Fan Clutch Test?
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
From: SLC, UT
Fan Clutch Test?
How do I test a fan clutch? So far I've changed: Hoses (worn out), thermostat only opened 3/8 inch), water pump (end play and leaking), heater core (leaking)had the radiator rebuilt (solder bloom) - I'm installing a new water temperature qauge tomorrow. The oil is clean and the radiator fluid is clear so I don't think I have a head gasket issue. On the test drive tonight under load it is now running between M and A in C\NORMAL/H , when I back off or stop it drops between R and M.
I can see a spring like thing (heat coil?) in the front of my fan clutch but I've never heard the fan lock in.
Thanks -
I can see a spring like thing (heat coil?) in the front of my fan clutch but I've never heard the fan lock in.
Thanks -
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,701
Likes: 0
From: KY
Check the temp with a mechanical guage. The dash gauge can vary alot. If the voltage regulator in the dash is bad the guages won't read right. I have put two in my dash. They last about a year then the guages start reading inconsistantly. later
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 894
Likes: 0
From: South Dakota
Aren't there aftermarket mechanical guages available? I was passin through Wally-world tonight and saw a 3 guage setup (water temp, oil pressure, and amps) for $20. I don't know if they are mechnical or what but would I be able to use them? Haven't even started looking at mounting locations yet for the sensors...
Post Fiend
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 14,325
Likes: 14
From: Island Southeast Alaska
I know of no safe way to test the clutch fan.
I remove fan and take apart. There will be oil in it and the clutch.
Looks like a gear with some hole in It. I drill a small pilot hole in housing and put a self tapping screw through one of the holes in clutch. Making sure the top of screw is even or below the existing hole in clutch. this will lock the fan solid and if the over heating problem go's away you have found your problem. You will burn more fuel and will sound like a Jet on the freeway. so buy a new one if it bothers ya.
I remove fan and take apart. There will be oil in it and the clutch.
Looks like a gear with some hole in It. I drill a small pilot hole in housing and put a self tapping screw through one of the holes in clutch. Making sure the top of screw is even or below the existing hole in clutch. this will lock the fan solid and if the over heating problem go's away you have found your problem. You will burn more fuel and will sound like a Jet on the freeway. so buy a new one if it bothers ya.
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
From: SLC, UT
Today's effort:
Installed a mechanical temperature gauge
Removed fan and WD-40'ed the heat coil, then tried to rotate the center shaft, after a little work the shaft loosened up and started turning. Heating the heat coil produced a 1/4 turn only.
Replaced the fan then test drove the truck 20 miles after warming it up to 192 degrees. The mechanical gauge got to 198 one time, most of the time it spent sitting at 192. The Electrical gauge moved but never reached the where it had before I played with the fan clutch.
The thermostat is from AutoZone, Durafast. It has a device in it to allow trapped air to escape and I fixed the check valve in the thermostat housing.
I read about car-part.com and visited the site - found all sorts of parts for this engine!
I had ordered a power steering pulley (they would only sell the pulley with a pump) from a part locator, $95, it arrived and had a serpentine pulley with a power steering fluid sensor in the hose. It appears to be from something a lot newer then a 84. I found a pulley with only one v-groove for $10, it works.
I'm from the age when a three jaw puller removed pulleys, it appeared to be removing the power steering pulley then I noticed the pulley was not moving on the shaft, this is the reason for the new pulley and the new pulley removal tool set.
Installed a mechanical temperature gauge
Removed fan and WD-40'ed the heat coil, then tried to rotate the center shaft, after a little work the shaft loosened up and started turning. Heating the heat coil produced a 1/4 turn only.
Replaced the fan then test drove the truck 20 miles after warming it up to 192 degrees. The mechanical gauge got to 198 one time, most of the time it spent sitting at 192. The Electrical gauge moved but never reached the where it had before I played with the fan clutch.
The thermostat is from AutoZone, Durafast. It has a device in it to allow trapped air to escape and I fixed the check valve in the thermostat housing.
I read about car-part.com and visited the site - found all sorts of parts for this engine!
I had ordered a power steering pulley (they would only sell the pulley with a pump) from a part locator, $95, it arrived and had a serpentine pulley with a power steering fluid sensor in the hose. It appears to be from something a lot newer then a 84. I found a pulley with only one v-groove for $10, it works.
I'm from the age when a three jaw puller removed pulleys, it appeared to be removing the power steering pulley then I noticed the pulley was not moving on the shaft, this is the reason for the new pulley and the new pulley removal tool set.
Trending Topics
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 5,638
Likes: 1
From: Manitoba
Wrong thermostat........ only Ford or IH will work correctly.
See here..
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...89#post2197889
I would start saving for a new clutch fan, I did the same thing and had to get a new one.......
See here..
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...89#post2197889
I would start saving for a new clutch fan, I did the same thing and had to get a new one.......
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 6 Best Deals Available on New Fords & Lincolns Right Now
Brett Foote
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals
Joe Kucinski
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
