I have the feeling my fan clutch is always engaged. There's alot of fan noise and it seems to be blowing air even when engine is cold. Do clutches ever fail in this way (always engaged)? Or is it usually that they DON'T engage?

(I removed the fan for a short trip and it's MUCH more quiet and I think I might be getting better mileage too)

thanks for any thoughts
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1991 white 240 auto

The most typical failure is not seizure but failure to lock up. This means the fan will spin when tested on a stopped engine, but the clutch won't engage when needed and thus provides very little cooling. The easiest test is to listen for a roar when the engine is warmed up and you're pulling away from a stop in the summer. The clutch should engage and spin the fan at engine temp up to it cutout speed, then dis-engage.

someguyfromMaryland

Mine roars all the time... it never disengages... even when engine is cold, and in cool weather. Nore is it siezed because I can spin it by hand when engine is off.. and i feel a moderate amount of resistance. Anyway, I ordered a new one, so I'll know when I install what gives.
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1991 white 240 auto

Yes they can seize. Grab the fan blades when engine is stopped (obviously), see if they turn. If they turn, but wobble on the shaft, replace clutch. If it is seized or very tight replace it.