Normal fan clutch behavior?

[adventureboss]

I replaced my fan clutch a while back with a Duralast 922737 from Autozone, which I believe is the Fourseasons fan clutch for our TJ rebranded. I live in Phoenix and it's been hot and windy ever since I replaced that fan clutch. It seems like it is ALWAYS locked up other than in the mornings when the engine is cold. Even on the highway, the damn thing just stays locked. Wide open at 4k+ rpm? Stays locked. I thought there should be enough airflow atleast on the highway to keep it from locking up? It's also so much more obnoxious than my old one. I feel like I'm going deaf whenever I'm climbing up a mountain.

My friends tell me it sounds like a dump truck. Accelerates like one too when it's locked. I feel like I'm pulling a trailer when it's engaged. My MPG went from 16 to 10-12.

Drove to the Bay Area this weekend where it's significantly cooler, MPGs went back up to 16-17. Power is back. Feels like a totally different Jeep. Just seems happier. Does this sound normal to anyone? Or did I just buy a bad new fan clutch? I'm almost considering throwing an electric fan in there but I'm resisting the temptation because everyone here seems to think it's a bad idea.

 

[MikeE024]

I replaced my fan clutch a while back with a Duralast 922737 from Autozone, which I believe is the Fourseasons fan clutch for our TJ rebranded. I live in Phoenix and it's been hot and windy ever since I replaced that fan clutch. It seems like it is ALWAYS locked up other than in the mornings when the engine is cold. Even on the highway, the damn thing just stays locked. Wide open at 4k+ rpm? Stays locked. I thought there should be enough airflow atleast on the highway to keep it from locking up? It's also so much more obnoxious than my old one. I feel like I'm going deaf whenever I'm climbing up a mountain.

My friends tell me it sounds like a dump truck. Accelerates like one too when it's locked. I feel like I'm pulling a trailer when it's engaged. My MPG went from 16 to 10-12.

Drove to the Bay Area this weekend where it's significantly cooler, MPGs went back up to 16-17. Power is back. Feels like a totally different Jeep. Just seems happier. Does this sound normal to anyone? Or did I just buy a bad new fan clutch? I'm almost considering throwing an electric fan in there but I'm resisting the temptation because everyone here seems to think it's a bad idea.

You could get a free warranty replacement and see if it works better?

I’d probably try a Mopar clutch or Hayden 2791 (I still keep both in storage for my 2005). You can try the thinner 2771 as well (I’ve never tried it).

Some guys have been happy with the less aggressive USMW clutch, but I had a bad experience with poor bearing quality in the only one I tried. As you know, we need a good working fan in the desert summers. I’d rather have a locked fan than a slipping fan when it’s 118* and sunny outside.

 

[06GEEP]

You could get a free warranty replacement and see if it works better?

That's what I'd try first. Cheapest and easiest. I've never claimed to be a fan expert, but it sounds like it's the wrong temp setting for when the fan locks up.

 

[adventureboss]

You could get a free warranty replacement and see if it works better?

I’d probably try a Mopar clutch or Hayden 2791 (I still keep both in storage for my 2005). You can try the thinner 2771 as well (I’ve never tried it).

Some guys have been happy with the less aggressive USMW clutch, but I had a bad experience with poor bearing quality in the only one I tried. As you know, we need a good working fan in the desert summers. I’d rather have a locked fan than a slipping fan when it’s 118* and sunny outside.

So I was mistaken and actually the Duralast fan is the USMW one, not fourseasons. It said USMW when I pulled it off. Took your advice and just swapped it out with the warranty. So far it hasn’t been kicking on, but I’m still in California. Guess I’ll know when I drive back.

If it’s really supposed to be less aggressive though, I’ve had the complete opposite experience. We’ll see how it is with the replacement.