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Fan Clutch how to test

  • Thread starter Thread starter Monkey#39
  • Start date Start date Jun 13, 2010
M

Monkey#39

Member
Jun 5, 2010
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CObble Hill BC
Jun 13, 2010
#1
  • Jun 13, 2010
  • #1
Curious how you can tell if the fan clutch is bad

I dont know if its just me being paranoid or not Ive read that its ok to have your temp around the 200* mark.... I know the stock gauges are **** but thats all i got for now the temp gauge hits dead center for most of the drive and goes up to the next line over center sometimes .. regaurdless if im on the highway or sitting in traffic then today driving around it was 25 c out and then temp guage didnt go over half..... I just bought the car so i have do clue what stat is in it the coolant looks fine no oil or milkyness to it just puzzled by this ...

This is pretty much as high as it goes.. its never overheated even in stop and go rush hour traffic



Ive also read that the Gts are suppose to have a deflector underneath does anyone have a pic of one I have no clue if I have one heres what my front out looks like



Any help would be great!
 

HISSIN50

"How long does it take to get help in here?
15 Year Member
Nov 29, 1999
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Jun 13, 2010
#2
  • Jun 13, 2010
  • #2
The fan clutch tests are kinda subjective but if you check it after a drive (with the engine off, give it a spin with your hand, being careful not to cut your fingers), it should not spin easily, and probably won't spin more than 1/2 rotation.
Also look for silicone leaking around the hub (it attracts dirt, so if you see dirt around the hub, it probably leaks).

Examine your fan for cracks. The stockers were known for cracking.

I can't tell if you have the deflector or not. It's just a piece of plastic - you'd know if you had one when you look under the car (and you'd probably catch your chest on it while changing oil).

I'd get a deflector and if you need fan components, consider upgrading your alternator and going to an E-fan.

BTW, it'd be real nice to see actual coolant temps, even if it's with a 10 dollar parts store gauge that you hook up for a day or two.

Good luck.
 
M

Monkey#39

Member
Jun 5, 2010
29
1
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CObble Hill BC
Jun 13, 2010
#3
  • Jun 13, 2010
  • #3
Ok we're calling the black plastic that hangs below all cars the air deflector.. yeah my car doesnt have one..... And when my cars hot the fan spins freely and the fan clutch is dirty my bet is new fan clutch!
 

S&B

I hate my CT. :(
10 Year Member
Dec 18, 2005
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Cheesehead
Jun 13, 2010
#4
  • Jun 13, 2010
  • #4
this is how you check it,

you remove it and replace with a new one
 
V

v8only

Active Member
Jul 3, 2003
2,378
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Jun 13, 2010
#5
  • Jun 13, 2010
  • #5
shove a piece of rolled newspaper into it while the engine is running.

If it's working, it won't slow down. If it isn't, the blades will stop easily.

the stock gauge for temps is useless...install an autometer temp gauge....200,210 is fine etc
 

Mustang5L5

That is…until I whipped out my Bissell
Mod Dude
Feb 18, 2001
43,246
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Massachusetts
Jun 13, 2010
#6
  • Jun 13, 2010
  • #6
Monkey#39 said:
Ok we're calling the black plastic that hangs below all cars the air deflector.. yeah my car doesnt have one..... And when my cars hot the fan spins freely and the fan clutch is dirty my bet is new fan clutch!
Click to expand...




Yeah, you need a new fan clutch and the lower deflector
 

KamiKaziDK

Member
May 16, 2005
555
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Mesa, Az
Jun 14, 2010
#7
  • Jun 14, 2010
  • #7
examine your fan while you're at it if it's stock, they crap out all the time and will come apart like an evil white plastic grenade
 

jrichker

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Jun 14, 2010
#8
  • Jun 14, 2010
  • #8
The white faces on the gauges are a tip off to a possible gauge problem. In order to put the white faces on, you have to remove the pointer needles from the gauges. Getting them put back on in exactly the same place they were before you removed them is often very tricky. That's why aftermarket gauges are a better choice in your case.

Many, many years ago, I was a poor Airman (E3) with a very small paycheck. I carefully drilled two 3/16" holes in the front of the fan 180 degrees apart. Then I installed a self tapping grease fitting in one of the holes, and pumped the fan full of grease until it came out the open hole. Then I screwed the other grease fitting in the open hole. That lasted until several years until I had enough money to buy a replacement fan clutch assembly.
 
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