Thinking about installing a clutch fan. Thoughts? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

dougo · 07-31-2010, 10:59 AM

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).

71GMCinTN · 07-31-2010, 11:04 AM

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.

Lee H · 07-31-2010, 11:09 AM

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.

Shyguy · 07-31-2010, 12:07 PM

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.

**oldgold70c10** · 07-31-2010, 12:56 PM

Just make sure you have a fan shroud. A clutch fan won't work worth crap without one.

Shyguy · 07-31-2010, 03:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oldgold70c10

Just make sure you have a fan shroud. A clutch fan won't work worth crap without one.

Yep, you are right there. Many have tried it without a shroud and found the cooling inadequate.

Deggs · 07-31-2010, 04:29 PM

Personally I'd go electric and keep a few extra ponies, but I'm not doing a "factory" build up.

ratpackv8sonly · 07-31-2010, 05:49 PM

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.

**Stocker** · 07-31-2010, 07:53 PM

Over many years (too many

) I have had 'em all. The only flex fan I ever tried didn't work -- no problem with factory electric fans -- I have changed fixed-blade fans to clutch fans, and will never again own anything with a fixed-blade. I like clutch fans (ditto on using a shroud) and have only had one fail... temporarily. The one in my K20 ran low on silicon fluid once, but I found some at a Toyota dealership and all is good. That was several years ago.

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.

dougo · 07-31-2010, 08:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stocker

Over many years (too many

) I have had 'em all. The only flex fan I ever tried didn't work -- no problem with factory electric fans -- I have changed fixed-blade fans to clutch fans, and will never again own anything with a fixed-blade. I like clutch fans (ditto on using a shroud) and have only had one fail... temporarily. The one in my K20 ran low on silicon fluid once, but I found some at a Toyota dealership and all is good. That was several years ago.

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.

I've got a shroud... I'm going to go with a new unit. I sometimes pull a trailer (about 1,500-1,700 pounds), otherwise a weekend driver around town (couple weekends a month) and we use her for road trips - anywhere from 3-6 hours hwy driving in 65-105 degree heat (in summer). I want to do it right the first time... so willing to pay the money to get the right unit.

Good info, thanks.

ratpackv8sonly · 08-01-2010, 03:27 PM

A thermal clutch is the best way to go.

07-31-2010, 10:59 AM	#1
dougo Registered User Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Southern California Posts: 543	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). __________________ Doug '72 GMC K2500 Suburban 4x4

07-31-2010, 11:04 AM	#2
71GMCinTN Registered User Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Nashville TN Posts: 52	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.

07-31-2010, 11:09 AM	#3
Lee H Registered User Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Upland Ca Posts: 4,141	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. __________________ 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

07-31-2010, 12:07 PM	#4
Shyguy Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Southeast Missouri Posts: 2,436	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. __________________ '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.

07-31-2010, 12:56 PM	#5
oldgold70c10 Who's got steelies? Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Morrison, Oklahoma Posts: 1,026	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. __________________ 1969 C10 LWB W/ 250 I6 & 3spd 1970 C10 with '67 small window cab, 68 front end, blue; 305/TH350, 3.08 limited slip rear end, manual brakes, power steering; & 4-wheel drums-My daily driver. 1975 Chevelle Malibu Classic Coupe 350/th350 mint green 1970 C20 Suburban 350/700R4 4.10 gearing green & white 1978 Big 10 Silverado 350/th350, working ac, 2 tone blue-My summer daily driver 1983 GMC 1500 Sierra 305/SM465 2.73 rear end How to add a trip odometer to your 67-72 stock speedometer How to rebuild your Q-Jet My Truck Page My Youtube Channel

07-31-2010, 04:29 PM	#7
Deggs Registered User Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Vancouver BC Posts: 19	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. __________________ Looking for a short fleetside bed in the Pacnorthwest/western Canada.

07-31-2010, 05:49 PM	#8
ratpackv8sonly Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Las Cruces New Mexico Posts: 214	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.

07-31-2010, 07:53 PM	#9
Stocker 20' Daredevil (Ret) Join Date: May 2003 Location: Jefferson State Posts: 13,586	Re: Thinking about installing a clutch fan. Thoughts? Over many years (too many ) I have had 'em all. The only flex fan I ever tried didn't work -- no problem with factory electric fans -- I have changed fixed-blade fans to clutch fans, and will never again own anything with a fixed-blade. I like clutch fans (ditto on using a shroud) and have only had one fail... temporarily. The one in my K20 ran low on silicon fluid once, but I found some at a Toyota dealership and all is good. That was several years ago. 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. __________________ - Mike - 1972 K20 LWB 350/350/205 RIP El Jay

08-01-2010, 03:27 PM	#11
ratpackv8sonly Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Las Cruces New Mexico Posts: 214	Re: Thinking about installing a clutch fan. Thoughts? A thermal clutch is the best way to go.

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