Radiator fan clutch sticking (I think)

[maximumrob]

Gents,

Has anybody ever had a cooling fan clutch get sticky? My fan starts blowing in my '05 Wrangler immediately after start-up and stays on, but I'm able to turn it just fine by hand when the engine is off. Is my diagnosis spot on or could something else be wrong?

Occasionally, and I mean very occasionally, the fan will shut off. But man, it sure is noisy!


Thanks!

 

[winkosmosis]

It's supposed to always spin. It's physically impossible for it not to spin when the engine is turning. What varies is the speed.

 

[maximumrob]

Thanks Wink, but it's a hell of a roar when the engine revs much at all. This is something that only recently started and is certainly a "new feature." Any thoughts?

 

[winkosmosis]

I don't know. The cluch works through some kind of magic, with silicone oil and a thermostat type spring. Maybe the spring is opening at too low a temp.

The replacement clutch should cost something like $50.