Isuzu Hombre Fan Clutch: Cooling a Powerful Engine

Anthony Fontanelle
January 24, 2008

A powerful pickup truck such as an Isuzu Hombre needs a capable engine as well as an efficient cooling system to maintain the vehicle’s top performance. To do this, the Isuzu Hombre fan clutch needs to be working in top condition at all times.

An integral component of the cooling system, the Isuzu Hombre fan clutch keeps the fan running efficiently by controlling its speed. It is a thermostatic device that works with a fluid. It can also help reduce fuel consumption, create less noise, and save engine power. Together with a fluid coupling and a bimetal coil spring, the Isuzu Hombre fan clutch makes sure that the fan is operating at a necessary speed to keep the engine cool. It also slows down the fan when not needed.

For a clear picture of the process, this is how it works. The bimetal coil spring expands when it is alerted of a rising air temperature going through the radiator. As it expands, the fluid coupling receives small amounts of oil, which will rotate the fan. On the other hand, once cool air passes through the radiator, the coil spring will contract. The contraction will allow the oil to leave the fluid coupling and the fan to slow down.

As the Isuzu Hombre fan clutch works in an atrocious environment, it inevitably fails eventually. Proper maintenance, however, can make it last longer. The common sign of a defective fan clutch is when the car overheats when it is idle or during heavy traffic. Another symptom is when it keeps on drawing air at a high rate. Once any of these symptoms occurs, an immediate replacement of the Isuzu Hombre fan clutch is always best. A defective fan clutch can also affect the performance of a vehicle’s air conditioning system for it also cools the air conditioner’s condenser, which is located right in front of the radiator.

Source:  Amazines.com