Engines with a belt-driven mechanical fan use a fan clutch to engage the fan only when cooling is needed. A thermostatic coil senses air temperature from the radiator and locks the clutch as it heats up.
Symptoms of a Failing Fan Clutch
- Overheating at idle or in slow traffic, with normal temperature at highway speed.
- Poor A/C performance at idle.
- A fan that roars constantly, which suggests the clutch is stuck engaged.
- Oil leaking from the clutch.
Simple Checks
- With the engine off and cold, the fan should spin with some resistance, not freewheel.
- Check for wobble or bearing play.
- On a hot engine, the fan should engage and pull more air.
Replacement Tips
- Inspect the fan blade for cracks.
- Note the thread direction of the fan nut.
- Check the drive belt, pulley bracket and water pump at the same time.
Evergreen Parts
Evergreen offers cooling system parts identified by engine or vehicle application. Use the Evergreen eCatalog to find the right part, and see where to buy Evergreen through our authorized distributors.
