Fan Clutch
How do you test a fan clutch? Other than the noise any real disadvantage in running the fan without one?
Terry
Terry
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Re: Fan Clutch
Terry, The fan clutch is themosaticly appied by the bi-metal spring on the front of clutch, the noise you are refering to is one way of checking, since most of themostats in that car run about 180 degrees the fan bi metal spring should be close by. a infred gun would be a tool that would help with a proper dia. of the temp when it is applied.
The down fall of a car without the clutch would be a slight drop in horsepower. as its is a constant drag on the engine, As the fan clutch is applied only when needed.New England chapter member, 63 Convert. 327/340- Chapter/Regional/national Top Flight, 72 coupe- chapter and regional Top Flight. -
Re: Fan Clutch
Test verification of a fan clutch is a LENGTHY and test bed INTENSIVE process. This was performed only during original design verification steps by the mfgr's.
Essentially, there are two complex planes in 3-space that dictate the performance characteristics of a fan clutch. The key parameter is %-slip; what is the fan clutch body rotation in RPM vs. the input drive shaft's rotation.
One plane is %-slip versus ambient temperature. The second plane is %-slip vs. RPM. Controlling and measuring those two variables is pretty tricky.
You'll hear 'acid' test descriptions from various folks (how many rev's does the fan blade make on engine shut-down?), but that doesn't guarantee FULL dynamic performance compliance. It's essentially a 'go/no-go' observation for sorting BASKET CASE clutches from good & wounded but still working kinda/sorta clutches...Comment
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Re: Fan Clutch
Drop in horsepower not a problem, with over 450 we can afford to lose a few. More concerned with air flow to keep it running cooler.
TerryComment
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