Weak fan clutch?

[Stanley Rockafella]

WHen idling in traffic I'm forced to turn on the heater to bring down the engine temps. When the car is at 3/4 mark, I blip the throttle and I don't get that "whooshing" sound that indicated the fan clutch is fully engaged.

Does this mean it needs replacing? The car doesnt' lose any coolant and has had the air bled out of the coolant, but this is just silly having to turn on the heat in the middle of summer to keep the engine cool. Seems to me like the clutch is "lazy" as it seems to engage when the car is first started in the mornings

thanks in advance

[EatsHondas]

If you don't know when it was last replaced, it would be a good idea to get a new one regardless.

To test it, get the motor to operating temp and try to stop the fan with a rolled up newspaper. If the fan comes to a stop easily, it's on it's way out. If it slaps its way through the paper, it's good.

Also, you can push in the A/C button (blue snowflake) to kick on your electric fan at will. Your blower motor does NOT have to be on for this to work.

[Stanley Rockafella]

Also, you can push in the A/C button (blue snowflake) to kick on your electric fan at will. Your blower motor does NOT have to be on for this to work.

Yeah, I've been doing that recently (and it does start that electric motor), but it also runs the a/c which just creates more heat and strain on the engine.

[Stanley Rockafella]

took your advice on the way home. I left the ac on after I exited the freeway, and even tho the ac wasnt' as cold as when driving at higher speeds, the engine was actually running cooler than b4!!

thanks :)

[Kozworth]

Check the clutch for any leakage. It's a viscous coupling. Basically, its a fluid that allows adequit rad cooling, but when spinning the clutch "disengages". By this I mean the fluid thinS, and there is a slip in a sense from the engine speed (at lower rpm, the fluid locks the fan closer to 1:1 but when it heats up from spinning quicker, it slips so the fan isn't engaged completely, since there is more airflow and this prevents over cooling). If it was stuck or seized, it would almost sound like an airplane taking off, as it keeps getting louder with speed.

What I would do is spin the fan by hand with the car off. If it spins freely, I'd say she's shot. If you spin and it does about 1/4 to 1/2 turn, i would consider other cooling options.

Double check coolant level, coolant mixture, and heater function. Could be a sticky Tstat that when running gets enough air flow to run normally but at idle runs a bit hot.

[Northern]

stick a newspaper in the fan. If your flimsy newspaper stops the fan, the clutch is toast.

[Stanley Rockafella]

I agree, I think it's a lack of air movement that's causing the issues/ Gotta be that fan clutch!

thanks again :)

[fudge_sta]

Mine seems to be doing the total opposite and seems to be always on from the moment car is on its spinning and engine never warms up to optimum temp. Also at around 4thousand rpm the fan belt screeches slightly. The thing i hate the most is its always wooshing under acceleration. My thoughts are its putting to much load onto the belt maybe?. Any ideas guys?

[dogsbark26]

Welcome to the forum fudge_sta.

Mine seems to be doing the total opposite and seems to be always on from the moment car is on its spinning and engine never warms up to optimum temp. Also at around 4thousand rpm the fan belt screeches slightly. The thing i hate the most is its always wooshing under acceleration. My thoughts are its putting to much load onto the belt maybe?. Any ideas guys?

Did you read Kozworth's post # 5 in this thread?

[fudge_sta]

Welcome to the forum fudge_sta.




Did you read Kozworth's post # 5 in this thread?

From what i understand it may me stuck according to my symptoms, so i presume it will need changing?

[dogsbark26]

Did you try the tests in this thread?

Spin by hand with engine off? Stop with rolled newspaper with engine idling?

Results?

[fudge_sta]

So the verdict is i think the clutch fan is shot. It does not move at all with force while motor is off and only gets louder with speed. Haven't bothered with the newspaper test as there is no point if it doesn't move at all while off. Anybody recommend a good make replacement as this current one has only lasted 2 years. Thanks

[dogsbark26]

Really? Only two years? I'm sure mine is over twenty! I have heard that they must be kept horizontal / upright or the viscous fluid gets screwed. Was this one new or used?

[fudge_sta]

Was new as it came with the car when i purchased it, in a new box, although it was a make iv never heard of.

[jeffnhiscars]

OE fan clutches are either Sachs or Behr and they ONLY have value at idle so if you never come to a stop you don't need one :)