01 QX4 started to overheat, AC on full blast and idling

[Legend11]

Just recently took a roadtrip to South Dakota from Denver in the 01 QX4. Other than one issue, it went great.

I was in very slow stop and go traffic (basically idle while waiting in line at Bear Country) for 10-15 minutes with the windows up and AC on full blast and noticed the temp gauge started to climb. As soon as I turned the AC off and turned the car off for 1-2 minutes the car temp dropped. I used AC on the trip while on the highway without issues.

Is this a symptom of a bad fan clutch? Is there anyway to test before I shell out $180~ for an OEM fan clutch. Also, about 10-15k ago I completley flushed the cooling system with brand new OEM nissan coolant and replaced the water pump and thermostat with an OEM water pump. I have not had any overheating issues since. The radiator is most likely original(160k).

I need help and advice properly diagnosing the issue before I throw money at it.

Thanks.

[PathyPop]

The fan clutch can be tested, there are youtube vids how to.

$180 for just the clutch? Is that with labor! Rock Auto has them for $40. Your fan is probably cracked to as they all seem to be. If cost is anything over $100 I'd consider converting to an electric setup. They are more effective and maybe get a slight mpg improvement. Radiators are only ~$100 at Rock Auto too. If you can do this work yourself it's not too bad and you can take care of the hoses and belts too.

[yeldogt]

The temps will go up with AC -- high outside temps and the car not moving ... the question is .. How hot?

The path has no issues with cooling .. if it's outside of range just fix it .... no need for an electric fan

[Legend11]

$180 price was for OEM Nissan part. I figured this part must be as critical as a waterpump and didn't want to go cheap on it. As far as Radiator I considered replacing it to for Preventive maintnance w/ Koyo brand (I've had a lot of luck with them and much cheaper than OEM) since I'll be draining and removing hoses to get to the fan clutch.

I'll take a look at youtube videos for diagnosing. I just don't want to blindly throw money at parts (money has been tight lately)

Thanks

[vancouverpathy]

I solved my overheating by replacing a dodgy fan clutch and a rotted/clogged radiator. Start with the basics and check that radiator isn't blocked/clogged and that your thermostat is functioning correctly.

[Mike W.]

I had similar experiences last year a few times on vacation where it was very warm, 100+ and at times 100+. Fan clutch tested questionable, I've seen bad ones and it wasn't bad, but it may not have been good either. I installed a GMB replacement, I've had good luck with that brand on my BMWs, and installed a 2 speed electric fan and never saw over halfway on vacation in the desert this year even in 4WD low in smokin' hot temps. Radiato.r is new so it wasn't the problem on mine. I may have been overkill in my solutions, but for certain areas they did offer an electric fan, it's even marked in the fusebox, albeit with no wiring from it.

[Legend11]

Just getting around to ordering the parts as preventative maintenance. Would like to pull the trigger in the next week or so...
1) Radiator (Going with Denso instead of Koyo) - $65.78
2) OEM Fan Clutch - $191.86!

The price of the fan clutch is stinging a little. Especially without a confirmed bad diagnosis. Any tips to confirm that it's definitely worth replacing? Any other brands outside of OEM? Mike mentioned GMB. I don't mind replacing the rad for $65.78 for cheap insurance since my radiator is most likely oem (I'm doing the work myself).

My dad just had blown head gasket diagnosis on his 01 QX4, so I don't want to take any chances

[brickbox]

I've used GMB and Four Seasons in the past.
https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/inf ... lutch,6812

I would recommend using GMB of the two (used it on my RWD Volvo). Not worth spending ~$192 on an OEM fan clutch IMO.