I have a 97 F150XLT,auto, V8, 4.6 Triton,w/113k. I wrote about the roar I was having after idleing at a light,half said it was normal, other's said it needed a new clutch fan. We replaced the clutch fan, and it still is real loud, Today we heard that alot of the noise is possibly coming from the fan itself, and maybe a new fan blade w/ a different pitch could help, or perhaps it is worn. We ordered one, so if anyone has any thoughts on this one way or another, feel free to help. Also, is there a easy way to remove the fan and replace it ? All help is appreciated !! Thanx !!!!!!!

 

I picked up the fan from auto parts store and was surprised to find out that the original has 9 blades compared to the new one w/6. Would that account for the extra loud roaring ? Hope to install new blade in the next day or so. Any suggestions would be helpful ! Thanx again !

 

R Wood,

To begin with, I would suggest cycling the A/C on and off. This will help eliminate the A/C compressor.

Next try removing the fan/clutch altogether and starting the engine- a process of elimination. When a fan CLUTCH fails, USUALLY it will lock and not unlock or unlock way too late. This can be identified as an abnormally huge rush of air when you accelerate.

Because many times you will need a special wrench to remove the fan/clutch assembly, start with removing the belt and starting the engine; drive it if necessary. This will elminate the accessory rotating assemblies. This can be done with a 1/2" breaker bar if you don't have a tensioner wrench.

If removing or replacing the clutch does not eliminate the noise, you will need to look elsewhere.

Normally I would say use a cheap stethescope on the case of each component (A/C, alternator...etc), and this may be a good place to start if you have already replaced the fan clutch. Bear in mind, you will need to exercise caution! I have seen rotating assemblies remove fingers with quickness!

Hope this helps!
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Hey -- good news ! After replacing my fan clutch and it showing no improvement, we had the suggestion to change the fan blade itself. They said if the pitch of the blades were different then it could cut down on the extensive roaring. We replaced the original 9 blade w/a aftermarket 6 blade, and the differnce is very noticable,60% at least and well worth the $$, but better yet was the side effect... being the extra power noticable mostly when backing out of my drive which is on a hill. There isn't that sluggish draw that was there before. Thanx for the help ! This is a great site !

[This message has been edited by R Wood (edited 09-03-2000).]

 

Gee, why not just take the fan off altogether, whens its very hot Im glad to hear my fan roar, that means it is doing what it is supposed to do. btw, I have seen warranty claims refused on overheating due to people replaceing the fan with one that has low blades or pitch, Ford put that fan on for a reason. Not to have it taken off and replaced that is quieter and does not cool as well.

 

It goes without saying that I made sure it wasn't causeing the temp to even look like it was getting warm. I have heard that " I love the roar ... it tells me it's working" but for anyones info that isn't fond of it or better yet might get the side effect of the extra power, I would say go for it. As long as the fan is keeping it cool, why put up with the draw on power and the Roar of a rocket ! It's like a new truck now ! Maybe we should all be happy with the infamous door cracks, since "FORD" made it that way.

[This message has been edited by R Wood (edited 09-04-2000).]