Replacing a fan clutch
Racer
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 389
Likes: 0
From: Sayreville New Jersey
Clutch fan went bad on my '78. Got a replacement went to put it on and found it was different than the one I took off and would not fit. As my 'vette is a daily driver I needed a quick fix to get to work the next day. Pep Boys parts desk suggested a flex fan. Installed easily and now run 10 to15 degrees cooler. Either way replacing the clutch fan is pretty easy you don't even have to remove the shroud just reach betwwen the fan blades and loosen the 4 bolts to remove fan, pull out, seperate the clutch fan, bolt on the new one and replace fan. Good to go! 
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
From: Hawaii
I've only had my '77 for a little while, but I did take the fan off the car and the clutch off the fan, so I could paint the fan. It took probably 15 minutes total. My question is how do you know if the fan clutch is ok? When exactly is it supposed to start freewheeling, and can you see it?
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
I knew my fan clutch was bad because there was a lot of fan movement on the shaft like the bearings were shot. Also, one day it started making a lot of noise and the car ran a little hotter until I got up to speed on the highway. My issue now is just getting the bolts off that attach the fan clutch to the water pump. The whole thing is turning......I guess there are some drawbacks in being a female mechanic! :o
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Got it apart.....wd-40.....a girl's best friend!
About the compatibility issue....I ordered the stock replacement part from Eckler's. So far it looks good. Eckler's is usually more expensive than the other outfits but they were actually the cheapest for the stock original. Back to the repair!
About the compatibility issue....I ordered the stock replacement part from Eckler's. So far it looks good. Eckler's is usually more expensive than the other outfits but they were actually the cheapest for the stock original. Back to the repair!
