Cooling Fan Clutch

This procedure covers removal and replacement of the engine cooling fan clutch on the 5.0L V8 Coyote engine, including fan blade assembly removal.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Engine cooling fan clutch assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Coolant (if draining radiator) × 1 — Motorcraft Orange Coolant

Fluids

• Motorcraft Orange Coolant — 2 qt

Preparation

1. Ensure engine is completely cool to the touch
2. Disconnect negative battery cable and wait 2 minutes
3. Remove engine cover by pulling up on retaining clips
4. Remove radiator sight shield (if equipped) by removing plastic push pins
5. Inspect fan clutch for leaking silicone fluid or wobble to confirm replacement is needed

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove Air Intake Components
   Loosen hose clamp at throttle body and disconnect air intake tube. Remove complete air filter housing assembly by unclipping from mounting brackets. Move aside to provide access to fan shroud area.
2. 2

   Remove Upper Radiator Shroud
   Locate and remove the plastic push pins or screws securing the upper radiator fan shroud. There are typically 4-6 fasteners along the top edge. Carefully lift the upper shroud section straight up and remove from vehicle. Note the position of any wiring clips attached to the shroud.
3. 3

   Position Fan Clutch Holding Tool
   Install the water pump pulley holding tool or fan clutch holding tool onto the water pump pulley to prevent it from rotating. The tool should engage the pulley bolt holes or wrap around the pulley securely. This is critical as the fan clutch nut has reverse threads.
4. 4

   Loosen Fan Clutch Nut
   Place the 36mm fan clutch wrench or large adjustable wrench onto the fan clutch nut at the center of the fan assembly. Remember this has LEFT-HAND THREADS - turn the wrench CLOCKWISE to loosen. Apply firm steady pressure. Initial breakaway may require significant force. Loosen but do not fully remove the nut at this time.
5. 5

   Remove Fan Clutch and Blade Assembly
   While supporting the weight of the fan blade assembly with one hand, finish threading the fan clutch nut off (turning clockwise). Carefully lift the complete fan clutch and blade assembly straight up and out of the engine bay. Tilt as needed to clear radiator and shroud. Set assembly on clean work surface with blades facing up to prevent damage.
6. 6

   Separate Fan Blades from Clutch (if reusing blades)
   If reusing the fan blades with a new clutch, remove the bolts securing the fan blade assembly to the clutch hub. Typically there are 4 bolts arranged in a circular pattern. Keep bolts organized for reinstallation. Inspect fan blades for cracks or damage.
   Torque spec

   Fan Bolts14 Nm (10 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Inspect Water Pump Shaft and Pulley
   With fan assembly removed, inspect the water pump pulley and shaft threads for damage, debris, or coolant leakage. Clean the threads on the water pump shaft with a shop towel. Check for any play in the water pump bearing by attempting to wiggle the pulley - excessive movement indicates water pump failure.
8. 8

   Install New Fan Clutch to Fan Blades
   If fan blades were separated, attach them to the new fan clutch hub. Align the bolt holes and install the fan blade bolts. Tighten bolts evenly in a cross pattern to the specified torque. Ensure blades are seated flush against the clutch hub.
   Torque spec

   Fan Bolts14 Nm (10 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Install Fan Clutch Assembly to Water Pump
   Carefully lower the complete fan clutch and blade assembly into the engine bay, tilting as needed to clear the radiator. Thread the fan clutch nut onto the water pump shaft by turning COUNTERCLOCKWISE (reverse threads). Hand-thread several turns to ensure proper engagement before using tools.
10. 10

    Torque Fan Clutch Nut
    Install the water pump pulley holding tool to prevent rotation. Using the 36mm fan clutch wrench, tighten the fan clutch nut by turning COUNTERCLOCKWISE. Tighten firmly - typical specification is 41-54 Nm (30-40 lb-ft), though verify with manufacturer data. The clutch should be secure with no axial movement when pulled.
11. 11

    Reinstall Upper Radiator Shroud
    Position the upper radiator shroud back into place, ensuring it seats properly on the lower shroud tabs. Reinstall all plastic push pins or screws. Verify any wiring harness clips are reattached to the shroud. Ensure shroud does not contact fan blades at any point of rotation.
12. 12

    Reinstall Air Intake System
    Reinstall the air filter housing assembly onto its mounting brackets until clips engage. Reconnect the air intake tube to the throttle body and tighten the hose clamp securely. Ensure all connections are secure and no vacuum hoses are disconnected.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall engine cover by pressing down on retaining clips until fully seated
2. Reconnect negative battery cable
3. Top off coolant reservoir to COLD FILL line if any coolant was lost during service
4. Double-check that all tools have been removed from engine bay

Verification

• Start engine and allow to reach operating temperature while monitoring for unusual noises from fan area
• Verify fan clutch engages and spins faster as engine temperature rises (audible increase in fan noise)
• Check for proper fan freewheel when engine is cold - fan should spin freely with minimal drag
• Inspect for any coolant leaks around water pump area
• Confirm fan blades have adequate clearance from shroud and radiator at all positions
• Test drive vehicle and verify engine maintains normal operating temperature under various loads

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