Stock clutch fan

[MoparThunder]

Who uses what for a stock clutch fan? My old one just spun after I turned the engine off so I bought a new one, a Hayden 2765, and it did the same thing so I sent it back. Should I go to a restoration parts place?

 

[5.7 hemi]

They only "lock up" when they reach a certain temp, and yes, there is some drag on them when not engaged. So I'm thinking your original might still be good.

 

[ckessel]

It will probably spin, no matter what brand, when it's not running. Does it pull air when it is running? One thing to be aware of is make sure it is a thermal type, has the little coiled spring on the front. Non thermal units don't have it plus they don't pull enough air. The thermal units are more money than the non. I found this out from experience on my Duster when I learned the difference in function between the two types. Always got hot with the non.

 

[Dennis H]

Just replaced mine. They are hard to diagnose. I got a Hayden - thought that they are the bench mark. Let it sit and idle for a few with a laser temp gauge handy. If it climbs at a stop and idle, it is slipping. Otherwise hard to tell.

 

[cryplydog]

I read somewhere a long time ago that a good way to check them is to use a rolled up news paper and try to slow or stop the fan while ideling. don't get your Donkey caught in the works! Oh yeah, whats the temp. gauge say when you let it idle and driving at speed at a normal ambient temp.

 

[mopar 3 B]

I read somewhere a long time ago that a good way to check them is to use a rolled up news paper and try to slow or stop the fan while ideling. don't get your Donkey caught in the works! Oh yeah, whats the temp. gauge say when you let it idle and driving at speed at a normal ambient temp.

The fan thermo or not does nothing at highway speeds that's the reason for using a clutch fan in the first place.. A good fixed fan at highway speed will spin the water pump fast enough to keep an engine cool without a belt if the cooling system is setup properly.

 

[hunt2elk]

The clutches are not being reproduced, so the Hayden is about your only option. Unless you want to pay $200. for a non original looking one from Tonys Parts.

 

[MoparThunder]

I thought that when it reaches temp it should tighten up enough to turn the fan so it keeps air moving? I let mine run for awhile and shut it off and the fan kept spinning free. The car runs around 170 when the air is good and no one in front. As soon as I stop and go with lights it starts getting hotter fast like there is no air moving.

 

[mopar 3 B]

Thermo or non at highway speeds they both free wheel. When shut off the fan is still moving threw centrifugal force. I would start looking at the water pump may not be moving enough coolant at low engine speeds.

 

[MoparThunder]

Thermo or non at highway speeds they both free wheel. When shut off the fan is still moving threw centrifugal force. I would start looking at the water pump may not be moving enough coolant at low engine speeds.

OK Thanks, I will check that. It definitely is at low speeds. It's tough in traffic.

 

[Dennis H]

I'm still confused. Define free-wheel. Mine would move, but not continue to spin freely. It seemed the same at dead cold and full operating temp. After changing mine, there is a defined improvement in Harry Reid traffic light delays with high ambient temperature. That is the best measure I have found.

 

[mopar 3 B]

Same principal as a bike rear axle when you stop peddling the axle free wheels. Only difference is when the air forces the fan to turn faster than engine speed and it should at highway speed the clutch is no longer locked the fan free wheels. With a centrifical clutch it will lock any time engine speed is greater than what incoming air will force the fan to turn. The thermo clutch will not ingauges until a certain temperature has been achieved beyond that point they both operate the same.