Noticed this last vacation, climbing a 7% grade, the fn clutch would "want" to kick in but made this whirling sound, like it was trying to catch itself. Never did make the jet sound, and frankly, hasn't made that sound in a while.... Think its going south?

 

Yes. Just went through that scenario with the "99. It would finally partially engage at about 230-232* EOT.

Replaced the clutch and it now fully engages at 218* EOT.

 

Hey, 265k at 18yrs old. Guess it did its job. What brand did you go with?

 

I bought OEM for mine, check your fan blades too. One of mine had a crack so I got a new fan at the same time.

 

Dorman

So far, so good. We'll see....

Ford was willing to let me wait 3 days and pay $250+. I needed it that day.
Not a bad task really. 2 bolts for the shroud. 4 bolts for the fan to clutch. Do yourself a favor and rent the tool from Advance or AZ for the fan nut and pulley bolts. The most aggravating part is getting the fan nut started on the water pump. An air powered ratchet is a life saver. About an hour.

Speaking of water pumps: it'd be a great time to replace it with Riffraff's pump (awesome kit) if it hasn't been replaced in a while.

 

When replacing my water pump, I borrowed the tool below from a friend. After 225K miles, the large nut broke loose and was removed on the first try and quite easily.

I highly recommend this style of fan clutch tool.

 

Doesn't the fan/clutch assembly come off the pump with that one big nut? I know it's controversial but I used my air chisel on the nut and it let go as soon as I hit it. That was on the short bus that I dismantled.

 

Yes, you are correct, it does. Then you have to separate the fan from the clutch which is held together with 4 bolts. The Fan/clutch and shroud are normally removed at the same time.

Maybe I wasn't clear enough. The rental tool will greatly assist with getting the fan nut loose from the water pump.

Sous, there is an even better tool that I rented recently. It is similar to having a large open end wrench that fits over the two of the four pulley bolts.

 

Did not think of WP replacement. At the time of WP install, I also did the ELC. That was 150k ago with an Airtex pump from Rockauto. I ordered 2 at that time..(got truk 7/10 with 100k). Would if be wise to install the new, now?
As for method of choice...Air chisel, baby!

 

A ratchet strap around the pulley hooked up under the truck with a big pipe wrench can also pop it right out when air tools are not available.

 

I used a NAPA clutch, moved my fan over to it. Around $50-$60 IIRC.

Been working quite well for about 3 yrs now. I tried all the "tests" and had access to several take-offs from used trucks. Couldn't make any reliable estimation as to their condition

Cheap insurance and really made a difference

 

I was waiting for Cleatus to chime in since I hang on his sack, but just use a blip with an air chisel and take out the assy. Pretty simple. After you do it once you'll have the same detent to use after install.

 

I would inspect the water pump while the clutch is off and if everything looks fine I would leave it alone. If you see signs of damage or leaking, replace it.

 

I made my own fan clutch tool, just cut out a curve with a long handle from a piece of 1/8" sheet then drilled two holes in it to match 2 of the fan mounting bolts which I slip it over to hold everything, very simple and easy to use.

 

I have flat stock. I'll look into making that...Ex, that Napa one for our trucks I now 195.00. With the success so far for non OEM, ill dig at Rockauto, see what they got. Knock on wood, but nothing out of the norm with WP showing signs. I do need to install OEM tstat, been running a duralsst for last 150k miles. Coincidentally, think my loooonnnggg warm ups are do to it and not the coolant filter