fan clutch - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

shelby987 · 02-28-2006, 09:30 AM

I know we had a post about this a while ago....but I don't think this issue was addressed.....my clutchable fan seems to be on all the time....it was mentioned that when its cold, it will spin until the fluid warms up a bit.....but this fan seems to be spinning (not at engine speed, but quickly just the same) all the time???? It is winter around here....but is this normal?

ChevLoRay · 02-28-2006, 01:11 PM

These clutch fans have a thermostatic function in the viscous coupling that is on the face of the fan (opposite the water pump). When it is cold, it will usually be difficult to turn the fan (engine off) by hand. When the engine is hot, the fan is easily turned. All of this seems to be bass-ackwards, don't it?

Anyway, when I have seen the fan clutches fail, the fan will spin, but never fast enough to actually move any air. You should also have a fan shroud, for the best cooling effect, whether you have a fan with a clutch or without a clutch.

But, for you own peace of mind, find a parts person who will let you compare your fan clutch, to a new one. Then, you'll have a better idea of what condition yours is in.

jacobs · 02-28-2006, 02:37 PM

They can also lock up as if there wasn't a clutch installed. Try turing it by hand while hot. If it won't turn easly, replace it with a new one. They are about $50 new last time I checked.

shelby987 · 03-01-2006, 08:44 AM

can I buy just the clutch assembly?

68C15 · 03-01-2006, 08:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shelby987

can I buy just the clutch assembly?

yes. I suggest getting one from AC Delco. the aftermarket ones just dont seem to hold up as well or be the correct calibration. there will be a 2 letter code on your IIRC. take the old one in to verify this.

02-28-2006, 09:30 AM	#1
shelby987 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Just outside Durham, NC Posts: 894	fan clutch I know we had a post about this a while ago....but I don't think this issue was addressed.....my clutchable fan seems to be on all the time....it was mentioned that when its cold, it will spin until the fluid warms up a bit.....but this fan seems to be spinning (not at engine speed, but quickly just the same) all the time???? It is winter around here....but is this normal? __________________ 1969 SS 350 Camaro Sold 2008 1970 3/4T K20, stock height with 33's, 250 I6, 3 on the tree, and locked front and rear 4.10's 1980 Chevy Malibu 2 dr Sold 2007 1993 Olds. Cutlass Ciera Wagon Traded 2006 2003 Saturn L200 w/5pd. D/D My list spans 5 decades with One common thread.....GM!

02-28-2006, 01:11 PM	#2
ChevLoRay Old Skool Club Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Benton, AR "The Heart of Arkansas" Posts: 10,880	Re: fan clutch These clutch fans have a thermostatic function in the viscous coupling that is on the face of the fan (opposite the water pump). When it is cold, it will usually be difficult to turn the fan (engine off) by hand. When the engine is hot, the fan is easily turned. All of this seems to be bass-ackwards, don't it? Anyway, when I have seen the fan clutches fail, the fan will spin, but never fast enough to actually move any air. You should also have a fan shroud, for the best cooling effect, whether you have a fan with a clutch or without a clutch. But, for you own peace of mind, find a parts person who will let you compare your fan clutch, to a new one. Then, you'll have a better idea of what condition yours is in. __________________ Member Nr. 2770 '96 GMC Sportside; 4.3/SLT - Daily driven....constantly needs washed. '69 C-10 SWB; 350/TH400 - in limbo The older I get, the better I was.

02-28-2006, 02:37 PM	#3
jacobs Registered User Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: 9000' Mountain Man Posts: 326	Re: fan clutch They can also lock up as if there wasn't a clutch installed. Try turing it by hand while hot. If it won't turn easly, replace it with a new one. They are about $50 new last time I checked.

03-01-2006, 08:44 AM	#4
shelby987 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Just outside Durham, NC Posts: 894	Re: fan clutch can I buy just the clutch assembly? __________________ 1969 SS 350 Camaro Sold 2008 1970 3/4T K20, stock height with 33's, 250 I6, 3 on the tree, and locked front and rear 4.10's 1980 Chevy Malibu 2 dr Sold 2007 1993 Olds. Cutlass Ciera Wagon Traded 2006 2003 Saturn L200 w/5pd. D/D My list spans 5 decades with One common thread.....GM!



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