Cooling Fan
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2002
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From: Minnesota
Cooling Fan
My water pump went out today and I replaced it, but I was in a hurry and am concerned about the way the fan and clutch screw on to the water pump. The manual says to torque it 30-100 lbs. I am pretty sure I have it at least 20lbs, but it is a hard one to get real tight since the pulley wants to turn, even with the belt on. I see that the pulley turns counterclockwise, so it shouldn't spin loose, but should I be concerned with it coming off? I didn't have any loc tite with me, but that probably would be a good idea for this. So far, I made it 80 miles back to school with no problems.
My other question concerns the alternator. It was not touched when I did the water pump other than to take the belt off. My ammeter usually reads right in the middle, but now it is reading on the 'N' of normal. I turned all accessories off and it comes up a bit, but still seems low. According to the idiot guage, I am ok. I should find a voltage meter(I am away from home), and check it. Just checking to see if anyone knows what it usually reads if an alternator is dead.
Maybe I can attribute problems to the weather changing from 60 degree highs one day to 80's the next. I love Minnesota.
90 F-150 4X4 4.9M5OD ext cab
My other question concerns the alternator. It was not touched when I did the water pump other than to take the belt off. My ammeter usually reads right in the middle, but now it is reading on the 'N' of normal. I turned all accessories off and it comes up a bit, but still seems low. According to the idiot guage, I am ok. I should find a voltage meter(I am away from home), and check it. Just checking to see if anyone knows what it usually reads if an alternator is dead.
Maybe I can attribute problems to the weather changing from 60 degree highs one day to 80's the next. I love Minnesota.
90 F-150 4X4 4.9M5OD ext cab
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Joined: Jul 1999
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Cooling Fan
There is a tool used for removing & installing the fan clutch to the water pump , I dont know what you used but as long as its snug you shouldnt have any problems , You would of had problems before 80 miles of driving had it been too loose . You mentioned the volt gauge , but you described it in terms of the Temp gauge , N in Normal , thats the temp gauge . Doing a water pump replacement on that engine allows a lot of air in the system , If you notice the coolant temp somewhat higher then its likely there is still some air trapped in the system . If the radiator cap is operating properly you should see the coolant recovery tank empty or below the Min Level . Fill it will a 50/50 mix of coolant & water & keep an eye on it for a few days , Within a day or two all the air will eventually be expelled thru the coolant revovery tank & the level will remain constant .
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 317
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From: Minnesota
Cooling Fan
Thanks for the info. I tightened the fan with a channel lock pliers.
The guage that I was refering to is the ammeter above the temp guage. I asked a friend about it and he said that on a ford guage, you are usually alright as long as it is not at either end in the red zone. As far as the temp guage, I burped the system with the cap off, topped it off and the temp guage was right where it always is.
The guage that I was refering to is the ammeter above the temp guage. I asked a friend about it and he said that on a ford guage, you are usually alright as long as it is not at either end in the red zone. As far as the temp guage, I burped the system with the cap off, topped it off and the temp guage was right where it always is.
