Fan Clutch Shot?

Topic: Fan Clutch Shot? (Read 1133 times) previous topic - next topic

Fan Clutch Shot?

February 19, 2008, 09:18:16 PM

Well after reading some posts about fan problems, it made me wonder if i'm having the same problem.

I just went out to move the bird so we could get the compressor in, and moved the fan freely in both directions by hand (easily)... is this normal behavior?

Fan Clutch Shot?

Reply #1 – February 19, 2008, 09:36:26 PM

Let it run and get up to temp and than check it. Engine off!! LOL

Fan Clutch Shot?

Reply #2 – February 19, 2008, 09:58:03 PM

lol!
will do.

***
K just did, It sounds so crazy on idle! like a jet engine or something...
Moves the same as it did before by hand.

Fan Clutch Shot?

Reply #3 – February 19, 2008, 10:25:37 PM

Time for an electric fan.

Fan Clutch Shot?

Reply #4 – February 19, 2008, 11:27:57 PM

So i'm guessing it's shot?

I'm going to upgrade to an Electric Fan this summer.
In the meantime i would rather just do a quick fix of the stock setup. Since i'm still working on the "garage" + it should only cost about $5-$10 for a quick trip to the yard. :hick:

Fan Clutch Shot?

Reply #5 – February 20, 2008, 12:13:37 AM

just buy a new fan clutch at pep boys they are like 15bux, you don't have to buy the whole fan. Now if your blades are cracked or broken than buy another fan

Fan Clutch Shot?

Reply #6 – February 20, 2008, 01:35:45 AM

i think the idea of using a bone yard fan clutch is similar to using bone yard brake pads. bad idea.

once upon a time, mine went so crazy it was flopping around in the engine bay and cut into my radiator. Ive never been in that situation or seen that ever again. This was back when I was on my first coug years ago.

Fan Clutch Shot?

Reply #7 – February 23, 2008, 08:42:58 PM

The clutch on both our vehicles were original (both Fords over 18 yrs old). Both had messy dirty silicone grease all over the face of the clutch. Therefore, I presumed the clutches were bad or weak. I put new ones on but have not noticed any remarkable change. I am sure it has made a difference.

Fan Clutch Shot?

Reply #8 – February 26, 2008, 03:05:25 AM

The "clutch" is a sealed unit part-full of silicone oil, so it can turn in either direction, though kind of mushy. If you try to "snap" it around, like starting a propeller-driven airplane, it should only go another inch or so after your fingers release it. If it keeps going another half a turn or more before it even starts to slow down, it's shot.

When cold, the oil should drag the fan around at full speed for a few seconds until it gets evenly distributed inside the clutch, then the fan should slow down. Once the rad gets up to full temperature, the hot air causes the little coiled spring on the face of the clutch to unwind, turning a valve inside and making the fan turn closer to full speed again.

I could go on about viscosity and other stuff, but I should have been in bed an hour ago. Nighty-night....