Would anyone have any idea what would cause this?

I just changed my serpentine belt and didn't photograph whatever was sprayed inside my engine, before I cleaned it all off with isopropyl alcohol. I had a black spray pattern on the inside of my fan blades and only on 3 of the blades. One of the nuts holding the fan on, also was a powdery black color. The black spray pattern on the fan wasn't excessive and only seemed like one spray from a bottle. I haven't notice any problems with my engine and it has me stumped to what it could be, with it coming from that direction (inside fan blade) like it was sprayed back to front.

Sorry there are no pictures, but I described it the best I could.

 

The fan clutch has a leak possibly.

How to check: http://www.aa1car.com/library/cooling_fan_clutch.htm

" Other signs of fan clutch failure would include any looseness in the clutch (check for fan wobble), or oil streaks radiating outward from the clutch hub."

 

You nailed it Jimmyh, Thank you very much and I never would have guess that, as I didn't even realize the fan used oil. I will check the fan with the instruction you gave. ~ again Thanks!

 

Jimmyh, There is a big price difference when I priced the fan clutch. The Aisin clutch is about $107-here: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Aisin-FCT073-Fan-Clutch-/232044450074?fits=Year:2006|Make:Toyota|Model:Tacoma|Submodel:Base|Engine+-+Liter_Display:2.7L&hash=item3606ed511a:m:mg4Z6XuLpUrx5Hbtw1RcUkw&vxp=mtr while there is one that is compatiable for my clutch for about $40-here:http://www.ebay.com/itm/Radiator-Cooling-Fan-Clutch-for-Toyota-Tacoma-T100-Pickup-Truck-4Runner-4-Runner-/130855552484?fits=Year:2006|Make:Toyota|Model:Tacoma|Submodel:Base|Engine+-+Liter_Display:2.7L&hash=item1e779945e4:g:sV4AAOSwX~dWsh3V&vxp=mtr

I heard the Aisin is the same as the OEM, while I haven't heard about the manufacturer of the $40 clutch, but it states that it has a 10 year warranty. I wondered if you have an opinion about which choice is better? I was thinking about the saying, "you get what you pay for", but thought I would ask someone that has more knowledge than I do.

 

I replaced mine with Aisin, its a good clutch! Remember, either remove the radiator or put several thick pieces of cardboard on the inside face of the radiator so you dont bend the fins while removing the fan and clutch!!!!!

 

Ok, thanks-I think this is the case of "you get what you pay for", so even with the 10 year warranty and saving $67, the Aisin may be the smarter choice because it's OEM and I hope is made in Japan too.

I replaced my water pump and that's smart to protect your radiator, like you mentioned.

 

For others here with fan clutch problems or need to replace their fan clutch, this video was really helpful. Here =>

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WzhlACxqeqQ

 

The person who made that video, Tim answered my question and I thought I would share it here:

My question: WOW, I have to compliment you on an EXCELLENTLY done tutorial and was well put together, with the information needed combined with the hands on knowledge. A+++++++++++ Tim- I noticed oil sprayed on the inside of my fan and was told that was one of the symptoms of a leaking fan clutch. would you replace this fan immediately and would you only use a Aisin fan clutch? There is a fan clutch on Ebay, that is only $39, would you buy this fan clutch or only Aisin? Thank you very much for your help!!

Tim's answer: The oil could be the clutch fluid leaking out. Makes sense unless you spilled some oil while working on your rig and that's where it landed. You might be good for a while but I'd definitely keep an eye on your coolant temp and probably stay away from any long trips until you get it replaced. The sooner you replace it the better. You'd be kicking yourself for overheating your engine and maybe getting yourself stuck somewhere because you delayed on replacing it. I would only recommend buying the Aisin one I got or go with OEM. Aisin made the OEM one so they should be pretty much identical. The OEM one through a seller like Camelback Toyota is a little more expensive. You're welcome and I'm glad you found the video helpful.

My answer back to Tim: Thanks Tim for taking the time to respond and so quickly. I'm 100% sure it's not from oil when working on my truck and had a dark black color and one of the bolts on the fan had a dry black power so I'm confident it's from the fan clutch. I will take your advice and buy the OEM Aisin. You are GREAT Tim, I subscribed/liked and will tell everyone I know and I belong to a popular Toyota forum and will spread your videos ~ again thanks, Mark

 

Sounds like a good time to do an electric fan conversion.

 

What would be the advantage of an electric fan over the fan clutch in it now?

 

Nothing but more work and issues. Just replace the clutch with a autozone or whatever parts store to get a parts warranty.

 

I just called my local dealership and they want $178.41 for the fan clutch + 6.25% sales tax = $189.56 and if I didn't want to install they wanted $256 = shock +install

 

I think I going to pay extra and get the OEM Aisin, with a 3 year warranty.

 

Sorry I didn't get back with you sooner. I always buy OEM or Aisin, Denso or what ever is the closest if I have the money. I have found sometimes cheap will cost more in the long run in both aggravation and money.

Glad I could assist in your troubleshooting.

 

I dunno about install on a Tacoma but did this on a 2006 Trailblazer a few years ago and it was a pain in the dick.

 

I agree with you and you have nothing to be sorry about, haven take the time to help me out, which I appreciate. It has been bothering me...not knowing what the fantom problem was and you gave me peace of mind, as my mind tends to wander to the catastrophic = blown head gasket.

I hope you had a great Thanksgiving with your friends and family Jimmyh!!

 

I don't know if you watched that video I uploaded, but was kind of hoping it was that straightforward. I changed my water pump and that gives my a little confidence. I heard it's best to change them out in pairs the water pump with a fan clutch, as when one is wear out, it also wears out the other too....who knew??

 

I thought I would post this information, to help others here:

1. How hard would you rate the job of replacing the fan clutch?
   
   Markcal, Yesterday at 2:52 PMEditReport
   Reply
   
   
2. 
   jboudreaux1965ragin cajun
   Joined:
   Jun 2, 2014
   Member:
   #131162
   Messages:
   782
   Gender:
   Male
   First Name:
   joseph
   abbeville
   2006 Pre-Runner TRD Sport
   3" coil-overs, AAL
   ↑
   How hard would you rate the job of replacing the fan clutch?
   Its not bad at all, just take your time because space is tight, for sure easier with 2 people because the fan with clutch on it is auqward to handle. You can do it in an afternoon if you take your time.
   
   jboudreaux1965, Yesterday at 5:16 PMReport
   Reply
   
   
3. 
   MarkcalWell-Known Member
   Joined:
   Aug 14, 2014
   Member:
   #136147
   Messages:
   1,403
   Gender:
   Male
   First Name:
   Mark
   Massachusetts
   2006 AC 2.7L 4X4
   ↑
   Its not bad at all, just take your time because space is tight, for sure easier with 2 people because the fan with clutch on it is auqward to handle. You can do it in an afternoon if you take your time.
   OK, Thanks- I just went out and did one of the tests Tim said in that video. I rotated the fan by hand and it wasn't free wheeling, turning about 3/4 turn, but I'm still leery because something caused the oil to escape. I see no oil now and went out for a 3 hour drive yesterday.
   
   Markcal, Yesterday at 5:56 PMEditReport
   Reply
   
   
4. 
   jboudreaux1965ragin cajun
   Joined:
   Jun 2, 2014
   Member:
   #131162
   Messages:
   782
   Gender:
   Male
   First Name:
   joseph
   abbeville
   2006 Pre-Runner TRD Sport
   3" coil-overs, AAL
   ↑
   OK, Thanks- I just went out and did one of the tests Tim said in that video. I rotated the fan by hand and it wasn't free wheeling, turning about 3/4 turn, but I'm still leery because something caused the oil to escape. I see no oil now and went out for a 3 hour drive yesterday.
   Theres no oil in the clutch, it would have come from the block/crank shaft. Look for wet spots around the shaft or on front of the block. In any case, 3/4 turn of fan isnt that good, id change clutch regardless, could lead to overheating. By any chance did you ever spray lube or anything on tge belt? Could be that, that splattered? Or possibly if you recently changed engine oil filter, some left over oil in the filter cup was dripping from filter cup drain and got sucked into the fan. Ill keep thinking on it
   
   jboudreaux1965, Yesterday at 9:47 PMReport
   Reply
   
   
5. 
   MarkcalWell-Known Member
   Joined:
   Aug 14, 2014
   Member:
   #136147
   Messages:
   1,403
   Gender:
   Male
   First Name:
   Mark
   Massachusetts
   2006 AC 2.7L 4X4
   ↑
   Theres no oil in the clutch
   You are mistaken about there being no oil in the clutch and I never knew that either till this happened ==>
   
   Check out the silicone oil at 2:37 of the video, because that is exactly the color of what I cleaned on my fan blades. ==>
6. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zjhKr5usjaA
   
7. 
   
   
   Markcal, Yesterday at 11:44 PMEditReport
   Reply
   
   
8. 
   jboudreaux1965ragin cajun
   Joined:
   Jun 2, 2014
   Member:
   #131162
   Messages:
   782
   Gender:
   Male
   First Name:
   joseph
   abbeville
   2006 Pre-Runner TRD Sport
   3" coil-overs, AAL
   I took mine completely apart! Every bolt, every piece! There was no oil!
   
   If it is supposed to have oil, then I guess that would be a good reason it failed
   
   I was just going off of experience from when I dissasembled the clutch, sorry about that bro! But make since, thank you for info
   
   jboudreaux1965, Today at 12:04 AMReport
   Reply
   
   
9. 
   MarkcalWell-Known Member
   Joined:
   Aug 14, 2014
   Member:
   #136147
   Messages:
   1,403
   Gender:
   Male
   First Name:
   Mark
   Massachusetts
   2006 AC 2.7L 4X4
   ↑
   I took mine completely apart! Every bolt, every piece! There was no oil!
   
   If it is supposed to have oil, then I guess that would be a good reason it failed
   
   I was just going off of experience from when I dissasembled the clutch, sorry about that bro! But make since, thank you for info
   That would explain why yours failed, I will give mine a few more tests and time, but would rather be proactive and get it fixed before it overheats, with all the problems that go with that.
   
   No problem, we are all here learning from each other, so everything is good.

 

Lol, yup, mine was toasted

 

I changed mine in a campground on a trip on my 99 runner. Took thirty minutes because I dropped a bolt and had to drop the skid to get it back, otherwise it's a fifteen minutes job with a couple of wrenches.

This is an easy DIY. As someone else noted, just be careful in letting the fan gouge the rad fins.