Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Fan CLutch Questions

[Seafood10]

I have read through many posts here regarding the fan clutch. I was towing my fiver this past weekend in 45 degree weather up a nice grade and temps got to 230 and my Edge Juice started beeping like I had just walked out of Best Buy with a cart full of products that had not had their alarm sensor tag deactivated.

Anyway, this is the first time I have had that problem and after reading the posts I definitley will be cleaning the radiator and moving the bottle ASAP but I began thinking the last time I have heard the fan and I can't remember so I wnat to look at that as well.

I have seen different answers on how to test the clutch, from putting a blanket over the radiator to trying to stop the fan with your hands. Can someone tell me the best way to test it, should it spin after the truck has been sitting over night or should it lock up when the truck is hot, I am confused.

Also, which of these, if any, have you used or can recommend?

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Any help is appreciated as always.

 

[Seafood10]

Is this a better Fan clutch than the one I have linked above? is it worth the extra 45. 00?

thanks



NAPAONLINE®

 

[Huff N Puff]

There are many good ways to test a fan clutch

The ways you described,should NOT be tried. Grabbing the fan blades is darn right dangerous. Blocking the radiator wont let the fan clutch get hot, if it does not heat up it won't lock. Its a little difficult in the winter cause the cold makes for a really efficient BTU mover. You can use a torpedo heater in the winter to add some BTUs, about 10 or 15 feet away keep the engine at 2000rpm let it get to operating temp a little over 195deg F you will hear the fan clutch kick in, the temp. should drop a little then clutch will kick out. If you want to test it with more accurately, hookup a set of A/C guages crank up the A/C watch the high side pressures, rev it up to 2000rpm,the pressure will climb to about 250 to 300psi the fan clutch will kick in dropping pressures to about 175 to 225psi, then it will kick out . Warning if tempretures exceed 220deg or A/C pressures exceed 400psi STOP the test. The fan is not moving enough air.

 

[Seafood10]

I've got a coupon that will get me the Hayden Fan Clutch for 75. 00 so I am just going to go ahead and swap it out. I have been watching and listening and the fan is not engaging, I appreciate the help again.

Sean