So, I can’t figure this out so hoping y’all can help. My clutch fan spins if I do it by hand, but it doesn’t move freely at all.

If I press it hard to spin it…it only moves when I’m touching it. Should there be a little play in it or is it ok that it’s tight?

 

When engine is stone cold you should be able to turn the fan but not spin it, this is Cold Locked

Start engine, let it run for 30seconds and shut off engine
Now the fan should spin easily, its unlocked

You should HEAR the fan unlock after 5-10seconds, makes less noise

Failed fan clutch should fail Locked, that is its "fail safe" mode, so engine will not overheat but will be noisier and may be run cooler

Fan clutch uses Radiator heat to lock up, so as radiator in front of it gets warmer it start st lockup more and more, after you get home from a 20min + drive, in +50deg weather, shut off engine and spin the fan, should spin a bit but not much