Is there a way to wire in a switch to manually disengage the fan clutch on a 1997 Explorer 5.0? I'm thinking for things like water crossings, mud bogging, or drag racing such a switch would be beneficial. But I don't know if its possible. I know we did some rewiring on a 2004 6.0 diesel clutch fan to keep it running all the time, and had pretty significant trouble with it afterwards. So perhaps its not possible, or worth messing with? Does anyone have any experience in this area?

What got me thinking on it was I bought one of Neals electric fan controllers years ago for its numerous useful features, but never got it installed and now that pickup is crushed (I suppose I should put it up for sale). But I would like to be able to do something similar on my new rig with the 5.0

 

The explorer 5.0 uses a mechanical fan clutch so unless you change to an electric fan your sol. or just remove the fan when your wheeling............

 

Aha, well that answers that. So that would be the temperature sensitive fluid filled type clutch, correct?

If the mechanical clutch is locked up (hot), does it still have enough slip to not explode if mud/water get in the works? How about if it is running normal temps, it must be slipping some then, would it survive a mud packing?

Thank you for the information. I don't plan on submarining, but I'd like to know all I can in the event of an deeper-than-expected mud hole. And especially since my options for preparedness are limited, I'm curious of others experiences on the problem.

 

If you are planning on packing a radiator with mud its time to move it to the bed.

If the stock ranger fan could handle the water then the 5.0 will too.

Personally I wont run a mechanical fan, and I drive on the street. Off road no way in hell I would.

 

It should slip if you manage to pack mud that far up into your engine compartment. most people who run 5.0 say they see higher trans temps with an electric fan. I've replaced my fan clutch only once on my ranger and its at 189k miles right now.

 

The fan to get seems to be a Lincoln unit. Something like 4500-5000 cfm units. Its better than the stockers 3500, IIRC.