We have a winner!! No surprise it's Steve... Just got word.. it is the fan clutch... As it was explained to me, the clutch had gotten stiff and would not shut off until the engine speed was high enough to disengage it. I'm impressed
In the archives are some nice explanations of how the fan clutch works and why. My question is does the fan clutch pull enough power to materially impact the MPG and engine performance, especially in my case where it was always engaged?