Joe65

Had issues with my 65 overheating and couldn't figure out why. Took it to a trusted mechanic who knows c2's and he said the fan clutch is bad. I need input on a good replacement fan clutch. 327/350hp. Non a/c Driver car mostly original..unsure if the bad fan clutch currently on the car is the original or not and if so could it eventually be restored (dont have that kind of $ right now)? Thanks for the help.

66jack

I got mine from NAPA...

As far as rebuilding it, someone else will have to answer that one..

Vet65te

Joe - The original style fan clutches available from our vendors like Eaton and Schwitzer (sp?) are a bit pricey but if you're looking for a decent/cheaper substitute, stop by your local parts store (NAPA/Autozone) like Jack mentioned. More than likely they'll see a Hayden version that will work for you.
Was your old fan clutch showing signs of leakage or not engaging when heated up?
Mike T - Prescott AZ

Joe65

Thanks for the suggestions..still haven't decided what I want to do as far as ordering parts. I'm no expert on this, I didn't even know how the fan clutches worked until today. He called me this morning and I went down to see the car. He moved the fan blade by hand (engine cold) and said that it was hard to turn..does this sound right?

MikeM

Sounds right for a few revolutions but then it will get easier.

If the clutch is working as it should it will blow a LOT of air if you rev the engine and feel the air flow when it is hot.

65tripleblack

Post pictures of the clutch.

Roger L

I purchased a fan clutch at NAPA to continue to drive it, then sent original fan clutch to Dan Kirkconnell, in Florida he specializes in restoring fan clutches, when they are return look like and function like factory original, his email is k3vetteman@msn.com
Roger

MosportGreen66

If you deem your current fan clutch original, I would rebuild it. Call Dan Kirkconnell. He's done a ton of clutches for me. He stands behind his work and does excellent rebuilds/ restoration.

http://www.kirkconnellcorvettes.com

Best,
Dave

Craftsman51

X2 for www.kirkconnellcorvettes.com Rebuilt my original fan clutch, looks like new.

Y0GI

If the fan blades are hard to turn when cold, and continue to be hard to rotate after a few rotations, You have a fan clutch which is not performing properly, but it should not cause the engine to overheat. It will operate like a solidly coupled fan, which will blow a lot of air regardless of whether the radiator is hot or cold. If this is the case, you need to look elsewhere for your overheating problem, and find another mechanic.

Yogi

MikeM

I've never seen one that continued to rotate hard but I have seen them that are locked up and they are dangerous. Those can come apart and throw the fan blade off.

Y0GI

Yes, you're right. They can be very dangerous!

And a mechanic that diagnoses a fan clutch by this demonstration could be dangerous to your wallet!

Yogi

65 vette dude

If your car overheats at idle, and cools down at cruise speed.......the problem is most likely the fan clutch. I just replaced mine from Paragon.....it is very close to the original Eaton. If you do purchase it, the spring on the front is set for a C3, which engages the clutch at 195º. Rotate the end of the spring counter-clockwise 180º and install the end in the other mount. The clutch will then engage at 180º temp......https://www.paragoncorvette.com/p-35...utch-unit.aspx