Real frustrating problem; the truck runs cool in normal driving,
and then I idle and raise engine RPM to run my PTO for rollback bed
and it overheats. Replaced Horton air clutch about 3 years ago.
I grab the fan blades and they spin easily.
Is this nearly new fan clutch needing a rebuild already?
And can I disconnect the air to make it constantly driven?
Seems simple enough to remove and rebuild,
looks like the prices have doubled in 3 years.
Any thoughts?
horton air clutch for fan on 2007 Freightliner M2 106 with MB engine
Discussion in 'Heavy Duty Diesel Truck Mechanics Forum' started by rolls canardly, Nov 8, 2025 at 3:50 PM.
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Sounds more like an air or coolant flow problem.
With the fan engaged at high idle will a shop rag stick to the front of condenser? -
Only happens at idle.
Fan clutch does not seem to engage at all, even when hot.
(haven't checked air flow.)
I can spin the blades when the engine is off,
which I shouldn't be able to do.
I think air power holds it engaged, then the air shuts off to spring disengage.
Or do I have it backwards?
Anyway, if the blades have no resistance, the clutch is cooked. -
"I grab the fan blades and they spin easily." With key on? What does it do with no air or with air and the key off? See 1 min video.
Bing Videos
"Is this nearly new fan clutch needing a rebuild already?" Doubt it, more likely to be the solenoid. Check it.
Could be a bad solenoid or what controls it.
Bing Videos
"And can I disconnect the air to make it constantly driven?" The truck would never reach operating temperature and would also affect fuel mileage.
You are getting air flow while driving but not sitting because the fan is not engaging. -
spins easily, like in the Horton video, with the key off and no air pressure.
I was thinking it is whatever reads temperature and kicks air on at 200 deg.
I do not hear that happening any more.
Apparently there is a sensor that operates a solenoid.
gotta get part numbers when FL opens Monday. -
With a scan tool or laptop you could check to see if the solenoid is getting a signal to turn the fan on. Without that you can unplug the connector at the solenoid and check with a meter. It may be getting a signal there but the solenoid is not operating. In the longer 6 minute video he gives the solenoid part number which has been the same since 2002. See video at 5:25. #993379
"spins easily, like in the Horton video, with the key off and no air pressure." In the video the clutch was engaged/locked with no air pressure.
Disconnect the line at the solenoid going to the fan clutch. If it spins free then the clutch is bad. -
Roger that, Thank you, makes sense.
I'll look again in the morning.
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And, now that I think of it, isn't there an improved design
fan clutch out there that out-performs the Horton?
I ran across it before, after I already sent for the Horton.
If you know, shoot it to me, thanks!
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