Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » [GMCnet] Fan Clutch
| [GMCnet] Fan Clutch [message #61067] |
Wed, 21 October 2009 22:36  |
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USAussie
Messages: 15912
Registered: July 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia
Karma: 6
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Senior Member |
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G'day,
I was going through some notes I made at Pueblo and found I had written down
the following information regarding fan clutches:
A/C Delco Part Number
15-4644 = Heavy Duty
15-1208 = Normal Duty
15-4223 = Light Duty
Have I got that right?
Regards,
Rob Mueller
Sydney, Australia
AUS '75 Avion-The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
USA '75 Avion-Double Trouble TZE365V100426
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Regards,
Rob M. (USAussie)
The Pedantic Mechanic
Sydney, Australia
'75 Avion - AUS - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
'75 Avion - USA - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
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| Re: [GMCnet] Fan Clutch [message #61069 is a reply to message #61067] |
Wed, 21 October 2009 22:43  |
Ken Burton
Messages: 10030
Registered: January 2004
Location: Hebron, Indiana
Karma: 10
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| Robert Mueller wrote on Wed, 21 October 2009 22:36 |
G'day,
I was going through some notes I made at Pueblo and found I had written down
the following information regarding fan clutches:
A/C Delco Part Number
15-4644 = Heavy Duty
15-1208 = Normal Duty
15-4223 = Light Duty
Have I got that right?
Regards,
Rob Mueller
Sydney, Australia
AUS '75 Avion-The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
USA '75 Avion-Double Trouble TZE365V100426
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15-4208 is the OEM equivalent Normal duty.
I have no idea where the 15-4223 came from. The first I heard of it was during Steve's seminar.
Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
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| Re: [GMCnet] Fan Clutch [message #61089 is a reply to message #61067] |
Thu, 22 October 2009 00:33 |
Rick Denney
Messages: 430
Registered: January 2004
Karma: 0
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Rob Mueller writes...
> 15-4644 = Heavy Duty
> 15-1208 = Normal Duty
> 15-4223 = Light Duty
> Have I got that right?
Only one miss. The Normal Duty clutch is 15-4208. Just a transcription
error, I'm sure.
Rick "who would stay away from the light-duty clutch" Denney
'73 230 Ex-Glacier "Jaws"
Northern Virginia
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| Re: [GMCnet] Fan Clutch [message #61091 is a reply to message #61089] |
Thu, 22 October 2009 00:49 |
Tin Gerbil
Messages: 236
Registered: October 2006
Location: Vancouver Island, B.C.
Karma: 0
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Rick;
I find the description slightly misleading. The rating of heavy, normal
or light does not describe the strength or projected life of the clutch.
It describes the % of coupling. As in 65% of engine speed for light
duty. As I have said many times, I prefer light duty clutches because
they do a more than adequate job of cooling for me with a stock
radiator. One gets better gas mileage with a light duty clutch and the
noise level is way down when compared to a Heavy duty clutch. I know
the consensus is a heavy duty clutch with a 195* thermostat to keep it
roaring as much as possible, I just don't get it?
I am now doing the most daft and unthinkable conversion to twin 17"
electric fans. The fans were free, so I have nothing but a few hours
labour to loose. I am looking forward to being able to get in and
change rad hoses without finding a midget with 4' long arms to assist me.
Gordon
Rick Denney wrote:
> Rob Mueller writes...
>
>
>> 15-4644 = Heavy Duty
>
>> 15-1208 = Normal Duty
>
>> 15-4223 = Light Duty
>
>> Have I got that right?
>
> Only one miss. The Normal Duty clutch is 15-4208. Just a transcription
> error, I'm sure.
>
> Rick "who would stay away from the light-duty clutch" Denney
>
> '73 230 Ex-Glacier "Jaws"
> Northern Virginia
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> List Information and Subscription Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
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Gordon
'74 Canyon Lands "Tin Gerbil"
Vancouver Island, B.C.
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| Re: [GMCnet] Fan Clutch [message #61099 is a reply to message #61089] |
Thu, 22 October 2009 02:55 |
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USAussie
Messages: 15912
Registered: July 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia
Karma: 6
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Rick,
Yeah, I can't read my own writing! ;-)
BTW the reason I've requested clarification is because during our recent
tour I NEVER heard a fan ROAR. The strange thing is Double Trouble never
overheated either and it was bloody HOT in the south this year! It had a 195
degree thermostat in it too boot. I replaced that with a 185 degree when I
fitted the alloy intake manifold.
Regards,
Rob Mueller
Sydney, Australia
AUS '75 Avion-The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
USA '75 Avion-Double Trouble TZE365V100426
-----Original Message-----
From: gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org
[mailto:gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org] On Behalf Of Rick Denney
Sent: Thursday, 22 October 2009 4:34 PM
To: Rob Mueller
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Fan Clutch
Rob Mueller writes...
> 15-4644 = Heavy Duty
> 15-1208 = Normal Duty
> 15-4223 = Light Duty
> Have I got that right?
Only one miss. The Normal Duty clutch is 15-4208. Just a transcription
error, I'm sure.
Rick "who would stay away from the light-duty clutch" Denney
'73 230 Ex-Glacier "Jaws"
Northern Virginia
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Regards,
Rob M. (USAussie)
The Pedantic Mechanic
Sydney, Australia
'75 Avion - AUS - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
'75 Avion - USA - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
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| Re: [GMCnet] Fan Clutch [message #61101 is a reply to message #61091] |
Thu, 22 October 2009 02:57 |
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USAussie
Messages: 15912
Registered: July 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia
Karma: 6
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Senior Member |
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Gordon,
How about:
15-4644 = Heavy Duty Cooling
15-4208 = Normal Duty Cooling
15-4223 = Light Duty Cooling
Regards,
Rob Mueller
Sydney, Australia
AUS '75 Avion-The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
USA '75 Avion-Double Trouble TZE365V100426
-----Original Message-----
From: gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org
[mailto:gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org] On Behalf Of Gordon
Sent: Thursday, 22 October 2009 4:49 PM
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Fan Clutch
Rick;
I find the description slightly misleading. The rating of heavy, normal
or light does not describe the strength or projected life of the clutch.
It describes the % of coupling. As in 65% of engine speed for light
duty. As I have said many times, I prefer light duty clutches because
they do a more than adequate job of cooling for me with a stock
radiator. One gets better gas mileage with a light duty clutch and the
noise level is way down when compared to a Heavy duty clutch. I know
the consensus is a heavy duty clutch with a 195* thermostat to keep it
roaring as much as possible, I just don't get it?
I am now doing the most daft and unthinkable conversion to twin 17"
electric fans. The fans were free, so I have nothing but a few hours
labour to loose. I am looking forward to being able to get in and
change rad hoses without finding a midget with 4' long arms to assist me.
Gordon
Rick Denney wrote:
> Rob Mueller writes...
>
>
>> 15-4644 = Heavy Duty
>
>> 15-1208 = Normal Duty
>
>> 15-4223 = Light Duty
>
>> Have I got that right?
>
> Only one miss. The Normal Duty clutch is 15-4208. Just a transcription
> error, I'm sure.
>
> Rick "who would stay away from the light-duty clutch" Denney
>
> '73 230 Ex-Glacier "Jaws"
> Northern Virginia
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> List Information and Subscription Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
List Information and Subscription Options:
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Regards,
Rob M. (USAussie)
The Pedantic Mechanic
Sydney, Australia
'75 Avion - AUS - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
'75 Avion - USA - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
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| Re: [GMCnet] Fan Clutch [message #61103 is a reply to message #61099] |
Thu, 22 October 2009 04:05 |
Rick Denney
Messages: 430
Registered: January 2004
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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Rob Mueller writes...
> BTW the reason I've requested clarification is because during our recent
> tour I NEVER heard a fan ROAR. The strange thing is Double Trouble never
> overheated either and it was bloody HOT in the south this year! It had a 195
> degree thermostat in it too boot. I replaced that with a 185 degree when I
> fitted the alloy intake manifold.
I never heard the 4208 come on when I had it, and also never
overheated. But the 4644 does more positively control temps, and when
it does blow, it really flushes the air out of the compartment.
Rick "amazed at the effect of that fan engaging even at highway speed"
Denney
'73 230 Ex-Glacier "Jaws"
Northern Virginia
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| Re: [GMCnet] Fan Clutch [message #61120 is a reply to message #61091] |
Thu, 22 October 2009 07:22 |
Oldngray
Messages: 544
Registered: August 2009
Location: Punta Gorda Florida
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I have been looking for a Electric Fan set for Huckleberry w/o success, would you kindly tell me who makes the ones you have.
I believe the PO installed a 160 T stat as the temp never gets above that. He has the gauge marked for 165 and it never reaches it.
Richard MacDonald
Punta Gorda, Florida
Sold our TZE April 2015
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| Re: [GMCnet] Fan Clutch [message #61160 is a reply to message #61120] |
Thu, 22 October 2009 10:54 |
Tin Gerbil
Messages: 236
Registered: October 2006
Location: Vancouver Island, B.C.
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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Richard;
Check the thermostat before you make the 165* assumption. There is a
factory tolerance in both a new gauge and a new sender which can add up
to 10+%. Now after all these years, the error may be much greater. Use
DW's candy or cooking thermometer to check the water temperature. Drive
with the rad cap loose, stop and check it.
If you search the archives, you will find ELECTRIC FANS DO NOT WORK.
Many of the SOB's built in the last 10 years have only these
non-functioning electric fans. I can't find out why they don't work as
the Snow Birds seem to keep going to Yuma and back every year.
This is strictly an experiment on my part and the idea that has been in
the back of my mind for a long time. It came to the front after Terry
Skinner lost a fan clutch on the way home from Roy Utah and used one
electric fan to complete the trip. I am using twin fans from a 1995 GM
Lumina as they were free.
Gordon
Richard MacDonald wrote:
>
> I have been looking for a Electric Fan set for Huckleberry w/o
> success, would you kindly tell me who makes the ones you have. I
> believe the PO installed a 160 T stat as the temp never gets above
> that. He has the gauge marked for 165 and it never reaches it.
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Gordon
'74 Canyon Lands "Tin Gerbil"
Vancouver Island, B.C.
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| Re: [GMCnet] Fan Clutch [message #61161 is a reply to message #61121] |
Thu, 22 October 2009 10:23 |
Tin Gerbil
Messages: 236
Registered: October 2006
Location: Vancouver Island, B.C.
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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Bruce;
Yes, I have and I collected the rad sensor, but forgot the plug.
Sent the car to the crusher too quickly.
Thanks;
Gordon
Bruce Hislop wrote:
>
> Gord,
> I'm sure you have noticed that the EBL will control your rad fans if you go that way.
>
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Gordon
'74 Canyon Lands "Tin Gerbil"
Vancouver Island, B.C.
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| Re: [GMCnet] Fan Clutch [message #61167 is a reply to message #61160] |
Thu, 22 October 2009 15:37 |
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USAussie
Messages: 15912
Registered: July 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia
Karma: 6
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Senior Member |
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G'day,
At the end of Gene Dotson's cooling presentation at Pueblo the first
question asked was "what about electric fans?" He hit the button and up
popped a slide of one of his aluminum radiators with two big electric fans
mounted in front of it. He advised that he is doing some testing.
Regards,
Rob Mueller
Sydney, Australia
AUS '75 Avion-The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
USA '75 Avion-Double Trouble TZE365V100426
-----Original Message-----
From: gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org
[mailto:gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org] On Behalf Of Gordon
Sent: Friday, 23 October 2009 2:55 AM
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Fan Clutch
Richard;
Check the thermostat before you make the 165* assumption. There is a
factory tolerance in both a new gauge and a new sender which can add up
to 10+%. Now after all these years, the error may be much greater. Use
DW's candy or cooking thermometer to check the water temperature. Drive
with the rad cap loose, stop and check it.
If you search the archives, you will find ELECTRIC FANS DO NOT WORK.
Many of the SOB's built in the last 10 years have only these
non-functioning electric fans. I can't find out why they don't work as
the Snow Birds seem to keep going to Yuma and back every year.
This is strictly an experiment on my part and the idea that has been in
the back of my mind for a long time. It came to the front after Terry
Skinner lost a fan clutch on the way home from Roy Utah and used one
electric fan to complete the trip. I am using twin fans from a 1995 GM
Lumina as they were free.
Gordon
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
List Information and Subscription Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
Regards,
Rob M. (USAussie)
The Pedantic Mechanic
Sydney, Australia
'75 Avion - AUS - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
'75 Avion - USA - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
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| Re: [GMCnet] Fan Clutch [message #61173 is a reply to message #61091] |
Thu, 22 October 2009 10:32 |
Ray Erspamer
Messages: 1707
Registered: May 2007
Location: Milwaukee Wisconsin
Karma: -3
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Senior Member |
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What temp thermostat do you use Gordon.
I recently replace my failed fan clutch with a 4644......for 3 years I never heard the fan run and my engine always ran cool......now it seems like the fan is kicking in all the time.
Ray
Ray & Lisa Erspamer
78 Royale Center Kitchen
The Malosco Cruiser (TZE368V101144)
Wauwatosa, Wisconsin 53226
Email: 78GMC-Royale@att.net
414-745-3188
Web Site: http://ray-lisa.page.tl/
________________________________
From: Gordon <wizwing@telus.net>
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Sent: Thursday, October 22, 2009 12:49:19 AM
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Fan Clutch
Rick;
I find the description slightly misleading. The rating of heavy, normal
or light does not describe the strength or projected life of the clutch.
It describes the % of coupling. As in 65% of engine speed for light
duty. As I have said many times, I prefer light duty clutches because
they do a more than adequate job of cooling for me with a stock
radiator. One gets better gas mileage with a light duty clutch and the
noise level is way down when compared to a Heavy duty clutch. I know
the consensus is a heavy duty clutch with a 195* thermostat to keep it
roaring as much as possible, I just don't get it?
I am now doing the most daft and unthinkable conversion to twin 17"
electric fans. The fans were free, so I have nothing but a few hours
labour to loose. I am looking forward to being able to get in and
change rad hoses without finding a midget with 4' long arms to assist me.
Gordon
Rick Denney wrote:
> Rob Mueller writes...
>
>
>> 15-4644 = Heavy Duty
>
>> 15-1208 = Normal Duty
>
>> 15-4223 = Light Duty
>
>> Have I got that right?
>
> Only one miss. The Normal Duty clutch is 15-4208. Just a transcription
> error, I'm sure.
>
> Rick "who would stay away from the light-duty clutch" Denney
>
> '73 230 Ex-Glacier "Jaws"
> Northern Virginia
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> List Information and Subscription Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
List Information and Subscription Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
List Information and Subscription Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
Ray Erspamer
78 GMC Royale Center Kitchen
403, 3.70 Final Drive
Holley Sniper Quadrajet EFI System,
Holley Hyperspark Ignition System
414-484-9431
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| Re: [GMCnet] Fan Clutch [message #61190 is a reply to message #61185] |
Thu, 22 October 2009 17:21 |
Ray Erspamer
Messages: 1707
Registered: May 2007
Location: Milwaukee Wisconsin
Karma: -3
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Senior Member |
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When my fan clutch went out, I took the fan off and thought I could make it home if I kept the coach speed in the 65 MPH range on the interstate, and this is in Wisconsin where the ambient outside temp was only 75...... NO GO !
Ray & Lisa Erspamer
78 Royale Center Kitchen
The Malosco Cruiser (TZE368V101144)
Wauwatosa, Wisconsin 53226
Email: 78GMC-Royale@att.net
414-745-3188
Web Site: http://ray-lisa.page.tl/
________________________________
From: Gary Casey <casey.gary@yahoo.com>
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Sent: Thursday, October 22, 2009 5:17:39 PM
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Fan Clutch
I'm sure someone will come on line that actually knows, but I think electric fans work well for idling in city traffic and for the cooldown after you shut off the engine, but there is no way an electric fan has the horsepower of the engine-driven fan for high-power cooling on the highway. Cars are designed with aero in mind and they will usually cool at any speed on the highway without the fan. From what people say our coaches won't sometimes adequately cool on the open road without a fan assist. True? Although... in the shakedown trip on my new '73 I'm sure the fan never turned on - probably doesn't work - and it never came close to overheating. so.....? Mine didn't turn on right after starting and I can freely spin the blades any time. Doesn't work, eh?
Gary
________________________________
From: Ken Henderson <ken0henderson@gmail.com>
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Sent: Thu, October 22, 2009 1:09:35 PM
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Fan Clutch
Here's all about it, Ray:
http://www.dynamicefi.com/
Ken H.
Ray Erspamer wrote:
> What is an EBL unit ???
>
> Ray
>
> _______________________________
> From: Bruce Hislop <bruce@perthcomm.com>
>
> Gord,
> I'm sure you have noticed that the EBL will control your rad fans if you go that way.
>
>
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
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_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
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_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
List Information and Subscription Options:
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Ray Erspamer
78 GMC Royale Center Kitchen
403, 3.70 Final Drive
Holley Sniper Quadrajet EFI System,
Holley Hyperspark Ignition System
414-484-9431
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| Re: [GMCnet] Fan Clutch [message #61245 is a reply to message #61173] |
Fri, 23 October 2009 00:44 |
Tin Gerbil
Messages: 236
Registered: October 2006
Location: Vancouver Island, B.C.
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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Ray;
I have a 185*F thermostat.
You have just reiterated my point. Your old light duty fan clutch was
perfectly adequate for the job of cooling your engine. It was working
fine, until it failed. Now you have replaced it with a 4644 which is
not "kicking in all the time." It is kicking in at the exact same
temperature as the old one. The noise is generated because it is
coupling at it's correct ratio, of 90% of engine rpm. This is the
meaning of Heavy Duty. It has nothing to do with the expected life span
of your new fan clutch. Your old one was coupling at it's design ratio
of only 65% of engine rpm, therefore it made much less noise. You have
increased the ability of your cooling system far beyond it's needs, as
you state, "my engine always ran cool". Now you will burn more gas and
enjoy the knowledge you lacked before, that the fan was working, because
now you can hear it. You get to hear the extra $50 you spent on a Heavy
Duty Fan Clutch.
I stumbled upon this truth because I purchased two new 1 ton Ford diesel
trucks in 1987. One had the "wrong fan clutch" (according to Ford) and
was very quiet. One had the "correct fan clutch" and drove me nuts. I
replaced the noisy one with another "wrong" one and never experienced a
cooling problem while punishing these little trucks with 6000 pound
loads on very steep winding roads for many 100,000 miles. These little
trucks were the standard rig in a niche market of small loads of fresh
fish, that had to get quickly to market. My fuel mileage was so
consistently better than the other fellows who had identical trucks,
that they ignored my claims. We spent several hours per day together on
ferries and with nothing much to talk about, often compared our
operating costs. I could save my lunch money each day, in fuel cost,
but never let on how.
Gordon
Ray Erspamer wrote:
> What temp thermostat do you use Gordon.
>
> I recently replace my failed fan clutch with a 4644......for 3 years
> I never heard the fan run and my engine always ran cool......now it
> seems like the fan is kicking in all the time.
>
> Ray
>
> Ray & Lisa Erspamer 78 Royale Center Kitchen The Malosco Cruiser
> (TZE368V101144) Wauwatosa, Wisconsin 53226 Email:
> 78GMC-Royale@att.net 414-745-3188 Web Site: http://ray-lisa.page.tl/
>
>
>
>
> ________________________________ From: Gordon <wizwing@telus.net> To:
> gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org Sent: Thursday, October 22, 2009 12:49:19 AM
> Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Fan Clutch
>
> Rick; I find the description slightly misleading. The rating of
> heavy, normal or light does not describe the strength or projected
> life of the clutch. It describes the % of coupling. As in 65% of
> engine speed for light duty. As I have said many times, I prefer
> light duty clutches because they do a more than adequate job of
> cooling for me with a stock radiator. One gets better gas mileage
> with a light duty clutch and the noise level is way down when
> compared to a Heavy duty clutch. I know the consensus is a heavy
> duty clutch with a 195* thermostat to keep it roaring as much as
> possible, I just don't get it? I am now doing the most daft and
> unthinkable conversion to twin 17" electric fans. The fans were
> free, so I have nothing but a few hours labour to loose. I am
> looking forward to being able to get in and change rad hoses without
> finding a midget with 4' long arms to assist me. Gordon
>
> Rick Denney wrote:
>> Rob Mueller writes...
>>
>>
>>> 15-4644 = Heavy Duty 15-1208 = Normal Duty 15-4223 = Light Duty
>>> Have I got that right?
>> Only one miss. The Normal Duty clutch is 15-4208. Just a
>> transcription error, I'm sure.
>>
>> Rick "who would stay away from the light-duty clutch" Denney
>>
>> '73 230 Ex-Glacier "Jaws" Northern Virginia
>>
>> _______________________________________________ GMCnet mailing list
>> List Information and Subscription Options:
>> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
> _______________________________________________ GMCnet mailing list
> List Information and Subscription Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
> _______________________________________________ GMCnet mailing list
> List Information and Subscription Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
List Information and Subscription Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
Gordon
'74 Canyon Lands "Tin Gerbil"
Vancouver Island, B.C.
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| Re: [GMCnet] Fan Clutch [message #61249 is a reply to message #61245] |
Fri, 23 October 2009 01:43 |
Ken Burton
Messages: 10030
Registered: January 2004
Location: Hebron, Indiana
Karma: 10
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| Tin Gerbil wrote on Fri, 23 October 2009 00:44 |
Ray;
I have a 185*F thermostat.
You have just reiterated my point. Your old light duty fan clutch was
perfectly adequate for the job of cooling your engine. It was working
fine, until it failed. Now you have replaced it with a 4644 which is
not "kicking in all the time." It is kicking in at the exact same
temperature as the old one. The noise is generated because it is
coupling at it's correct ratio, of 90% of engine rpm. This is the
meaning of Heavy Duty. It has nothing to do with the expected life span
of your new fan clutch. Your old one was coupling at it's design ratio
of only 65% of engine rpm, therefore it made much less noise. You have
increased the ability of your cooling system far beyond it's needs, as
you state, "my engine always ran cool". Now you will burn more gas and
enjoy the knowledge you lacked before, that the fan was working, because
now you can hear it. You get to hear the extra $50 you spent on a Heavy
Duty Fan Clutch.
I stumbled upon this truth because I purchased two new 1 ton Ford diesel
trucks in 1987. One had the "wrong fan clutch" (according to Ford) and
was very quiet. One had the "correct fan clutch" and drove me nuts. I
replaced the noisy one with another "wrong" one and never experienced a
cooling problem while punishing these little trucks with 6000 pound
loads on very steep winding roads for many 100,000 miles. These little
trucks were the standard rig in a niche market of small loads of fresh
fish, that had to get quickly to market. My fuel mileage was so
consistently better than the other fellows who had identical trucks,
that they ignored my claims. We spent several hours per day together on
ferries and with nothing much to talk about, often compared our
operating costs. I could save my lunch money each day, in fuel cost,
but never let on how.
Gordon
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You are preaching to the deaf. You are not going to convert the "if it does not make a lot of noise it is not working" crowd. What you need is some numbers like how many horse power it takes to to run each of these fans.
Too bad Steve did not have a more powerful and faster motor to so he could have spun his fans at normal engine cruise speed. Then he could have also measured the AC current draw on each fan. Those numbers might have gotten some of the crowd's attention.
I also wish he had tested the OEM equivalent fan which is the 15-4208. That is the one he should have had for a base line to compare the others to. Unfortunately no one provided one of them for him to test.
I'm not faulting Steve for what he did. I just want more and I'm too lazy to do it myself.
My take on fans and clutches is they are a standby device that should only come into play in a rare circumstance when the cooling system can not handle the heat load. I suggest that that GMC cooling system should handle the heat load over 95% of the time. In the rare circumstance, like stop and go traffic with AC on in 95 degree weather, or a long hard pull up a mountain, should the fan come out of standby mode and give some additional assistance.
What we are really discussing is how much additional assistance do we need. It is my contention that the OEM equivalent is sufficient and I also prefer not to hear it working.
I had the 3 of the Heavy Duty Hayden's and one standard duty Hayden. I also had the AC Delco 15-4644. After talking to Danny Allen and later to an AC Delco engineer, I settled on the standard duty 15-4208 on that AC Delco recommended as equivalent to OEM. It works and it is almost silent. I also have never needed to replace a fan belt.
Good luck on your crusade. I do not think the right people are listening.
Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
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| Re: [GMCnet] Fan Clutch [message #61277 is a reply to message #61067] |
Fri, 23 October 2009 09:05 |
Rick Williams
Messages: 256
Registered: July 2004
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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I replaced my OEM fan clutch on the road a couple of years ago. The only choice I had was a Hayden heavy duty. It comes on every time I accelerate from a stop. It is very annoying. The original rarely came on. I will live with it for a while yet because I hate throwing money away but the next one will be an AC Delco 15-4208.
Rick
Rick Williams
Bliss, Michigan
1978 Eleganza II
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