Fan Clutch Water Pump...Help!

[rickgburton]

Can someone tell me if I'm on the right track? 2002, 1500, 4.7 Small V8, 2WD, Auto: I have a significant loss in gas mileage for the last few weeks. At the same time I started to hear what sounds like a bad bearing sound up front under the hood. it's intermittent with a pattern and not loud. Moving to different positions, the best I can tell, it's coming from the fan clutch. If I turn the fan back and forth I do have a small amount of play. Is this normal? Is there an easier way to tell if that's the problem? No fluid leaks, No engine problems, no cooling problems. If the fan clutch or water pump was bad would this cause poor gas mileage? What am I missing? Any guidance would be much appreciated! Thanks!

How can I tell if my 2002 Ram 4.7 V8 is 2nd generation or 3rd generation?

regards,
rickgburton

 

[dapepper9]

If the clutch is locked up it can cause excess drag on the engine and decrease your fuel consumption yes.

But you might also have better luck posting in the 3rd gen section