viscus radiator fan

[Ed Fenwick]

Aloha,

My wife's Jeep has a viscus clutch for the radiator fan. The engine gets hot, fluid gets thick and the fan turns. Ok that makes sense to me but how does the A/C get the fan to run? When the car is sitting still, the A/C is almost non existent. Also is there a test for the clutch?

Thanks Guys Ed

 

[EddieS'04]

The lack of cold AC at idle doesnt mean the fan clutch is bad. Have you had the AC checked? It can be low on freon.



The clutch is not only viscous but thermaly viscous. Thermal spring front center causes more lockup as more heat comes thru the radiator.

 

[Ed Fenwick]

Thanks Eddie, Yes I have had it checked and the charge is good. If I am driving along at 1500RPM, the A/C is cold. If I sit stationary at 1500RPM the A/C is junk! The condenser is in front of the radiator so it gets air flow from the car moving. I'm thinking that the fan isn't drawing enough air through the condenser without movement. Is there a way to test the fan clutch?

ED

 

[Todd Z]

What happens is the condenser in front of the radiator gets hot and the air flowing through the radiator causes the fan clutch to grab and work......



I have replaced clutches and had the ac function better, BUT i would have the refrigerant level checked in the ac too...



Todd Z

 

[EddieS'04]

Ed,,In the morning when all is cold. Spin the fan by hand. There should be little resitance. The fan might turn a full round.

When it is hot, normal temps. Turn the fan by hand. Should meet alot of resistance. Maybe only turn a few blades.



That is a laymans way. Doesnt mean it is bad. But if it spins as free as it does cold. You might consider replacemnt.

 

[Christopher Comeaux]

dryer going out on the unit?

 

[Ed Fenwick]

Thanks Eddie, I'll go spin the fan now. Chris thanks but the dryer is new as well as as the condenser and the compressor. Everything but the expansion valve 4 times now, 5 for the compressor 80K miles. We like the Jeep lots, but some things are trouble.

Thanks Ed