1969 cooling/radiator fan

[Mark #28455]

fan clutch eliminator

At high engine RPM, the factory fan clutch allows the fan to spin slower than the engine. Using the eliminator forces the fan to turn at full engine speed - and takes more power. You may also want to check your stock fan with the current clutch at high RPM to make sure it's not bending the blades forward closer to the radiator. When I worked in the racing shop, I saw more than a few radiators that were attacked by the fan due to the clearance being taken up at high RPM.

Mark

[Joe L.]

Re: It shouldn't run hot

Joe-----

An aftermarket part from Delco qualifies as original only if it is configured exactly like the original. In some cases, Delco clutches are exactly the same (or, very close to the same) as original; in some cases, they are configured completely different than the originals. ANY Delco clutch with "slots" instead of holes on the flange is not configured as-original. There is currently NO fan clutch offered by Delco which is even close to original for any pre-1971 Corvette application. However, there is a fan clutch offered by GM (GM #3916141) which is close to the original configuration of fan clutches used for 1960-70 Corvettes.

Yes, I think that it's always best to carry out discussion here on the board rather than via e-mail. Other folks might be interested now (or, in the future, through the archives).

[Joe T.]

Re: It shouldn't run hot

Joe: Thanks for all the help. I'll check at my local dealer for that part number, in the event I determine the clutch is faulty.. While this car was "elsewhere" I believe the fan was stored in a horizontal position, somethig that is recommended against in the service manual, so I may have a faulty clutch no even if it was working before.. Thanks again and regards...Joe

[Joe T.]

Re: fan clutch eliminator

Thanks for the insight, Mark. I will see if I can check the fan under high spped load (I presume over 4,000 rpm or thereabouts?). I will CERTAINLY be aware of possible interference with a new or re-cored radiator. That would be an expensive mistake...Thanks again and regards...joe

[John H.]

Re: It shouldn't run hot

Joe -

You'll find that the #3916141 clutch is about $50.00 cheaper from www.GMpartsdirect.com than at your Chevy dealer.

[Joe T.]

Re: It shouldn't run hot

Thanks John: That's where I'll shop this (and other )items. As I mentioned, I think the smart thng to do is replace the clutch, since I KNOW it was stored incorrectly...Thanks again...Joe