Fan clutch, what are signs of wear? 1989 Ranger 2wd

[mibson]

Rookie Doing water pump today - Fan clutch, what are signs of wear?

1989 Ranger 2wd (91000 miles)

Im doing my water pump and thermostat today. Its my first semi-major work on any vehicle so Ill probably be back online here to ask questions.

Anyway, I will replace the fan clutch if necessary. I have no indication that there is anything wrong with it, I just thought if I was in there I might as well change whatever I can. The fan clutch is not cheep so I dont want to replace it if I dont need to...Also, are there any other inexpensive parts I should consider changing while Im in there? The truck runs fine and shows now signs of required repiars other then the water pump (doing thermostat anyway) and the oil pan and gasket need doing but that looks like a pretty major job, Ive read I have to dismount the engine and raise it?....

What are the signs that a fan clutch needs to be replaced?
What temperture of thermostat should I put in?(160,180,192)
Perhaps the teeth on it? Perhaps the thermostaic spring on it can go? Im not sure...

All belts are new, hoses look OK but Ill replace the ones that look the worst. Clamps will be replaced if not new (person I bought from did the water pump with a used one, it failed so he did replace a few belts, hoses, clamps while in there)

Thanks for any tips!
cheers (rainy day working in the garage, sounds kinda fun!)

 

[IMenriched]

1989 Ranger 2wd (91000 miles)

Im doing my water pump and thermostat today. Its my first semi-major work on any vehicle so Ill probably be back online here to ask questions.

Anyway, I will replace the fan clutch if necessary. I have no indication that there is anything wrong with it, I just thought if I was in there I might as well change whatever I can. The fan clutch is not cheep so I dont want to replace it if I dont need to...Also, are there any other inexpensive parts I should consider changing while Im in there? The truck runs fine and shows now signs of required repiars other then the water pump (doing thermostat anyway) and the oil pan and gasket need doing but that looks like a pretty major job, Ive read I have to dismount the engine and raise it?....

What are the signs that a fan clutch needs to be replaced?
What temperture of thermostat should I put in?(160,180,192)
Perhaps the teeth on it? Perhaps the thermostaic spring on it can go? Im not sure...

All belts are new, hoses look OK but Ill replace the ones that look the worst. Clamps will be replaced if not new (person I bought from did the water pump with a used one, it failed so he did replace a few belts, hoses, clamps while in there)

Thanks for any tips!
cheers (rainy day working in the garage, sounds kinda fun!)

thinking that a thermal fan clutch will be very noisy, if it is on its way out. sounding like a very high idle regardless of operating temp condition, like plane ready for take off....but while still idling at correct RPM.

 

[creepinjeepster]

You're correct Imenriched. Besides the fan being able to turn very freely when engine OFF, if it will not turn easily or when the truck is running the fan clutch stays engaged all the time are the only two ways to really tell if clutch is good or not.