop and go traffic. ok, next problem... saving up to replace timing belt, of which there's 60k miles on it according to the last replacement body sticker..

Michael88

Replaced my fan clutch this summer. The original hung in there like a champ, but made it difficult to diagnose. If you can keep turning it by hand on a cold engine over and over and over again. I would suspect it. Replaced mine ...pretty easy...don't get the heavy duty fan clutch though. Heard they are way too loud. I have a false temperature gauge reading on mine and it started by creeping up over years. Lexus dealer confirmed it is a false reading ... and nearly impossible to find replacement combination unit. My scanner tool does live feeds and she never tops 191 degrees.