I think I have a fan clutch problem.

I think everyone knows what a fan sounds like on those really cold mornings. That load roar sounds that increases with engine RPM but typically goes away after a minute.. Well my '98 4.6 f-150 has been doing that pretty much none stop. IE the clutch for the fan is engaged all the time. IT has been fairly cold, hovering just above or below freezing, except for last week, whic hgot into the 60's on one day, yet it still did it.

Do I need to replace the Fan Clutch? Is there something else I can do?

Thanks in advance..

 

With the engine off. You should be able to turn it by hand. It should be slightly stiff and have no side to side play. If you can't turn it by hand with the engine off or it has excessive play it is toast.

You can switch to a flex fan (I prefer a clutch fan to this option) or you can switch to electric fans (I have them and they have not been as reliable as a clutch fan but I like them).

 

The clutch stays on when you shut it off "hot" it takes it a minute for it to "break loose" and start spinning again.

If its "roaring" after the truck has been driven and warmed up a little you might have an issue you need to address.

 

its not that hard to replace, just go to advance auto and rent the fan removal tool.

 

There doen't seem to be and side play. I can spin the fan with the engine off, but it is not easy to do. Much harder then it should be, IMO.. I'll change the clutch and see what happens..

 

as long as its not locked up while driving, i would think it would be fine.

 

Obviously it is or it would not be roaring constantly..

 

i guess i misread the first post.

 

Odd thing this morning on my way home from work.. It didn't make the roaring noise at all, not even at start up?? It is warmer then yesterday (18) today about 35, but last week it did it at 60 degrees. I'm cornfused...

 

Turning it by hand might have "broken it loose". Most likely going to stick again and will need replacement, but give a run and see what happens.

 

2nd day with no Roaring. I'm sure it'll all come back.. truck has 241,000 miles so I know it's probably needs changed.. Along with Idler and tensioner pulleys. If it warms up I think I'll change all 3 this weekend...

 

Put a new Gatorback belt on while you have it apart.

 

Just as a heads up, it has been my experience that aftermarket fan clutches suck. I tried several brands on another truck I had and it ran hot until I went to a different mechanical fan set up. I could not afford the factory fan clutch at the time as it was 10 times the aftermarket price. If you go with an aftermarket one and your truck runs hot you will know why.

 

Thanks for the heads up. After the drive home this morning, I'm not so sure it is the Fan Clutch. Thinking it is a bearing roaring, because it is about to fail.. I'll be changin the idler and tensioner for sure this weekend, and will probably pick up a fan clutch to make sure.. But I'll hold on to the old one just in case..

 

Problem turned out to be Rear seal on the Fan clutch failed causing any amount of heat to engage the clutch, hence the constant engagement of the fan clutch..

Replacement went easily enough. Pulleys and belt replacement was a pain..