Fan clutch work-around

[STBRetired]

The fan clutch failed on my 1999 F53 class A motorhome. It would not engage the "full on" mode for the fan so the MH would overheat when any load placed on engine. Was on my way home for a Dr appointment and could not spend a couple days getting it replaced. Went to Auto Zone and picked up a 16" electric fan, mounted it to the front of the radiator and wired it to run whenever the ignition was on. Worked surprisingly well. Not something I would consider as a permanent fix, but it got me home while keeping the engine temp under 215 degrees. Even when climbing a few longer grades that had me worried.

Just thought I'd share in case someone else ends up in the same predicament.

[time2roll]

MEXICOWANDERER wrote:
Fiberglass replacement fans proved useless despite their claims of magic.

I thought those were a version of the Flex Fans that promise reduced drag and more power. Cooling at low speed should be adequate.

[Ron3rd]

Good work OP!

[bucky]

Tough crowd. Give him a break, he was just trying to get home.

[MEXICOWANDERER]

Fiberglass replacement fans proved useless despite their claims of magic.

I finally went to the dealer and bribed the parts countryman with a 6 pack of cola

A seven blade steel fan with deeper pitch dis the trick. It reduced coolant temperatures by 30 degrees.

[bucky]

Good thinking MacGyver.

[STBRetired]

While it only takes a few hours to change the fan clutch, not everyplace will work on a MH and I doubt they would have the clutch in stock. Was in Jackson, MS and had no clue on who to call for the repair. My fan clutch engages the fan whenever I accelerate or climb a hill. Just depending on airflow from movement would see the temps climb up into the 235 degree range. Never popped the radiator pressure release, but way hotter than it should be. New fan clutch will go in soon, as well as an oil change. Am at home now and not leaving anytime soon so no big hurry.

[RLS7201]

ajriding wrote:
Replacing a fan clutch should not take days. It might take an hour or two because you have to remove so much plastic, and then wrestling with the fan clutch bolts may not be fun.
Those go out at known intervals.

Also, as long as you are driving at highway speeds the fan is not needed. The airflow from the road speed is more than the fan delivers anyway. It is when you slow down, like up a steep hill, or in city traffic, that the fan is needed.

The electric is good for RVs because most driving is on the highway at speed, so the fan can be turned off and save "drag" on the engine that both the electric and clutch fans make.
You have to have it switch off by temp or with a switch though.
Take the clutch fan off if you do electric.

Glad you made it to your destination with a fix

What you advocate may work for your car but it does not work for a MH.
The fan is needed at highway speeds. Above 80°F or when the AC is running my fan clutch brings the fan on and off line. My radiator is clean both inside and out.

Richard

[time2roll]

Yes that is a great solution in a pinch. I had only an electric fan on my 1970 Mach I Mustang years ago with no issues. I did have a thermostat.

[ajriding]

Replacing a fan clutch should not take days. It might take an hour or two because you have to remove so much plastic, and then wrestling with the fan clutch bolts may not be fun.
Those go out at known intervals.

Also, as long as you are driving at highway speeds the fan is not needed. The airflow from the road speed is more than the fan delivers anyway. It is when you slow down, like up a steep hill, or in city traffic, that the fan is needed.

The electric is good for RVs because most driving is on the highway at speed, so the fan can be turned off and save "drag" on the engine that both the electric and clutch fans make.
You have to have it switch off by temp or with a switch though.
Take the clutch fan off if you do electric.

Glad you made it to your destination with a fix