fan clutch questions

[jmd2914]

alright i think my fan clutch is goin out but im not quite sure how to tell. and if it is going out, how much is a new one going to cost me??

 

[90mustangGT]

Use search function please.

After running for about a minuite or so when the engine is cold, after shutting the car off, the fan should spin freely (not like a bicycle wheel but rather easy) and after the car is at full operating temprature it should, after shutoff, be rather firm, should not free wheel at all. Not expensive to fix.

 

[SamSnyder]

Cold, it should spin 2, 3, 4 or 5 revs on shut off. Hot, it should snap to a stop inside one rev. Once again, I am adamant that real Ford brand fan clutches are best, even if they cost a lot more. Every single aftermarket brand fan clutch I have used has been too tight. If you are having a problem with overheating that could help you. But then why own a Mustang? A too-tight fan clutch costs serious HP, and I am talking about real seat-of-the-pants feel. The Ford ones actually work right -- freewheeling when it's OK, and locking up when it's hot.

 

[HISSIN50]

Also, if one sees silicone fluid leaking out of the clutch hub, that is a sign that it is time to replace.

Good luck.

 

[jmd2914]

im not sure if it was silicon leaking but there was what looked to be mud on the fan clutch when i took it off....i assumed this wasnt good but i didnt know what to think so i just cleaned it and put it back on cuz i didnt know any better. ( did a search, didnt find anything...sorry)

 

[HISSIN50]

On the front of the clutch is where most find the silicone leaking. On a thermal clutch, there is a bi-metallic spring, which can cover or reveal an orifice, depending upon temps and whether the clutch needs to lock-up more or freewheel (this is a viscous coupling). Lack of silicone can play games with that dynamic.

If you were losing silicone, it might be wise to renew the part. Good luck.

 

[Ranchero5.0]

I have to agree on the Ford part. I have an auto zone one on the '93 that was around $70 that seems to work pretty good at cooling, but as said it does suck down a huge amount of power. Plan on running till the end of August and then putting the old stocker back on for the winter. Hopefully this one will loosen up over the next two months.

Jamie

 

[HISSIN50]

Jamie, I run a HD Imperial clutch on the 88 GT vert. Living in the desert, it was just what I wanted. I dont know how much you drive the car, but I would not hold my breath on it loosening up (based on how mine is doing after a couple years). With the metal fan blade, it sounds like a 747.

 

[fordman54935]

Anyone know how much a Ford fan clutch runs? And any place to get one besides the dealership?

 

[sgarlic]

Anyone know how much a Ford fan clutch runs? And any place to get one besides the dealership?

You may try asking Randy at the ford parts section over at modular depot. I ordered a few foxbody parts from him and got a pretty good price.. far better than my local dealership.

 

[maverick0716]

You don't need a Ford one. And you don't need the whole fan either. You just need the clutch part of it (not the blades). You can pick up a heavy duty one at any parts store and they will do fine. I've had mine on for a few years now and it cools perfectly.

 

[HISSIN50]

Anyone know how much a Ford fan clutch runs? And any place to get one besides the dealership?

LRS, stang speed shops (if needing one locally) and other online resto houses. Should be a lot cheaper that way.

Good luck.