Mechanical Fan Shroud

[billyblankss]

My 87 I6 Renix does not have a fan shroud on the mechanical fan right behind the radiator. I've seen some talk of how these are important - if nothing else it would make me less nervous fiddling for the hood latch with the engine running. 

 

https://thejeephut.com/fan-shroud-for-1987-2001-jeep-xj-cherokee-mj-comanche-w-lhd-w-4-0l-engine/

 

Is that the shroud that goes around the mechanical fan? otherwise it looks very similar to the shroud on the aux fan. Does anyone have a factory fan shroud and maybe a picture? 

[Pete M]

that looks to be the mech fan shroud  

 

found some a bit cheaper:

 

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_nkw=jeep+cherokee+fan+shroud&_sacat=0&_sop=15

[1989commanche]

Bought one on Amazon few months ago. Cheap and fit well. 21.00

[AZJeff]

I have found that, for whatever reason, the fanshroud with the OEM dimensions always has a HELL of a time getting past the space between my radiator and my mech. fan clutch if I have to remove it for any reason.   (Maybe it's because I have an all-metal 3-row radiator.)

 

In any case, I have broken THREE of those damnned things trying to remove them after installation without removing the top radiator core support bracket, which is a PITA unto itself to take out.

 

I finally bought my last replacement, and before installing it, did some judicious trimming on the bottom edge of the shroud with a Dremel tool before installing it into the vehicle.   I can now install/remove the goofy thing without breaking it in the process.

 

I don't know if anyone else has had this issue, but it's a tip to share....

[SVPete]

 

1 hour ago, AZJeff said:

I don't know if anyone else has had this issue

Absolutely, Yes. I can vouch that the fan shroud does not come out in a simple manner.

[87MJTIM]

Ya' have to remove the fan along with the shroud.

 

Gloves and a long handle, ratcheting wrench are needed.

[cruiser54]

I modify the shroud at the bottom with a cutoff wheel so it will come out easily.

[54bobby]

16 hours ago, AZJeff said:

I have found that, for whatever reason, the fanshroud with the OEM dimensions always has a HELL of a time getting past the space between my radiator and my mech. fan clutch if I have to remove it for any reason.   (Maybe it's because I have an all-metal 3-row radiator.)

 

In any case, I have broken THREE of those damnned things trying to remove them after installation without removing the top radiator core support bracket, which is a PITA unto itself to take out.

 

I finally bought my last replacement, and before installing it, did some judicious trimming on the bottom edge of the shroud with a Dremel tool before installing it into the vehicle.   I can now install/remove the goofy thing without breaking it in the process.

 

I don't know if anyone else has had this issue, but it's a tip to share....

i had that issue. snapped right in 2. i found that on a windy day if you throw it with the wind, they fly quite well, all the way to the back of the yard, over the fence and into the woods.

[AZJeff]

1 hour ago, 54bobby said:

i had that issue. snapped right in 2. i found that on a windy day if you throw it with the wind, they fly quite well, all the way to the back of the yard, over the fence and into the woods.

Yeah, I can see that.  But...you still need a shroud, especially if you live in a hot climate, as it makes the fan SO much more effective.  

 

Unless you make some mods to the OEM shroud, you will get a chance to do it all over again the next time you take the shroud out.

[54bobby]

On 2/24/2021 at 3:29 PM, AZJeff said:

Yeah, I can see that.  But...you still need a shroud, especially if you live in a hot climate, as it makes the fan SO much more effective.  

 

Unless you make some mods to the OEM shroud, you will get a chance to do it all over again the next time you take the shroud out.

where did you make your cuts and i wonder if they'll be the same for my 2.5

[cruiser54]

Center bottom, wide enough to go past the fan clutch.

[AZJeff]

2 hours ago, cruiser54 said:

Center bottom, wide enough to go past the fan clutch.

Yup, it’s kind of a trial and error method to cut enough to clear the clutch.  Cut only as much as absolutely needed.