Fan question
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Joined: Feb 2010
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Fan question
81 F150 4.9L 4X4
The cooling fan does not have a clutch. I was wondering if that is normal or if the guy I got it from just put a different fan on it. I would like to replace it, is that possible or is it supposed to be like this. It is very noisy!!!!!!
The cooling fan does not have a clutch. I was wondering if that is normal or if the guy I got it from just put a different fan on it. I would like to replace it, is that possible or is it supposed to be like this. It is very noisy!!!!!!
Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 8,521
Likes: 16
From: Lost
Most 4.9L/300 engines came with a direct drive fan. I believe the clutch-type fan was only found on super cooling/factory A/C package trucks.
That's not to say that a clutch-type fan can't be added. Just need the fan and clutch combo, along with either some shorter bolts or studs/nuts to mount it, and it's a direct swap. Make sure the replacement fan is the same diameter as the old one, for best results. Larger fans *may* require modding the truck to fit, and smaller diameter fans may not cool effectively.
That's not to say that a clutch-type fan can't be added. Just need the fan and clutch combo, along with either some shorter bolts or studs/nuts to mount it, and it's a direct swap. Make sure the replacement fan is the same diameter as the old one, for best results. Larger fans *may* require modding the truck to fit, and smaller diameter fans may not cool effectively.
Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 8,521
Likes: 16
From: Lost
I doubt you would notice much power or MPG gain by switching to the clutch fan. There may be some gain, but how well that would offset the cost of the swap could vary greatly. If you have a fan and clutch laying around that are good, then it's a pretty cheap swap. Going to a salvage to buy used can be fairly inexpensive, or nearly the same as buying new. Used fan clutches are a gamble, and new typically not cheap.
On the other hand, the direct drive fan is pretty trouble free, assuming nothing ever gets in it's way......
On the other hand, the direct drive fan is pretty trouble free, assuming nothing ever gets in it's way......
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 8,786
Likes: 28
From: Northern California
The standard fan was a Flex fan from the factory.
300-6's with Super cooling, and/or A/C got the clutch fan.
There will be a gain with cooling, and it will free up some HP and Fuel mileage.
The Fan Clutches on the 300-6 before 1983 use four bolts to hook to the existing waterpump you have. 1983 and newer fan clutches will not work as they use a different waterpump and clutch attachment.
All you need is a Proper fan for the Fan Clutch. These Fans are the same 1980-1986. And to get a new fan clutch at a autopart store for a 1981. Remove the fan spacer, and bolt the new clutch and fan on your existing waterpump.
It's a really simple upgrade.
In the future you may want to get the wider radiator, and fan shroud for you truck as well. Cooling is greatly improved over the small standard cooling system you have.
300-6's with Super cooling, and/or A/C got the clutch fan.
There will be a gain with cooling, and it will free up some HP and Fuel mileage.
The Fan Clutches on the 300-6 before 1983 use four bolts to hook to the existing waterpump you have. 1983 and newer fan clutches will not work as they use a different waterpump and clutch attachment.
All you need is a Proper fan for the Fan Clutch. These Fans are the same 1980-1986. And to get a new fan clutch at a autopart store for a 1981. Remove the fan spacer, and bolt the new clutch and fan on your existing waterpump.
It's a really simple upgrade.
In the future you may want to get the wider radiator, and fan shroud for you truck as well. Cooling is greatly improved over the small standard cooling system you have.
