hey out there, i need some info on fan clutches. how can i tell if my clutch is gone.

i have a 1997 4.2 with the thermal/ temp fan clutch, i believe it is driven by the belt hooked to the water pump pulley. the clutch was replaced last yr. i have the loud roaring sound all the time, when it is cold, hot and in between. even down the highway at 70mph.

i know the fan will not free spin when the engine is off, due to the liquid inside the clutch. but when i do spin the fan by hand it seems to have i alot of friction like it is locked up. i have no overheating problems at all, dummy gauge stays at the half mark
or just below. but the fan seems to be locked up all the time.

is there any way to tell, i have read most of the posts on the subject and there is alot of conflicting info.

thanks for the help......

from the SNUFF...........

 

Check out the fan on a friends truck to see how it works. The fan should not pull a lot of air before the engine warms up, but when it reaches the correct temperature, it will lock up and pull a lot more air at idle and when reved up. Check yours against your friends and see if they operate in a similar manner. I've had the clutches lock up before and run the fan all the time.

 

They will turn pretty stiff even when cold. best to watch it when cold and see if it is going half or full speed.