radiator fan

[bielanskia]

I have GM Savana 1500/ 2002, 6 cylinder. I have noticed that it takes a long time the engine to reach a normal temperature. I also noticed that the radiator fan is rotating when the engine is started and cool. Is a fan cluch faulty? How it can be tested ? The car has only 50K.
Andre

[Bob86ZZ4]

I think it's kind of hard to check the fan clutch. I guess you might be able to feel the difference in airflow if you could get your hand up there behind it when the van is idling cold and then after it's good and warmed up give a feel. The other thing you might want to do is put in a new thermostat. Or, check to see if the dash guage is accurate. I use a infrared temp gun and point it at various heater hoses and such to see what the temp is for everything. Then compare to the dash guage.

[GMCTech]

The fan clutch can be tested this way:

Make sure the vehicle is cold.
Start the vehicle, and let run for about 2-3 minutes.
Shut off vehicle.
Spin the fan by hand, it should spin freely. It shouldn't be very tight, and should be easy for you to spin at least a full revolution or two with an easy push.

The fan will always spin, even if the clutch is not engaged. It is fluid filled and the there will always be fluid friction there spinning it at least some.

Hope this helps.

[Bob86ZZ4]

Good advice on checking the fan clutch. When it is fully warmed up then and you shut the engine off should it be hard to turn the fan by hand then? Or at least noticably harder than when it's cold?

[GMCTech]

If it is very hot (full operatinng temp.) or very cold, it will be harder to turn.

Just barely warm, or only after a couple minutes running, it should be very easy to turn, and you should be able to give it a push and it should rotate atleast once or twice before stopping.

Hope this helps.