Clarification on fan clutch

[ntrpriz]

Ok, I need to know how to test the fan clutch. When vehicle is cold the fan turns freely. When the vehicle is hot (Phoenix AZ hot) I can turn the fan, but not freely. Its not difficult to turn, but it will stop as soon as I let go of it. (yes, the engine is off when I am doing this!!!) I thought I should be unable to move the fan without breaking anything when its hot.

Do I need a new fan clutch?

Trucks temp guage is climbing during extended idleing on hot days. Just did a flush and fill and a new T stat. I have not idled long enough to see if it overheats (dont want to test it).

Thanks

 

[kilroy]

It sounds like the fan clutch is OK. Your idle might not be high enough to keep anough airflow through the radiator and coolant flowing through the engine, OR your radiator is clogging up, reducing the flow at idle. I would check the radiator first, instead of the fan clutch. As long as the fan is turning when its hot, then the clutch is working.

 

[mrboyle]

Drive much on dirt roads? It is possible that your cooling problem could be related to lack of air flow across the cooling fins due to dirt, bugs and other wonderful things trapped between the fins. To find out if this is the case take the blow gun from your air compressor and CRAEFULLY blow out the unwanted objects. This is best done by blowing from the engine compartment out toward the front of the vehicle. Be very careful not to bend any of the fins.
From the description your clutch appears to be fine.