Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » Fan Clutch Vindication (Yet Another Fan Clutch)
| Fan Clutch Vindication [message #283755] |
Sun, 02 August 2015 14:54  |
George Beckman
Messages: 1085
Registered: October 2008
Location: Colfax, CA
Karma: 11
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Not trying to start the which one is better debate, I will say I have tried all the clutches I have read about (mostly here). The one I replaced this week didn't roar and didn't clunk and rattle at idle. Unfortunately it never engaged, either. Oh, it kind of whiffed some air around but it certainly didn't cool properly.
I took it out, and laid it in the box. After another 20 happy minutes on the belly board, I was satisfied with the new install. I happened to pick up the old clutch and noticed it had burped out a gob of silicone goo. I may not be the sharpest knife in the drawer but I was able to draw a conclusion that that fan clutch needed replacing. I was surprised because it probably has less than 2000 miles on it.
'74 Eleganza, SE, Howell + EBL
Best Wishes,
George
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| Re: [GMCnet] Fan Clutch Vindication [message #283759 is a reply to message #283755] |
Sun, 02 August 2015 15:21  |
Sandra Price
Messages: 709
Registered: May 2006
Karma: 1
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Hi, George. Bob changed our FC Friday because it had started roaring on
the way home from a 400 mile rt to a local rally in June. Took about 15
minutes, is working and we're happy BC we just left home yesterday headed
to OR for a few weeks and Rapid City for GMCMI Convention in September.
Hope to see you there.
Sandra Price
On Aug 2, 2015 1:55 PM, "George Beckman" wrote:
> Not trying to start the which one is better debate, I will say I have
> tried all the clutches I have read about (mostly here). The one I replaced
> this
> week didn't roar and didn't clunk and rattle at idle. Unfortunately it
> never engaged, either. Oh, it kind of whiffed some air around but it
> certainly
> didn't cool properly.
>
> I took it out, and laid it in the box. After another 20 happy minutes on
> the belly board, I was satisfied with the new install. I happened to pick up
> the old clutch and noticed it had burped out a gob of silicone goo. I may
> not be the sharpest knife in the drawer but I was able to draw a conclusion
> that that fan clutch needed replacing. I was surprised because it probably
> has less than 2000 miles on it.
>
>
>
> --
> '74 Eleganza, SE, Howell + EBL
> Best Wishes,
> George
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
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| Re: [GMCnet] Fan Clutch Vindication [message #283775 is a reply to message #283759] |
Sun, 02 August 2015 19:05 |
MikeT
Messages: 225
Registered: November 2009
Location: Marine City, Michigan
Karma: 0
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How do you know if the fan clutch is bad?
I have driven 10k in my motorhome and have never heard it. Just finished a 1700 mile trip and engine ran hot. Above half and sometime 3/4 up the temp gage.
Don't think this is normal but it was high 80's going across Ohio and PA.
Mike Thomas
Marine City, MI
77 ex Palm Beach
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| Re: [GMCnet] Fan Clutch Vindication [message #283793 is a reply to message #283775] |
Sun, 02 August 2015 20:36 |
jimk
Messages: 6734
Registered: July 2006
Location: Belmont, CA
Karma: 9
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If you are using the original engine temperature gauge, Never go beyond 3/8
of the way.
This gauge has destroyed more engines than anything you can think of.
There was a sender that did give larger deflection, but I have not found
them lately as they cut down on the selection due to lower demand.
Know where it reads normally and if goes over 1/8 above normal, be careful.
On Sun, Aug 2, 2015 at 5:05 PM, Thomas Mike wrote:
> How do you know if the fan clutch is bad?
>
> I have driven 10k in my motorhome and have never heard it. Just finished
> a 1700 mile trip and engine ran hot. Above half and sometime 3/4 up the temp
> gage.
>
> Don't think this is normal but it was high 80's going across Ohio and PA.
> --
> Mike Thomas
> Troy, MI
> 77 ex Palm Beach, 77 Royale (rear bath)
>
> _______________________________________________
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--
Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC, Fremont,CA
jimk@appliedairfilters.com
http://www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
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jimk@appliedairfilters.com
www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
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| Re: [GMCnet] Fan Clutch Vindication [message #283795 is a reply to message #283793] |
Sun, 02 August 2015 20:41 |
jimk
Messages: 6734
Registered: July 2006
Location: Belmont, CA
Karma: 9
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I like the Digi Panel as it is simple to install and it warns one when you
have problem.
On Sun, Aug 2, 2015 at 6:36 PM, Jim Kanomata wrote:
> If you are using the original engine temperature gauge, Never go beyond
> 3/8 of the way.
> This gauge has destroyed more engines than anything you can think of.
> There was a sender that did give larger deflection, but I have not found
> them lately as they cut down on the selection due to lower demand.
> Know where it reads normally and if goes over 1/8 above normal, be
> careful.
>
> On Sun, Aug 2, 2015 at 5:05 PM, Thomas Mike wrote:
>
>> How do you know if the fan clutch is bad?
>>
>> I have driven 10k in my motorhome and have never heard it. Just finished
>> a 1700 mile trip and engine ran hot. Above half and sometime 3/4 up the temp
>> gage.
>>
>> Don't think this is normal but it was high 80's going across Ohio and PA.
>> --
>> Mike Thomas
>> Troy, MI
>> 77 ex Palm Beach, 77 Royale (rear bath)
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> GMCnet mailing list
>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>>
>
>
>
> --
> Jim Kanomata
> Applied/GMC, Fremont,CA
> jimk@appliedairfilters.com
> http://www.appliedgmc.com
> 1-800-752-7502
>
--
Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC, Fremont,CA
jimk@appliedairfilters.com
http://www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
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Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC
jimk@appliedairfilters.com
www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
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| Re: Fan Clutch Vindication [message #283806 is a reply to message #283755] |
Mon, 03 August 2015 01:03 |
appie
Messages: 902
Registered: April 2013
Location: denmark
Karma: 2
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After I installed a new clutch. I do not have a doubt that it is working. Every time I start a cold engine it will roar for a few minutes. Never hear it on the road except ones on a long sterp climb
Appie
eleganza 76 "Olga" now sadly sold
6 wheel discbrake
Quadrabags
Springfield stage 2 462 olds
Manny tranny
( pictures at http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/g6489-olga.html
Fulltiming in Europe july 2014 til july 2016
Denmark
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| Re: Fan Clutch Vindication [message #283813 is a reply to message #283755] |
Mon, 03 August 2015 08:52 |
JohnL455
Messages: 4447
Registered: October 2006
Location: Woodstock, IL
Karma: 12
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Senior Member |
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So which is the part number to buy and which ones do we avoid. I'm sure only a few suppliers make them and the rest are reboxed. Are any made in North America any more? Also there is only one correct way to shelf store these and I believe that is bolt flange down.
John Lebetski
Woodstock, IL
77 Eleganza II
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| Re: Fan Clutch Vindication [message #283888 is a reply to message #283813] |
Mon, 03 August 2015 23:37 |
George Beckman
Messages: 1085
Registered: October 2008
Location: Colfax, CA
Karma: 11
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Senior Member |
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JohnL455 wrote on Mon, 03 August 2015 06:52So which is the part number to buy and which ones do we avoid. I'm sure only a few suppliers make them and the rest are reboxed. Are any made in North America any more? Also there is only one correct way to shelf store these and I believe that is bolt flange down.
Excellent question, John. I have tried several Hayden from NAPA and other sources. Also tried the O'Reily unit that some have had good luck with. I am not sure US of A or China is the problem. They just toss these things together where ever.
'74 Eleganza, SE, Howell + EBL
Best Wishes,
George
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| Re: [GMCnet] Fan Clutch Vindication [message #283890 is a reply to message #283775] |
Mon, 03 August 2015 23:53 |
George Beckman
Messages: 1085
Registered: October 2008
Location: Colfax, CA
Karma: 11
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Senior Member |
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MikeT wrote on Sun, 02 August 2015 17:05How do you know if the fan clutch is bad?
I have driven 10k in my motorhome and have never heard it. Just finished a 1700 mile trip and engine ran hot. Above half and sometime 3/4 up the temp gage.
Don't think this is normal but it was high 80's going across Ohio and PA.
Hard to say what is normal. Our first coach would cycle at 85* or so ambient. Ginny runs considerable cooler. None of the several clutches have cycled unless I was pulling a hill.
I have a true temperature (add on) gauge. The reason I changed this one was two fold. First, when you start the coach it should roar for a little bit. I was not hearing the big roar. Sort of a whirr. I have had clutches that calmed down in 30 seconds or so, but I think it depends how long it has been sitting. That is just my thought.
When mine did not come on at 230* I began to suspect something was up. You are also supposed to be able to do a test when the engine is off. Give the fan a twirl and it should stop in about 1/2 turn. Of course this is not exact because the force of the twirl could render lots of results. However, the one I just put on had considerable more resistance than the dead clutch.
Today I was checking my AC pressures and notice that the new clutch roared for about 30 seconds. Also, in the middle of my fiddlings I got in and revved the engine and it roared for a bit. I assume this was because the fan clutch was taking some heat, idling and AC running.
All in all, a good day. AC blowing cold and fan clutch roaring for a few seconds. (I had one that roared for 5-10 minutes in the morning before it calmed down and then only if you got to 2500 RPMs. Near its demise it rarely stopped roaring.)
'74 Eleganza, SE, Howell + EBL
Best Wishes,
George
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| Re: Fan Clutch Vindication [message #283913 is a reply to message #283755] |
Tue, 04 August 2015 10:02 |
JohnL455
Messages: 4447
Registered: October 2006
Location: Woodstock, IL
Karma: 12
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Senior Member |
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The free wheel test is a good initial test that there is still fluid in there. The tips of the blade are allowed some slight slop as well as normal for the bearing. A minuite or so of engagement cold is good as is about 1/3 that time in cold drive away before going quiet. Slight moisture at spring is normal. The final criteria is what temp triggers engagement and that seems to vary widely and drive people to drinkin.
John Lebetski
Woodstock, IL
77 Eleganza II
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| Re: Fan Clutch Vindication [message #283940 is a reply to message #283913] |
Tue, 04 August 2015 12:11 |
Bob de Kruyff
Messages: 4260
Registered: January 2004
Location: Chandler, AZ
Karma: 1
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Senior Member |
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JohnL455 wrote on Tue, 04 August 2015 09:02The free wheel test is a good initial test that there is still fluid in there. The tips of the blade are allowed some slight slop as well as normal for the bearing. A minuite or so of engagement cold is good as is about 1/3 that time in cold drive away before going quiet. Slight moisture at spring is normal. The final criteria is what temp triggers engagement and that seems to vary widely and drive people to drinkin.
I have found more variation within a certain part number than I see across part numbers. It's very frustrating. A few years ago I found one that was perfect for my set up and driving--alas it crapped out this summer and I am starting all over again.
Bob de Kruyff
78 Eleganza
Chandler, AZ
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| Re: [GMCnet] Fan Clutch Vindication [message #284013 is a reply to message #284000] |
Wed, 05 August 2015 09:35 |
 |
thesmith
Messages: 589
Registered: February 2015
Location: Cary, NC
Karma: 6
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Senior Member |
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Has anyone successfully used one of the electric fan options like this?
http://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS+Performance+Products/555/52165/10002/-1?CAWELAID=1710840731&CAGPSPN=pla&catargetid=230006180000848229&cadevice= c&gclid=CP7F6smLkscCFZKBaQodj-ENLA
Silent except when needed and providing full cooling blast even at idle when needed.
Pete
Jim at the Co-op wrote on Wed, 05 August 2015 07:29Really, you should look at fan clutches as a disposable unit that should be
replaced on a regular basis. As important to you as that little spring and
sluid arrangement is... I would replace it like you do spark plugs... ay
least test it with the cold test and feel for a loose bearing all the
time. If you don't know the age of your fan clutch.... I would get a new
one. Just sayn'
Jim Bounds
On Tue, Aug 4, 2015 at 1:11 PM, Bob de Kruyff wrote:
> JohnL455 wrote on Tue, 04 August 2015 09:02
>> The free wheel test is a good initial test that there is still fluid in
> there. The tips of the blade are allowed some slight slop as well as
>> normal for the bearing. A minuite or so of engagement cold is good as is
> about 1/3 that time in cold drive away before going quiet. Slight moisture
>> at spring is normal. The final criteria is what temp triggers engagement
> and that seems to vary widely and drive people to drinkin.
>
> I have found more variation within a certain part number than I see across
> part numbers. It's very frustrating. A few years ago I found one that was
> perfect for my set up and driving--alas it crapped out this summer and I
> am starting all over again.
> --
> Bob de Kruyff
> 78 Eleganza
> Chandler, AZ
>
> _______________________________________________
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Cary, NC
1978 Center Kitchen Royale.
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| Re: [GMCnet] Fan Clutch Vindication [message #284018 is a reply to message #284013] |
Wed, 05 August 2015 09:49 |
Mr ERFisher
Messages: 7117
Registered: August 2005
Karma: 2
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Senior Member |
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On Wednesday, August 5, 2015, Pete Smith wrote:
> Has anyone successfully used one of the electric fan options like this?
Lots
http://gmcmotorhome.info/engine.html#electric
http://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS+Performance+Products/555/52165/10002/-1?CAWELAID=1710840731&CAGPSPN=pla&catargetid=230006180000848229&cadevice= c&gclid=CP7F6smLkscCFZKBaQodj-ENLA
>
>
> Silent except when needed and providing full cooling blast even at idle
> when needed.
>
>
>
>
>
> Pete
>
>
>
> Jim at the Co-op wrote on Wed, 05 August 2015 07:29
>> Really, you should look at fan clutches as a disposable unit that should
> be
>> replaced on a regular basis. As important to you as that little spring
> and
>> sluid arrangement is... I would replace it like you do spark plugs... ay
>> least test it with the cold test and feel for a loose bearing all the
>> time. If you don't know the age of your fan clutch.... I would get a new
>> one. Just sayn'
>>
>> Jim Bounds
>>
>> On Tue, Aug 4, 2015 at 1:11 PM, Bob de Kruyff wrote:
>>
>>> JohnL455 wrote on Tue, 04 August 2015 09:02
>>>> The free wheel test is a good initial test that there is still fluid
> in
>>> there. The tips of the blade are allowed some slight slop as well as
>>>> normal for the bearing. A minuite or so of engagement cold is good
> as is
>>> about 1/3 that time in cold drive away before going quiet. Slight
> moisture
>>>> at spring is normal. The final criteria is what temp triggers
> engagement
>>> and that seems to vary widely and drive people to drinkin.
>>>
>>> I have found more variation within a certain part number than I see
> across
>>> part numbers. It's very frustrating. A few years ago I found one that
> was
>>> perfect for my set up and driving--alas it crapped out this summer
> and I
>>> am starting all over again.
>>> --
>>> Bob de Kruyff
>>> 78 Eleganza
>>> Chandler, AZ
>>>
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> GMCnet mailing list
>>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>>> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> GMCnet mailing list
>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
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>
>
> --
> Cary, NC
>
> No Coach yet but decided it will be wet bath with Sully or 4 bag system.
> perhaps a 1978 Kingsley....
>
>
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--
Gene Fisher -- 74-23,77PB/ore/ca
“Give a man a fish; you have fed him for today --- give him a URL and
-------
http://gmcmotorhome.info/
Alternator Protection Cable
http://gmcmotorhome.info/APC.html
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| Re: Fan Clutch Vindication [message #284023 is a reply to message #283755] |
Wed, 05 August 2015 10:35 |
Carl S.
Messages: 4186
Registered: January 2009
Location: Tucson, AZ.
Karma: 13
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Senior Member |
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I'm still running the AC/Delco 15-4644 "Severe Duty" fan clutch I replaced about 6 years ago. It was the "forum approved" recommended replacement at the time. It may be a little overkill, but it gives me a sense of security whenever I hear it engage (which it does quite often, at least in the summer).
Carl Stouffer
'75 ex Palm Beach
Tucson, AZ.
Chuck Aulgur Reaction Arm Disc Brakes, Quadrabags, 3.70 LSD final drive, Lenzi knuckles/hubs, Dodge Truck 16" X 8" front wheels, Rear American Eagles, Solar battery charging. GMCSJ and GMCMI member
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| Re: [GMCnet] Fan Clutch Vindication [message #284030 is a reply to message #284025] |
Wed, 05 August 2015 12:08 |
Keith V
Messages: 2337
Registered: March 2008
Location: Mounds View,MN
Karma: 0
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my plan if/when my clutch fails is to get a couple of junk yard ford taurus fans and strap them to the rad. They are very high flow, shrouded, quiet and cheap. Better than any aftermarket fan I can find.
Something like 2500 CFM on low speed and 4500 CFM on high speed, so no need to have 2 fans
I'm fine with a clutch fan, but I'm not fine with the high failure rate.
Keith Vasilakes
Mounds View. MN
75 ex Royale GMC
ask me about MicroLevel
Cell, 763-732-3419
My427v8@hotmail.com
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| Re: [GMCnet] Fan Clutch Vindication [message #284031 is a reply to message #284030] |
Wed, 05 August 2015 12:15 |
Keith V
Messages: 2337
Registered: March 2008
Location: Mounds View,MN
Karma: 0
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Keith V wrote on Wed, 05 August 2015 12:08my plan if/when my clutch fails is to get a couple of junk yard ford taurus fans and strap them to the rad. They are very high flow, shrouded, quiet and cheap. Better than any aftermarket fan I can find.
Something like 2500 CFM on low speed and 4500 CFM on high speed, so no need to have 2 fans
I'm fine with a clutch fan, but I'm not fine with the high failure rate.
Actually a Lincoln MkVIII fan looks even better, more flow, less current.
Graphs and discussion here;
http://forums.corral.net/forums/general-mustang-tech/989215-3-8-taurus-mk8-fan-amps.html
Keith Vasilakes
Mounds View. MN
75 ex Royale GMC
ask me about MicroLevel
Cell, 763-732-3419
My427v8@hotmail.com
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| Re: [GMCnet] Fan Clutch Vindication [message #284033 is a reply to message #284030] |
Wed, 05 August 2015 12:28 |
James Hupy
Messages: 6806
Registered: May 2010
Karma: -62
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Better include bigger conductors, relays, thermo switches, and a bigger
alternator while you are at it. Those fans draw quite a bit of amperage.
Several really first rate installations have been tried here, including the
setup from the Ford supercoupe with variable speed controllers. It really
is hard to improve on the two piece fiberglass shroud that covers the
entire radiator core, a good operating fan clutch, and the 77-78 deflectors
from a 403 equipped coach. The 7 blade stock fan moves a whole bunch of
air. You can actually see the temp gage needle move when the fan clutch
engages. Now, if hayden only built them like GM did?? Wishful thinking I
guess. I am on clutch number 5.
Jim Hupy
Salem, Or
78 GMC ROYALE 403
On Aug 5, 2015 10:08 AM, "Keith V" wrote:
> my plan if/when my clutch fails is to get a couple of junk yard ford
> taurus fans and strap them to the rad. They are very high flow, shrouded,
> quiet
> and cheap. Better than any aftermarket fan I can find.
>
> Something like 2500 CFM on low speed and 4500 CFM on high speed, so no
> need to have 2 fans
>
> I'm fine with a clutch fan, but I'm not fine with the high failure rate.
> --
> Keith Vasilakes
> Mounds View. MN
> 75 ex Royale GMC
> 69 Vette
> 29 Dodge
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
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