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I Think My Fan Clutch Is Bad..

  • Thread starter Thread starter billison
  • Start date Start date May 18, 2015

billison

I like tinted tail
15 Year Member
Feb 27, 2006
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stl
May 18, 2015
#1
  • May 18, 2015
  • #1
Ok, 89 5.0 gt bone stock

When I rev it I can hear the wind woosh and it sounds like a semi truck. Tried to spin the fan manually and it will not free spin at all. I'm calling it dead and figure it's time for my first upgrade.
 

mikestang63

SN Certified Technician
Aug 27, 2012
11,606
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In the garage
May 18, 2015
#2
  • May 18, 2015
  • #2
Are the tips of the fan covered with goop and/or do you see the viscous fluid leaking? You should be able to spin the fan about 1/2 a turn when cold.
 

Mustang5L5

That is…until I whipped out my Bissell
Mod Dude
Feb 18, 2001
43,260
17,945
224
Massachusetts
May 18, 2015
#3
  • May 18, 2015
  • #3
If you can't free spin it about 1/4 to 1/2 turn, then it's dead. Time to replace it.....or E-fan that bad larry.
 

2000xp8

SN Certified Technician
Aug 8, 2003
8,029
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NJ
May 19, 2015
#4
  • May 19, 2015
  • #4
I'd just buy a new fan clutch. They really don't rob that much power and the cost vs gain ratio is terrible.
Put the money (and headaches) you save into parts that are more beneficial.
The alt upgrade, fan, wiring and controller add up and you definitely don't get your $300-$500 worth of hp from it.

Ignore my comment if when you said "upgrade" you mean upgraded fan clutch (not sure if the HD unit is still available).
 
Last edited: May 19, 2015

billison

I like tinted tail
15 Year Member
Feb 27, 2006
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stl
May 27, 2015
#5
  • May 27, 2015
  • #5
Between half price day at the parts yard and Craigslist I was able to upgrade the alternator to a 3G unit and install a electric fan with controller for about $80. For now it fits the bill and keeps the car cool/charged, and quieted the thing down quite a bit.




I need to take a few hours and detail the engine bay and paint the intake plate.
 
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