Cooling Fan Clutch

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the cooling fan clutch assembly on the 2021-2024 Ford F-150 with the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Cooling fan clutch assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Coolant (if drained) × 1 — Motorcraft Orange Coolant

Fluids

• Motorcraft Orange Coolant — 2 qt

Preparation

1. Ensure engine is completely cool to the touch
2. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 2 minutes
3. Remove engine cover by pulling upward on retaining clips
4. Place drain pan under radiator drain petcock
5. Take a photo of fan orientation and position for reference during installation

Procedure

1. 1

   Drain coolant from radiator
   Open the radiator drain petcock located at the bottom passenger side of the radiator. Drain approximately 2 quarts of coolant into the drain pan to lower the coolant level below the water pump. Close the petcock when finished.
   Torque spec

   Drain Petcock8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove upper radiator shroud
   Locate the upper radiator shroud mounting screws along the top edge. Remove all shroud mounting screws and carefully lift the upper shroud section upward and out of the engine bay. Set aside in a clean location.
   Torque spec

   Cover Screws12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Access the fan clutch nut
   Identify the large 36mm fan clutch nut at the center of the fan assembly, mounted to the water pump shaft. Clear any wiring harnesses or hoses that may interfere with tool access. Note the fan blade orientation for reinstallation.
4. 4

   Secure the water pump pulley
   Using the fan clutch holding tool, secure the water pump pulley to prevent it from rotating. Position the holding tool to engage the pulley bolt holes or outer edge of the pulley firmly. Ensure the tool is stable before applying force to the fan clutch nut.
   ⚠Do not attempt to hold the pulley by hand or with pliers as this can cause injury or damage.
5. 5

   Loosen fan clutch nut
   Using the 36mm fan clutch wrench, turn the fan clutch nut CLOCKWISE to loosen (reverse thread). Apply steady pressure until the nut breaks free. Remove the nut completely by hand once loosened. Keep the nut in a clean location for reinstallation if reusing.
   ⚠Remember: reverse threads - turn clockwise to loosen, counterclockwise to tighten.
6. 6

   Remove fan clutch and blade assembly
   With the nut removed, carefully pull the fan clutch and blade assembly straight off the water pump shaft. Support the assembly with both hands as it may be heavy (8-12 lbs). Tilt slightly as needed to clear the radiator and shroud, being extremely careful not to contact or damage the radiator fins.
   ⚠Fan blades can be sharp. Handle carefully to avoid cuts.
7. 7

   Inspect water pump shaft and components
   Examine the water pump shaft for damage, scoring, or excessive wear. Check the shaft threads for damage. Inspect the radiator for any damage from fan contact. Verify the water pump bearing has no play by attempting to move the pulley up and down - there should be no movement.
8. 8

   Prepare new fan clutch assembly
   Remove the new fan clutch from packaging. Verify it matches the original unit in size and mounting configuration. Check that the fan blade orientation matches your reference photo. Ensure the mounting threads are clean and free of debris.
9. 9

   Install new fan clutch assembly
   Carefully guide the new fan clutch and blade assembly into position, threading it onto the water pump shaft by hand. Turn COUNTERCLOCKWISE to thread (reverse thread). Ensure the assembly threads on smoothly without cross-threading. Thread the nut on several turns by hand to ensure proper engagement.
   ⚠Take care not to strike the radiator with the fan blades during installation.
10. 10

    Torque fan clutch nut
    Secure the water pump pulley with the holding tool. Using the 36mm wrench, turn the fan clutch nut COUNTERCLOCKWISE to tighten to specification. While a specific torque value is not provided in the database for the fan clutch nut, tighten firmly to approximately 41 Nm (30 lb-ft) or per manufacturer specification. Verify the fan spins freely and has no contact with surrounding components.
    ℹ️Fan clutch nut torque is critical - over-tightening can damage the water pump bearing, under-tightening can cause the fan to detach during operation.
11. 11

    Reinstall upper radiator shroud
    Position the upper radiator shroud back into place, ensuring it seats properly on the lower shroud tabs. Verify the fan blades have adequate clearance within the shroud opening. Install all shroud mounting screws and tighten to specification in a cross pattern.
    Torque spec

    Cover Screws12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Refill coolant system
    Using Motorcraft Orange Coolant, refill the cooling system through the coolant reservoir to the COLD FULL mark. Do not overfill. Install the reservoir cap securely. Check that the radiator drain petcock is closed and torqued to specification.
    Torque spec

    Drain Petcock8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Bleed cooling system
    Reconnect the negative battery terminal. Start the engine and allow it to reach operating temperature with the heater on high. Monitor coolant level and add as necessary. Check for leaks around the fan clutch area and water pump. Allow the engine to cycle through the thermostat opening (fans should engage). Shut off engine and recheck coolant level when cool.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all radiator shroud fasteners are properly tightened
2. Verify fan clutch nut is secure and fan assembly has no wobble or play
3. Confirm all wiring harnesses and hoses are clear of the fan path
4. Reinstall engine cover by pressing down on mounting clips until seated
5. Dispose of old coolant according to local environmental regulations

Verification

• Start engine and verify fan clutch engages and disengages properly as engine temperature changes
• Listen for any unusual noises from the fan area during operation
• Verify no coolant leaks are present around the water pump or radiator
• Confirm cooling system maintains proper operating temperature during test drive
• Check that fan blades do not contact radiator shroud at idle or during revving
• Recheck coolant level after engine has fully cooled from test drive

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