How to test a fan clutch
08-07-2006, 08:11 PM
#1
5th Gear Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location:
Posts: 2,596
How to test a fan clutch
Ok, stupid question, how do you test a fan clutch, I am still trying to diagnose a overheating problem, I have a new 180 t-stat on the bench and new clutch, but do they go bad?
08-07-2006, 08:15 PM
#2
Gentleman's Relish
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: AZ
Posts: 13,090
RE: How to test a fan clutch
Yes, clutches can go bad. Two ways to test it.
let hte car warm up then shut the engine off. It should have little or no spin on the fan while the engine is hot (since the fan should spin with the motor at this point). When cold it should be almost free spinning with a little bit of resistance.
Or you could take it off and heat the coil (gently) with a torch. Again, it should be very difficult to spin the clutch shaft.
let hte car warm up then shut the engine off. It should have little or no spin on the fan while the engine is hot (since the fan should spin with the motor at this point). When cold it should be almost free spinning with a little bit of resistance.
Or you could take it off and heat the coil (gently) with a torch. Again, it should be very difficult to spin the clutch shaft.
08-07-2006, 10:39 PM
#6
1st Gear Member
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 144
RE: How to test a fan clutch
ok i know of two more methods that havent been stated yet. one let the car warm up for a bit, then put ur hand in front of the fan and raise the rpms at the throttle body. you should feel the fan pull more air through at high rpms. second get an old rag and bunch it up, then stick the bunched up part in the fan gently. if the clutch is good the rag will get tossed and torn, if not the fan will stop. be carefull with both methods though.
08-07-2006, 10:44 PM
#7
The Rogue Mod
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Maryland Sucka's!!
Posts: 21,918
RE: How to test a fan clutch
The way I test 'em, I get the car to operating temp, the I wrap a rag wadded up in my hand and try to stop the fan, If you can stop it, the fan clutch is no good. I've done this for years w/ never a problem getting injured but it does take some finesse. I wouldn't recommend this though. I am an experienced tech and know a lotta lil tricks.
08-08-2006, 12:38 AM
#8
5th Gear Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location:
Posts: 2,596
RE: How to test a fan clutch
I am scared now! I dont know if I want to try to stop a moving fan or not. I have to wait until tomorrow anyway, I tore the wore out hose that connects the water pump to the t-stat housing. I have the t-stat installed and will pick up a new hose tomorrow. Thanks for the tips, I have to get this problem resolved.
08-08-2006, 12:44 AM
#9
The Rogue Mod
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Maryland Sucka's!!
Posts: 21,918
RE: How to test a fan clutch
ORIGINAL: TwotoneVert
I am scared now! I dont know if I want to try to stop a moving fan or not. I have to wait until tomorrow anyway, I tore the wore out hose that connects the water pump to the t-stat housing. I have the t-stat installed and will pick up a new hose tomorrow. Thanks for the tips, I have to get this problem resolved.
I am scared now! I dont know if I want to try to stop a moving fan or not. I have to wait until tomorrow anyway, I tore the wore out hose that connects the water pump to the t-stat housing. I have the t-stat installed and will pick up a new hose tomorrow. Thanks for the tips, I have to get this problem resolved.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
junior04
4.6L (1996-2004 Modular) Mustang
1
09-28-2015 10:53 AM
