How to Change the Fan Clutch on a '99 Blazer

Iskandar Blogger 1:08 PM

Chevrolet launched the original Blazer in 1969. The original model, however, was far different than what most modern SUV buyers know as the Blazer; it was a full-sized, V-8-powered machine, whereas the most recent Blazer -- released in 1983 -- is a mid-sized, V-6-powered vehicle. The 1999 Blazer came with a 190-horsepower, 4.3-liter V-6 engine. The 1999 Blazer used a fan and clutch assembly instead of an electric fan to keep the engine at an acceptable temperature. Replacing the fan clutch requires a special tool, known as a fan clutch wrench set.

Instructions

    1

    Remove the bolts securing the upper half of the fan shroud in place, using a ratchet and socket, then pull the shroud out of the engine compartment.

    2

    Find the retaining nut on the engine side of the fan clutch that holds the clutch to the water pump pulley. Hold the water pump pulley still with the larger of the wrenches in the fan clutch wrench set while turning the fan clutch nut counterclockwise with the smaller wrench in the fan clutch wrench set to loosen the fan clutch.

    3

    Pull the fan and clutch out of the engine compartment once it's free from the water pump pulley.

    4

    Place the fan and clutch assembly into a large bench vice, with the clutch between the jaws. Tighten the bench vise until it holds the clutch in place. Remove the four bolts securing the cooling fan to the clutch, using a ratchet and socket, and pull the fan off the clutch. Loosen the vise, then remove the old fan clutch.

    5

    Set a new fan clutch face down in the vice and tighten the vise's jaws until it secures the clutch in place. Set the fan onto the rear of the fan clutch, lining up the bolt holes on the fan with those on the fan clutch. Hand-tighten the four new bolts -- included with the new clutch -- to hold the fan in place, then torque the bolts to 24 foot-pounds, using a torque wrench and socket.

    6

    Remove the fan and clutch assembly from the vice.

    7

    Place the fan and clutch assembly in the Blazer's engine compartment, then line up the nut on the rear of the fan clutch with the threaded stud on the pulley. Hand-tighten the clutch nut onto the pulley.

    8

    Attach a torque wrench to the square opening on the end of the smaller fan clutch wrench. Tighten the fan clutch nut to 24 foot-pounds, using the torque wrench and fan clutch wrench assembly, while holding the pulley steady with the larger fan clutch wrench.

    9

    Set the upper fan shroud back in place over the fan and tighten its retaining bolts with a ratchet and socket.