81 Fan Clutch bad?
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 573
Likes: 0
From: Alpharetta GA
81 Fan Clutch bad?
Hi all,
While working on the car last night, I noticed that I could spin the fan by hand without much effort....this is not a good thing - correct ?
From what Ive read in manuals - I should not be able to do this.
I expect this to be an easy job to replace....not real inexpensive though.
The prices I am finding are all around $100.
Any thoughts?
Kevin
[Modified by ksems, 10:07 AM 1/20/2002]
While working on the car last night, I noticed that I could spin the fan by hand without much effort....this is not a good thing - correct ?
From what Ive read in manuals - I should not be able to do this.
I expect this to be an easy job to replace....not real inexpensive though.
The prices I am finding are all around $100.
Any thoughts?
Kevin
[Modified by ksems, 10:07 AM 1/20/2002]
Pro
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 560
Likes: 0
From: Camino CA
Re: 81 Fan Clutch bad? (ksems)
The clutch resistance is determined by temperature, so the cold weather may be affecting this, a better test would be to drive the car around a bit with the heater off so your car gets nice and hot, then park the car and pop the hood, when you turn of the car the fan should stop almost right away, try turning the fan with your hand right after you turn the car off.
If your car has over 75,000 miles it's time for a new fan clutch and water pump. You can probably find a fan clutch for $50 at an auto parts store.
(Edeted fer speeling errers)
[Modified by Ben Taylor, 11:50 AM 1/20/2002]
If your car has over 75,000 miles it's time for a new fan clutch and water pump. You can probably find a fan clutch for $50 at an auto parts store.
(Edeted fer speeling errers)
[Modified by Ben Taylor, 11:50 AM 1/20/2002]
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 573
Likes: 0
From: Alpharetta GA
Re: 81 Fan Clutch bad? (Ben Taylor)
Ben,
Thanks
Ill try that test....
The car is pushing 80,000 miles...just installed a new water pump a couple
weeks ago :)
I can get one at NAPA for $59.00....will take 3 days/not in stock.
Kevin
Thanks
Ill try that test....
The car is pushing 80,000 miles...just installed a new water pump a couple
weeks ago :)
I can get one at NAPA for $59.00....will take 3 days/not in stock.
Kevin
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 21,468
Likes: 463
From: Massillon,Ohio USA
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Cruise-In VI Veteran
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12
Re: 81 Fan Clutch bad? (UKPaul)
I put a new one on my '80 two years ago and got the fan clutch from an AC Delco jobber. It was $86 if I'm remembering correctly. I think the front to back "wobble" is actually more important/critical than the "ease" of spinning. If it "wobbles" very much, it's too loose and needs replaced.
Safety Car
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 3,758
Likes: 3
From: Surrey
Re: 81 Fan Clutch bad? (Paul Borowski)
The permissable wobble, according to my manual, is 1/4" at the tip of the blade. Beware: the clutch should be stored in an "as fitted" position ie vertically, otherwise the silicon fluid can/will leak out of it. Ho hum :bb
Paul
Paul
