I think I already know the answer, but I just want to check.
1968 Ford wagon with a viscous fan clutch. When it's cold and the engine is off, there is a little resistance to turning and when the engine is on the fan spins. When it's hot and the engine is off there is a little resistance to turning and when the engine is on the fan spins.
My assumption is that as everything heats up, the viscous stuff should get thicker and the fan should show more resistance to turning with the engine off. It doesn't really act any differently hot than cold.
Bad clutch?
Stick the plastic end of a screwdriver in the fan while the engine is hot and running. If the fan stops, you need a new clutch.
Let me tell you the story about how I lost my hand......
Really?
I've seen it done with a folded newspaper ... But then again the fan had plastic blades and yours probably is metal and sharp.
It needs to be hot, not just warm, and the heat needs to be coming from the radiator.
And you hold the fan, and then have someone else start the engine. Or, come in from the back side if you want to stop it. Coming in from the front has sharp edges. The back side will just smack you around a bit.
The car was at 215 or so. Shut it off. Fan spins the same as when it'd cold. At least pretty darn close.
I also went and wiggled it and there is some shaft play. I think I better replace it before it sends the fan through the radiator.
I still think you guys are nuts. The fan scares the crap out of me when it's spinning.
after driving to get every thing hot, when shutting down.
watch to se if the fan continues to spin and spin and spin.
It is bad.
02Pilot
HalfDork
10/13/13 6:04 p.m.
Rolled up newspaper is the way every BMW tech I've ever talked to checks them.
Sticking anything in a rotating fan is dumb. Specially german plastic. U sneeze itll shatter. U guys do belts with the engine running as well?