Fan Clutch Rebuild

[Jeff M.]

I have a 1961 Fan Clutch that still has good resistance but is starting to leak. So I guess it is time to get it rebuilt. I thought I would ask those who know - who do you recommend to rebuild a Fan Clutch? Thanks.

[John D.]

Re: Fan Clutch Rebuild

The GM service replacement fan clutch part number 3916141 is very close in appearance to the original and is the way to go in my opinion. Keep the original for judging.

[Joe L.]

Re: Fan Clutch Rebuild

The GM service replacement fan clutch part number 3916141 is very close in appearance to the original and is the way to go in my opinion. Keep the original for judging.

John-----


I agree. The GM #3916141 is DEFINITELY the way to go for a driven car. Absolutely. Positively. Folks should be thrilled that such a close match to the originals is still available in a NEW, 100% functional piece. One of these days when it is no longer available, just watch how "dear" these things are going to be.

[Jeff M.]

Re: Fan Clutch Rebuild

John and Joe - thanks for the advice. I just read some archived postings and they recommend Fred Oliva for rebuilds. But they also say he can take up to a year to complete the rebuild. So it sounds like I will buy the GM replacement and send the old one out to be rebuilt in a year or so. thanks.

[Jack H.]

Re: Fan Clutch Rebuild

Good thinking! The 1960-61 version of the fan clutch is a rather hard item to find these days, so I wouldn't discard your original for any reason(s)...

[David K.]

Re: Fan Clutch Rebuild

My GM replacement fan clutch came in today. Of course I put it on the car right away and went for a drive. Hmm. I was hoping it would take care of my guage which shows around 210-215 in town and shows around 200 in the country. No change in the guage reading. So, it is possibly a faulty guage (rebuilt) sending unit, or maybe even a fairly high engine temp. Though, I really do not think so. After 140 miles now on the engine, I still have not burnt the paint on the intake, under the WCFB carb. I do not have any overheating signs either. The fan clutch looks very nice, even if it is not totally 100% correct. Also, when I turn of the engine, the old fan clutch would allow the fan to coast to a stop. This one probably makes one revolution, before stopping. Shop around on this clutch. The same clutch can be bought MUCH cheaper than from GM ($255) and it is the same clutch!!!!! Buy it without the box(about $100 delivered)and you will save about another $80. They are all the same clutch, made by Eaton. Now, you can also buy one made me Hayden (sp), but it doesn't look right and is about 1 1/2" bigger in dia. though cheaper at around $70.

[Stewart A.]

Re: Fan Clutch Rebuild

David where can I buy the cheaper clutch fan from. Stewy

[David K.]

Re: Fan Clutch Rebuild

Do a search on Ebay for "ThePartsladi" It was actually $99.50 shipped to my door. Someone may find a cheaper source, but it was the cheapest I found. I called them on the phone and asked a bunch of questions and I was not disappointed when it arrived today. They are also a good source for a replacement Delco regulator. I was pleased with that purchase also.

[Stewart A.]

Re: Fan Clutch Rebuild

David for $100 bucks is the clutch and fan all there or is it just the clutch without the blades sounds ridiculously cheap. How close is it to the GM replacment look.

[David K.]

Re: Fan Clutch Rebuild

Just the clutch, you use your fan. It is IS the GM replacement. Long story short(according to the seller). GM had looked for and found a cheaper manufacture for these clutches. The cheaper replacement is Hayden(sp?) and they are made in China. (looks different and is 1 1/2" larger in dia.) This seller heard about it, contacted Eaton, became their agent and is now selling them. You can buy them from him 2 ways. One is in the GM box and it is $170 something. Or you can buy it without the box for $99.50 to your door. There is NO difference between the GM boxed one and the one without the box. Of course when GM was using these on the production line, they would come in a crate to be picked out when installed. The GM boxed one, is the one that would be delivered to your GM dealer for over the counter sales. Now, I replaced my original '62 fan clutch with this one, so the face is different. (part facing the radiator) But from behind, at least without serious study of it (and I didn't study it real close) it appears to be the same. Same dia. as well. The seller says some people want to buy the one in the GM box, because of the box. Even though they are the same part in appearance, pt. no. , function. They are just paying about $80 for a GM box. For me, the part goes on the car and the box in the trash. I have nothing to do with this company at all, just a customer with some experience with them. (volt. reg. and now fan clutch)

[Bob B.]

Re: Fan Clutch Rebuild

David,

You should check the temp of your radiator hose or thermostat housing with one of the laser temp gauges. Once you determine what your temp is, you can install an in-line variable resistor and dial in the correct temperature on your gauge.

Bob

[David K.]

[Kennith H.]

Re: Fan Clutch Rebuild

Can I assume (without research) that my '62 clutch is the same as the '61 clutch?

[Bob B.]

Re: Fan Clutch Rebuild

Kennith, Aside from some date code (which many lack) variations, the 60-62 clutch is the one with the smooth front (see pic). One with four bumps (see pic) around the center was introduced late in 62, which would only be on late cars. The smooth one would be okay through the 62 model year. - Bob

[Kennith H.]

Re: Fan Clutch Rebuild

Kennith, Aside from some date code (which many lack) variations, the 60-62 clutch is the one with the smooth front (see pic). One with four bumps (see pic) around the center was introduced late in 62, which would only be on late cars. The smooth one would be okay through the 62 model year. - Bob

Bob, excellent - I have the right clutch. Now to check dates.