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Preventive maintenance inspection engine cooling systems mechanic at truckPreventive maintenance inspection engine cooling systems mechanic at truck

How to perform preventive maintenance on a semi truck engine cooling system

July 10, 2020

If a fan clutch fails, there are plenty of options to replace it. But with preventive maintenance, you can detect and solve potential problems well before they put a customer’s truck out of commission.

Here's a simple, step-by-step guide:

1. Check the state of the radiator, coolant hoses, expansion tank, water pump, AC system, belt, belt tensioner and thermostat for any visual signs of corrosion, wear or other defects.

preventive maintenance engine cooling system radiator
Radiator
preventive maintenance engine cooling system coolant hoses
Coolant hoses
preventive maintenance engine cooling system expansion tank
Expansion tank
Belt and belt tensioner

2. Examine the fan for any defects, chips or contamination buildup.

Engine cooling fan

3. If the fan clutch is pneumatically-operated, take a look at the system supplying air to the clutch.

This includes checking the air line to the solenoid valve, the air line to the fan clutch, and the electric circuit to the solenoid valve.

[RELATED: Heavy-duty fan clutch repair and replacement options can be found in Horton's online catalog]

preventive maintenance engine cooling system air line to solenoid
Air line to solenoid valve
preventive maintenance engine cooling system air line to fan clutch
Air line to fan clutch
preventive maintenance engine cooling system electric circuit to solenoid
Electric circuit to solenoid valve

4. Examine the fan clutch for any defects

preventive maintenance engine cooling system fan clutch
Fan clutch

Including these checks as part of your regular preventive maintenance program can significantly increase the life of a truck's engine cooling system and reveal problems before they cause a truck-down situation.

If there are any issues, be sure to refer to the vehicle's service manual. Fan clutch removal methods are different from application to application.