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#1 |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Southern California
Posts: 543
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Thinking about installing a clutch fan. Thoughts?
Looking to cut down on engine noise... and thought I'd install a clutch fan. I think it will make a difference when the fan is not engaged. I've talked with a couple local car buddies who said "you gotta do it, big difference."
Anyone have a bad experience using one? My only concern is it failing and running into overheating issues (burb runs real cool, never had issues otherwise).
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Doug '72 GMC K2500 Suburban 4x4 |
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#2 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Nashville TN
Posts: 52
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Re: Thinking about installing a clutch fan. Thoughts?
Seems most prefer clutch fans. A new clutch will last a long time. Only had one to ever go bad, and it was real old.
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#3 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Upland Ca
Posts: 4,143
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Re: Thinking about installing a clutch fan. Thoughts?
Hi SoCal, I'd be much more worried about a flex fan than a clutch fan failing. If you go that route get a good one, not an AZ or Pep cheapie.
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1972 C10 SWB, Air, PS, PB, 350/350THM. Second owner. 1965 Corvette roadster, 44K miles, 327/365 SHP, 4 speed, side exhaust, knockoffs, teak, second owner (bought in 1970), Have ALL numbers matching components. My frame off restoration thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=556703 |
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#4 |
Junior Member
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Southeast Missouri
Posts: 2,436
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Re: Thinking about installing a clutch fan. Thoughts?
I think a clutch fan is the way to go myself. I have had a couple go bad but not stop cooling. What I mean by this is the fluid started slinging out and was noticed before the fan actually stopped cooling Both of the ones that started leaking fluid were in my '92 K-3500 with a 454.
When we put a 454 in my '71 I bought a new fan clutch and put it on. Electric fans are another option and some like them, but you have to remember you will need a large enough capacity alternator to drive the electric fan and if the alternator goes out the electric fan will stop cooling.
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'67 Chevy C-20 short stepper - build complete, 454/SM-465. '75 C-30 Single Cab DRW-350 small block/NP-435. '77 GMC-6500 Dump Truck, 427 Tall Deck. '92 GMC K-3500 Duallie, 454/4L80E. |
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#5 |
Who's got steelies?
![]() Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Morrison, Oklahoma
Posts: 1,026
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Re: Thinking about installing a clutch fan. Thoughts?
Just make sure you have a fan shroud. A clutch fan won't work worth crap without one.
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#6 |
Junior Member
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Southeast Missouri
Posts: 2,436
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Re: Thinking about installing a clutch fan. Thoughts?
Yep, you are right there. Many have tried it without a shroud and found the cooling inadequate.
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'67 Chevy C-20 short stepper - build complete, 454/SM-465. '75 C-30 Single Cab DRW-350 small block/NP-435. '77 GMC-6500 Dump Truck, 427 Tall Deck. '92 GMC K-3500 Duallie, 454/4L80E. |
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#7 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Vancouver BC
Posts: 19
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Re: Thinking about installing a clutch fan. Thoughts?
Personally I'd go electric and keep a few extra ponies, but I'm not doing a "factory" build up.
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Looking for a short fleetside bed in the Pacnorthwest/western Canada. |
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#8 |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Las Cruces New Mexico
Posts: 214
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Re: Thinking about installing a clutch fan. Thoughts?
Fan clutch for sure. I have had the same one on my 1969 for the last ten years and it still works fine. You do need the fan shroud though. My truck runs cool all day long even if I leave it ideling in the 100 degree temps we have here. 4 row radiator though as well.
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#9 |
20' Daredevil (Ret)
![]() Join Date: May 2003
Location: Jefferson State
Posts: 13,621
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Re: Thinking about installing a clutch fan. Thoughts?
Over many years (too many
![]() I don't know your particulars, but I'd say get a thermostatically controlled heavy-duty unit. Might be able to find one cheaper in a wrecking yard... look for one from a late model full-size vehicle. Just make sure the rotation is the same, as well as depth, bolt pattern, and fan diameter.
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- Mike - 1972 K20 LWB 350/350/205 RIP El Jay |
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#10 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Southern California
Posts: 543
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Re: Thinking about installing a clutch fan. Thoughts?
Quote:
Good info, thanks.
__________________
Doug '72 GMC K2500 Suburban 4x4 |
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#11 |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Las Cruces New Mexico
Posts: 214
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Re: Thinking about installing a clutch fan. Thoughts?
A thermal clutch is the best way to go.
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