Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Clutch Fan Question

[ablakemore]

Just completed the KDP fix today. Thanks to all those involved with putting the kit together. Very straight forward. Would of taken me days, instead of hours without it.

Now to my question. My fan clutch engages all the time. Even running down the freeway empty on a hot day. Problem it comes on even when my temperature gauge is running between 140 and 190 degrees. I know this is effecting my fuel mileage. While my fan is off I would like to know if there is a way of adjusting the thing. I read one time where you could bend the little spring one way or the other to have it engage at a higher point. I am assuming that the fan engages when outside temperature gets at a certain point, not engine temperature.



Any help with be appreciated.

Allen

 

[illflem]

The fan spins all the time even if it isn't engaged, just very little power is going to it because it's slipping. It is engaged by the temp of the air flowing though your radiator onto the clutch. You really know it when one engages, it roars. Easy way to tell if yours is engaged all the time is to see if it free wheels by hand when the engine is cold and if your coolant temp is below 190°. It should be easy to turn by hand, engine off of course.

 

[ablakemore]

clutch Fan

Illflem,

Sorry, I meant to say the fan seems to engage early. It doesn't "roar" all the time, but seems to engage even when the outside temp is not that hot and traveling empty. I know when it engages there must be quite a pull on the engine. I heard somewhere that it uses about 23 hp when engaged. I was just wondering if there is an ajustment you can make so it will engage at a higher outside temp. I have never had my truck run over 190 deg. even while pulling my 5th wheel (9800 lbs,) in the desert, up hills, etc. I just hate hearing that "roar" when I'm running so cool.



Thanks

Allen

 

[Dennis Garrett]

Mine wouldn't lock up, I could stop it with my fingers while the engine was idling, and it has a slight wobble to it, the bearing inside was worn out I guess, Easy to replace.

 

[Deezul1]

I had a guy at an auto parts house show me how to check them. We opened the hood and he grabbed one of the blades with his finger tips and said "start it up" , I said no way and he says its ok go ahead so I did and he held the fan with no trouble. What about it guys is this a good test? (assuming your fingers stay out of the way).

 

[ablakemore]

Wowie

I guess thats alright if the fan is OK. But what if its locked up?:--) :--) :{

Allen

 

[RBrunson]

Fan

Allan, just remove the fan for the winter. I only run with mine on about four months out of the year.

 

[Extreme1]

Originally posted by Deezul 1

I had a guy at an auto parts house show me how to check them. We opened the hood and he grabbed one of the blades with his finger tips and said "start it up" , I said no way and he says its ok go ahead so I did and he held the fan with no trouble. What about it guys is this a good test? (assuming your fingers stay out of the way).

Short answer: no.



Long answer: I proves the clutch isn't failed in lock up mode but it might not lock up when you need it.



The test (as described in the manual) requires you to disengage the outer tab of the spring on the front of the clutch and rotate the spring and the shaft 1/8-1/4 turn.



If the shaft doesn't rotate, it won't engage.

 

[ablakemore]

Fan Clutch

Extreme1

I checked my shaft and it turns fine. Because the shaft was already turned about half of its stroke I adjusted the spring so it was fully in the disengaged position. The weather is nice and cool here right now and I didn't think the shaft should of been turned 1/2 engaged already. I will leave my fan off for awhile and see if I have any problems. It doesn't get to cold here in the winter. Not like the 10 ft of snow or so you enjoy in Wisconsin. Thanks for the information.



Allen