How do I know if my radiator fan clutch is bad?
How do I know if my radiator fan clutch is bad?
To confirm the diagnosis, start with this simple test: Spin the fan as hard as you can on an engine that has not been started that day. If the fan rotates more than five times, you can bet the clutch is bad. You should feel some resistance and the fan may spin up to three times, depending on the ambient temperature.
When do you know it’s time to replace the fan clutch?
According to Hayden, here are some signs your fan clutch might need replaced: Fan spins excessively when engine is stopped (three or more times when hot engine is shut off). Poor A/C performance at idle or low vehicle speeds. Fan speed does not increase when engine is hot.
How can you tell when a fan clutch is engaged?
You should be able to audibly detect when the fan clutch engages, with an accompanying rush of air. At idle, as engine temperature increases, a thermal fan clutch will engage at a certain temperature. Torque-limiting fan clutches will disengage at a certain engine speed. Alternatively, an optical tachometer can be used to measure fan speed.
What happens if you have a bum fan clutch?
A bum fan clutch drains horsepower from the engine to keep the mechanical fans running, which can ultimately lead to critical overheating, decreased fuel economy, and poor general performance. Thanks!
What’s the difference between standard and heavy duty fan clutches?
Standard-Duty Thermal Fan Clutch: This design turns the fan at 60-70 percent of the water pump shaft speed when engaged, and 20-30 percent when disengaged. It’s made for fans with a lighter pitch. Heavy-Duty Thermal Fan Clutch: This fan style turns the fan at 70-90 percent of the shaft speed when engaged for increased cooling.
According to Hayden, here are some signs your fan clutch might need replaced: Fan spins excessively when engine is stopped (three or more times when hot engine is shut off). Poor A/C performance at idle or low vehicle speeds. Fan speed does not increase when engine is hot.
Why are there different types of fan clutches?
Answer: Each fan clutch type is designed to simulate the performance of the original equipment clutch that it replaces. All fan clutches are for specific applications and should be applied only on the vehicle for which they are cataloged.
How can I tell if my car fan clutch is bad?
Since the vehicle is not overheating, the technician is not inclined to suspect an airflow problem. The challenge is to determine if the fan clutch is engaged and close to engine rpm. With an inexpensive infrared tachometer, a bad viscous fan clutch is much easier to diagnose by comparing fan speed to shaft speed.
A bum fan clutch drains horsepower from the engine to keep the mechanical fans running, which can ultimately lead to critical overheating, decreased fuel economy, and poor general performance. Thanks!
