engine fans revisited
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 3,595
Likes: 0
From: Utah County, UT
Originally Posted by Zip
I just replaced mine today as it was locked up. It actually had me thinking that I had transmission issues. I paid just over $100.00 for the clutch. Huge difference.
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 111
Likes: 0
The new clutch I have seems to stay engage until the engine is well into the normal temperature range, as I can hear the fan roaring until it warms up. When the engine is cold it still has the same resistance, then after driving the truck the fan is a lot easier to turn. This may be because the fluid in the clutch is cold, making it stiff.
Ron W.
Ron W.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 4,243
Likes: 16
From: AZ
Here is a pretty good article on how fan clutches work and on the second page of the article there is a simple test for checking them...interesting they mention our trucks in the article: " A few late-model pickups and SUVs, such as Ford diesels and the Chevy TrailBlazer and others with the 4.2-liter inline Six, have an electronically controlled valve for the fan clutch. In these vehicles, the silicone fluid doesn't drain back overnight, so the fan may barely spin on a cold engine. It could take a brief drive to get it to declutch."
Neal
http://www.popularmechanics.com/automotive/sub_care_sat/1772922.html
Neal
http://www.popularmechanics.com/automotive/sub_care_sat/1772922.html
Last edited by nlemerise; Aug 27, 2006 at 07:28 PM.
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 111
Likes: 0
Thanks Neal for that article. After getting the clutch I have been checking it, and I really don't know why! After letting the truck idle, to cool down the turbo, I check the fan and it turns fairly easy. As the engine cools off, several hours, it stiffens back up. It will remain engaged until the engine gets up into the normal range. Kind of weird, but at least it isn't remaining engaged. Also, I have less that 15 miles on it and it is all city streets. Might take a little highway driving to loosen it up a bit.
Ron W.
Ron W.
Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by bushman31
I got a rolled up newspaper and tried to stop the fan with it. This was suggested on a previous thread. Well, it didn't slow down the fan a bit, but now I am out of a newspaper. This is telling me that the clutch is engaged when it shouldn't be, and could account for the slight, but noticable, lack of response from a dead stop.
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 111
Likes: 0
I did replace the fan clutch, however apparently it has been replaced with a defective clutch. I talked to the mechanic that replaced it, and told him about the fan being engaged until the engine gets to normal operating temps then disengages. Said it was defective, and to bring it back in.
Ron W.
Ron W.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 4,243
Likes: 16
From: AZ
Yup...that was in the article I linked to: " A few late-model pickups and SUVs, such as Ford diesels and the Chevy TrailBlazer and others with the 4.2-liter inline Six, have an electronically controlled valve for the fan clutch. In these vehicles, the silicone fluid doesn't drain back overnight, so the fan may barely spin on a cold engine. It could take a brief drive to get it to declutch."
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 111
Likes: 0
The warranty company forced the dealership to put on a NAPA clutch. $230 versus $360. I have always had bad luck with NAPA parts, and another shop had even more nice things to say. I took the truck back to the dealership and told them to put on a Ford clutch and I will pay the difference. This clutch was also causing the fan to be LOUD! Louder than a semi truck, couldn't believe. Hopefully this will be the end of it.
Ron W.
PS. I really want to thank everyone on this list. Just hoping one day someone will ask a question I can answere.
Ron W.
PS. I really want to thank everyone on this list. Just hoping one day someone will ask a question I can answere.
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 13,653
Likes: 6
From: Cabot, Arkansas
Originally Posted by Tenn01PSD350
Good deal Bushman. I still stand by my earlier statement. It's a fan working against 200+hp and well over xxxxTQ.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 14,582
Likes: 12
From: 21791
wow, 50 horsepower! i think a flex-a-lite is in my future. is it still moving "near" that much air when you are just cruising around? i thought it just freewheeled at the speed of the air passing over it as you are going down the road??
Junior User
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 66
Likes: 0
From: Troy New York
My 5.4 fan runs constantly. Even when 0 degrees outside. Never hear it. But when it's that cold shouldn't the fan not turn engine speed? The truck is an 02 F-250 Superduty and the fan is hudge, shouldn't I be able to hear it or feel it?