Q: How to check and replace a Engine Cooling Fan on Mercury Mountaineer?
A: Symptoms of fan clutch failure are continuous noisy operation, looseness, vibration, or silicone fluid leaking from the clutch. To check, rock the fan back and forth by hand to check for excessive bearing play. With the engine cold, turn the blades by hand. The fan should turn freely. Visually inspect for substantial fluid leakage from the fan clutch assembly, a deformed bi-metal spring, or grease leakage from the cooling fan bearing. If any of these conditions exist, replace the fan clutch. Start the engine and allow it to warm up to its normal operating temperature. When the engine is fully warmed up, turn off the ignition switch. Turn the fan by hand. Some resistance should be felt. If the fan turns easily, replace the fan clutch. To remove and install, disconnect the battery cable at the negative battery terminal. Drain the cooling system. Remove the radiator upper air deflector(on 2002 through 2004 models)and the inner deflector.In 2006 and later models, remove the coolant expansion tank and also set aside the power steering fluid reservoir. If equipped, disconnect the air conditioning line retainers at the top of the radiator and position the assembly off to the side. Remove the upper radiator hose. Loosen the hose clamp by squeezing the ends together. Hose clamp pliers work best, but regular pliers will work also. If the radiator hose is stuck, grasp it near the end with a pair of adjustable pliers and twist it to break the seal, then pull it off. If the hose is old or has deteriorated, cut it off and install a new one.