How to Remove a Fan Clutch

An engine fan cools the antifreeze in the radiator by creating a low pressure system behind the radiator. Because high air pressure moves towards low air pressure, the fan causes air to pass through the fins in the radiator. Prior to the use of fan clutches, engine fans were relatively inefficient because they were constantly being used regardless of whether the antifreeze needed to be cooled. This constant use consumed the engine's power unnecessarily at low speeds. Clutch fans were designed to prevent this problem by utilizing a spring that expands and contracts with the engine's temperature. Once the temperature reaches a certain point, the spring expands and engages the fan, which then turns to cool the antifreeze. Thankfully, removing a clutch fan is a simple process.

Things You'll Need

• Open-end wrench

Instructions

1. Remove the fan and clutch assembly from the fan's pulley. The assembly attaches to the pulley with several bolts on the circumference of the pulley. To remove the bolts, position an open-end wrench over each bolt and turn each bolt in a counterclockwise direction while grasping one of the fan's blades to prevent the fan from turning with the bolt.

2. Pull the fan and clutch assembly away from the engine, then lift the assembly out of the engine's compartment.

3. Remove the bolts which hold the fan to the clutch. The bolts are located on the back of the fan, and can be removed with a open-end wrench.

4. Place the fan and clutch assembly on a flat surface with the clutch facing up, then pull the clutch straight up to disengage it from the fan.

References

• Engine Cooling Systems; Ray T. Bohacz; 2007