Fan clutch
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,810
Likes: 469
From: Wichita Kansas
Fan clutch
I have been reading about the fan clutch and wonder if I need to address mine. While I can easily turn my fan, it certainly does not spin if I try to give it a whirl. The temperature gauge sits at 180 deg after the car warms up, haven't ever seen it go higher than that. Fan clutch something to worry about here or not? 1972, 350 sb with ac....
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,214
Likes: 4,302
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi k,
The clutch on the fan is an important part of the original cooling system.
If you're not having cooling problems the clutch is likely doing it's job.
The bi-metallic plate or coil on the front of the clutch reacts to the temperature of the air being pulled through the radiator.
The fan should not turn easily when the engine is off.
You can also check it's operation when you turn the engine off.
It should continue to spin 'coast' for a few seconds after you turn off the ignition.
This is an indication that the clutch isn't locked up which would mean the fan is constantly turning at crankshaft speed…. which you don't want.
Regards,
Alan
The clutch on the fan is an important part of the original cooling system.
If you're not having cooling problems the clutch is likely doing it's job.
The bi-metallic plate or coil on the front of the clutch reacts to the temperature of the air being pulled through the radiator.
The fan should not turn easily when the engine is off.
You can also check it's operation when you turn the engine off.
It should continue to spin 'coast' for a few seconds after you turn off the ignition.
This is an indication that the clutch isn't locked up which would mean the fan is constantly turning at crankshaft speed…. which you don't want.
Regards,
Alan
