Is this an indication that the fan clutch is bad?

[Eddie Greenlee]

Good afternoon all. Had to change out my idler pulley so I went on and changed the tensioner pulley and the belt.
Without the belt on the fan spins freely. Is that an indication that the fan clutch is bad? Or should the belt be on at proper tension before I test the fan clutch? Thanks !!

 

[D's Jeep Wrld]

It's good.
Just means your waterpump is freely spinning ! Put tension on the belt and you should feel some resistance but not a ton!

 

[JKP]

You are turning the water pump with the belt off.

The belt has to be on to hold the water pump for you to test the clutch.

 

[Eddie Greenlee]

You are turning the water pump with the belt off.

The belt has to be on to hold the water pump for you to test the clutch.

Thanks ! Makes sense