Thermal fan clutch question

ALGORITHM

MEMBER
2004 FORD E-SERIES VAN
5.4L
V8
2WD
AUTOMATIC
200,000 MILES

Hi, I bought a severe duty thermal fan clutch from RockAuto, and when I examined it I realized it is for a "non-ac" vehicle.
RockAuto does include my van in its fitment list for this Motorcraft YB3017 thermal fan clutch.

My question is.
what is the difference between a severe duty thermal clutch fan made for a vehicle with a/c, and one that is made for a vehicle without a/c?

I'd like to use this one because it is a Motorcraft, and I have had good experience with Motorcraft parts.
This particular fan clutch is one that RockAuto is closing out, and their price was very reasonable.
Any light you can shed I sure would appreciate.

Wednesday, April 9th, 2025 AT 5:12 PM

4 Replies

STEVE W.

MECHANIC
15,233 POSTS

See https://www.2carpros.com/questions/thermal-fan-clutch-question-24823411

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Thursday, April 10th, 2025 AT 8:43 AM

ALGORITHM

MEMBER
6 POSTS
2004 FORD E-SERIES VAN
5.4L
V8
2WD
AUTOMATIC
200,000 MILES

Hi, I bought a severe duty thermal fan clutch from RockAuto, and when I examined it, I realized it is for a "non-ac" vehicle.
RockAuto does include my van in its fitment list for this Motorcraft YB3017 thermal fan clutch.

My question is,
what is the difference between a severe duty thermal clutch fan made for a vehicle with a/c, and one that is made for a vehicle without A/C?

I'd like to use this one because it is a Motorcraft, and I have had good experience with Motorcraft parts.
This particular fan clutch is one that RockAuto is closing out, and their price was very reasonable.
Any light you can shed I sure would appreciate.

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Friday, April 11th, 2025 AT 7:48 AM (Merged)

STEVE W.

MECHANIC
15,233 POSTS

The difference is usually in the shaft length. The non-A/C is usually longer.

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Friday, April 11th, 2025 AT 7:48 AM (Merged)

ALGORITHM

MEMBER
6 POSTS

Hi Steve and thank you. I'll compare this new one with the old one. I think the fan is far enough from the radiator that the longer shaft won't be a problem, although I will make sure of that.

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