Another day, another car problem to fix. But the truth is, as long as you use something, it’s going to break at some point. Everything comes with an expiration date, which is why today we will help you find out how to tell if a fan clutch is bad. And don’t worry. In case you were not even aware your vehicle has one or what’s its purpose, we’ll explain where it is located and what is doing over there, so you know all about it before you call your car shipping company.
Cars are complicated things, and although they keep adding more buttons and screens to them, somehow, no button can resolve a problem. Or diagnose it. Sometimes you need to go from one mechanic to another until someone finally figures out what’s the actual problem. So, if your dad or uncle didn’t explain to you how to check a fan clutch, we’re here to help.
Before we get to the fun part, let’s see what this thing actually works and what its purpose is. This is not something you’ll find among driving tips for beginners or learn about in car racing games. So if you skipped an episode or two of your favorite car TV show, we are here to help you get all the information you need.
This is a thermostatic engine cooling fan that can work at lower temperatures when cooling is not necessary, which allows the engine to warm up quicker and relieves the unnecessary load from it. Once the temperature goes up, the clutch engages, and the engine power drives the fan. It is moving the air and cooling down the engine. It is usually located in front of the water pump and consists of the following components:
The majority of them engages when the air temperature goes around 170°F, which means that engine temperature is around 180-190°F. Usually, they can reduce it by about 20°F before disengaging.
Depending on the type of vehicle, there are three main types that you can encounter. So pay attention to that if you’re looking to buy some of the best import cars or buying a car from a dealer.
Before we get to the main part, here is everything you should know about different types of fans:
Before embarking on a road trip along the most famous routes in the United States, you might want to know how to tell if your fan clutch is bad. Now, this is not something that should make you experience driving stress or road rage. It is not like you put the wrong gas in your car. But still, it is good to know these things whether you’re alone on the road or driving in New York City or driving in Los Angeles. You can spare yourself from trouble if you know how to check a fan clutch and notice on time when something is wrong. So, here are the most common signals or red flags you should not ignore.
This is one of the most common symptoms that points out that you should check what’s going on. When cooling fans performance drops or fails when the clutch can’t engage properly, which leads to overheating first, but it can trigger much more serious issues if it is not treated on time. Many drivers can tell that they have a problem with overheating, but they can’t detect what’s the cause, so they try adding water to the radiator, but it is safer to call someone who is an expert and knows how to recognize the real problem.
Another common signal that something is wrong is the lack of power, a drop in acceleration, and reduction of fuel efficiency. When there is a problem with the clutch, it results in a permanently engaged fan, which causes excessive drag on the engine.
When there is a problem, and the fans are stuck in the operating position, that means they are working even when they shouldn’t. In those situations, the engine can produce a loud noise that can be audible all the time, whether the engine is hot or cold. It can also damage the radiator if the blades disintegrate or flex excessively.
Air-condition systems can also suffer in situations like these. Defective fans can cause numerous problems from burning smell and lukewarm air to overheating when idle.
Diagnosing car problems can be tricky if you are not familiar with how things work. Maybe you don’t know how to tell if a thermostat is bad or how to add brake fluid, but you have to start somewhere. That is why today, we bring you the best method that will help you do a proper inspection and notice any flaws on time.
Whether you’re thinking about shipping a car cross country or you’re buying a used car, it is good to know a few tricks and be able to perform some simple check-ups by yourself. So here is how to check fan clutch:
If just the thought that something might be wrong with your car is giving you driving anxiety and you’re not feeling comfortable, take a look at this video to see how you can perform this simple standard test that will answer all of your questions.
Everything has its expiration date, and sooner or later, things break or wear out, which is why you should pay attention to every aspect of your vehicle, and not only it’s exterior. However in this case, there is no such thing as a set mileage at when this part might stop working correctly. And there’s not much you can do except to pay attention to some signs and symptoms we mentioned that signalize that something is not working properly. Also, you will rarely be in a situation to repair clutches. In most cases, they need to be replaced, and that is an excellent occasion to also inspect the radiator and cooling fan, which your mechanic will probably do.
Many mechanics say that you should replace it together with the water pump when it fails. They both age at the same pace, so if one fails, the chances are high that the other one won’t survive much longer. Keep in mind that if you can switch to thermal if you have a non-thermal, but not vice versa. Anyways, if you’re planning to relocate, inspecting these parts should be an essential part of preparing a car for shipping.
Whether you opt for enclosed auto transport or an open trailer, it is always good to ensure everything is in good condition and working, so you don’t have to deal with mechanics and experience any unpleasant surprises. Also, whether you’re up to off-road driving or city driving, it is your duty to check everything. Knowing that everything is in order will help you enjoy the journey and be at peace. So try to learn as many tips and tricks as possible, and you’ll be OK.
