Schwitzer fan clutch rebuild

[John D.]

Re: Schwitzer fan clutch rebuild

FWIW I use GM part number 3916141 replacement fan clutch which is now discontinued but still available aftermarket for driving around. I have a dated bar type for judging. The method for reattaching the front face on the rebuilds just doesn't give me that warm fuzzy feeling although I've never heard a bad thing about one...

[Joe L.]

Re: Schwitzer fan clutch rebuild

He just finished this one for my 69 L89 and did a fantastic job...

Mark------


This does not look like an original circe 1969 Eaton fan clutch to me. In fact, it doesn't even look like a later Eaton fan clutch. It might be a Delco (a few might have been originally used for 1969) or aftermarket.

Addendum:
Reflecting on this a little more, this appears to me to be a GM #460742 which was used on some 1972-79 Corvettes. If so, it will have a 3/4" pilot and 2-1/8" bolt circle mounting pattern. If it has a 5/8" pilot and 1-3/4" bolt circle, then I don't know what it is but it doesn't appear to me to be like anything ever used on a 1969 Corvette.

[Michael G.]

Re: Schwitzer fan clutch rebuild

Thanks all for the input. My concern at this stage is more so on functionality, not cosmetics nor judging. I want to have some measure of assurity fan clutch will function at it should as well look nice. Currently the clutch appears to lock up as the system heats up.

Sorry, meant to say "clutch appears to not lock up as the system heats up".

[Larry M.]

Re: Schwitzer fan clutch rebuild

Agree with Joe L.

Larry

[Michael G.]

Re: Schwitzer fan clutch rebuild

Agree with Joe L.

Larry

Thanks all but could we focus in on original post.

[Joe L.]

Re: Schwitzer fan clutch rebuild

Thanks all but could we focus in on original post.

Michael-----

I think it's pretty much all been said in that regard. As others have indicated, a rebuilt fan clutch is more for show use. Personally, I do not recommend the use of these for driven cars, especially if one has an original or $900 reproduction radiator in front of it. I can assure you that I would NEVER use one on a driven car.

As John Daly mentioned, your best bet for a replacement is a GM #3916141. It's discontinued but most of the suppliers sell the Eaton-manufactured clutch which they, apparently, obtain directly from Eaton.

[Jim D.]

Re: Schwitzer fan clutch rebuild

Michael-----

I think it's pretty much all been said in that regard. As others have indicated, a rebuilt fan clutch is more for show use. Personally, I do not recommend the use of these for driven cars, especially if one has an original or $900 reproduction radiator in front of it. I can assure you that I would NEVER use one on a driven car.

I'll add you to my list of those that would never run a rebuilt motor or any other rebuilt part even though I have no idea why. Many are running rebuilt fan clutches on regularly driven cars with zero problems. Please elaborate on your phobia.

[Joe L.]

Re: Schwitzer fan clutch rebuild

I'll add you to my list of those that would never run a rebuilt motor or any other rebuilt part even though I have no idea why. Many are running rebuilt fan clutches on regularly driven cars with zero problems. Please elaborate on your phobia.

Jim------


I don't think I've ever said that rebuilt parts are generally bad. There are MANY components that can be rebuilt with excellent results. I've never said that engines could not be properly rebuilt. In fact, I've done quite a few myself. Transmissions, both manual and automatic, can be properly rebuilt. Alternators, starters, distributors, rear trailing arms, steering boxes, differentials, wiper motors, headlight motors, a/c compressors, brake master cylinders, and brake calipers all can be rebuilt very effectively and result in like-new performance and durability. The list goes on from here.

However, there are some components that I'm not comfortable with. These include crimped-type fuel pumps and fan clutches. These assemblies were never designed to be rebuilt and I just don't think that the rebuilding methods that exist will result in a unit that will have the durability of a factory-new unit. In the case of the fuel pump, I consider it to be a safety item and I do not want to compromise safety for the sake of a few nuances and an "AC" logo. I also don't want to be stranded somewhere if one fails. For me, it's always going to be a factory-new fuel pump.

In the case of fan clutches, and with all due respect to the small group of folks that rebuild them, I just don't feel confident enough in them to use one for a regularly driven car. They're OK for show cars or for those just driven sparingly and locally. But, there's just too much at risk to use one on a regular basis. This includes possible damage to expensive radiators or hoods if one fails. Do they fail with regularity? No, I'm sure they don't but I'm not willing to risk it. If you are, be my guest.

One more thing: You'll note that one component that I didn't mention above is carburetors. Carburetors are an "iffy" situation. They can be effectively rebuilt if the core is in excellent condition. The problem is that the cores are often not in excellent condition and the problems cannot be discerned on visual inspection. I have had absolutely miserable luck with commercially rebuilt carburetors over a period of many years. In fact, I've NEVER had a commercially rebuilt carburetor that performed "exactly right". On the other hand, I've rebuilt my own carburetors from my known-original and excellent condition cores and had them perform perfectly.

Lastly, do I prefer new parts to rebuilt parts? In most cases, absolutely yes.

[Jaime G.]

Re: Schwitzer fan clutch rebuild

Jim------


I don't think I've ever said that rebuilt parts are generally bad. There are MANY components that can be rebuilt with excellent results. I've never said that engines could not be properly rebuilt. In fact, I've done quite a few myself. Transmissions, both manual and automatic, can be properly rebuilt. Alternators, starters, distributors, rear trailing arms, steering boxes, differentials, wiper motors, headlight motors, a/c compressors, brake master cylinders, and brake calipers all can be rebuilt very effectively and result in like-new performance and durability. The list goes on from here.

However, there are some components that I'm not comfortable with. These include crimped-type fuel pumps and fan clutches. These assemblies were never designed to be rebuilt and I just don't think that the rebuilding methods that exist will result in a unit that will have the durability of a factory-new unit. In the case of the fuel pump, I consider it to be a safety item and I do not want to compromise safety for the sake of a few nuances and an "AC" logo. I also don't want to be stranded somewhere if one fails. For me, it's always going to be a factory-new fuel pump.

In the case of fan clutches, and with all due respect to the small group of folks that rebuild them, I just don't feel confident enough in them to use one for a regularly driven car. They're OK for show cars or for those just driven sparingly and locally. But, there's just too much at risk to use one on a regular basis. This includes possible damage to expensive radiators or hoods if one fails. Do they fail with regularity? No, I'm sure they don't but I'm not willing to risk it. If you are, be my guest.

One more thing: You'll note that one component that I didn't mention above is carburetors. Carburetors are an "iffy" situation. They can be effectively rebuilt if the core is in excellent condition. The problem is that the cores are often not in excellent condition and the problems cannot be discerned on visual inspection. I have had absolutely miserable luck with commercially rebuilt carburetors over a period of many years. In fact, I've NEVER had a commercially rebuilt carburetor that performed "exactly right". On the other hand, I've rebuilt my own carburetors from my known-original and excellent condition cores and had them perform perfectly.

Lastly, do I prefer new parts to rebuilt parts? In most cases, absolutely yes.

Well, after 15 years and 7 different cars with rebuilt original parts,I can unequivocally state that my fuel pumps, alternators,starters, fan clutches,fuel injection units,carburetors,diferentials,transmissions,wiper motors, and radiator caps all seem to work just fine. It all depends whom you hire to do the work. you get what you pay for.

[Mark D.]

Re: Schwitzer fan clutch rebuild

I said mine was original for a 69 L89. I didn't say an L89 Corvette. It's for my Camaro. The picture simply illustrates Dan's fine work.

[Joe L.]

Re: Schwitzer fan clutch rebuild

I said mine was original for a 69 L89. I didn't say an L89 Corvette. It's for my Camaro. The picture simply illustrates Dan's fine work.

Mark------


On a Corvette discussion board when one mentions 1969 L-89, I think most folks would reasonably assume that one was referring to a Corvette.

In any event, for the Camaro application the fan clutch was a GM #3946050 and that fan clutch was never used on any Corvette. Ever. However, the GM #460742, which was used on some 1972-79 Corvettes is virtually identical except it has a slightly longer shaft.

And, yes, the example you picture looks very good and demonstrates very fine workmanship and attention to detail. Except for one thing: the shaft and flange of Eaton fan clutches was black phosphate finished and typically not nearly as glossy as this one appears. And, of course, with a restored clutch, "it's what's inside that counts".

[Mark D.]

Re: Schwitzer fan clutch rebuild

Email Dan Kirkconnell. I'm sure he would appreciate knowing you don't agree with his work, in the case of Camaro fan clutches. He's a great guy and would appreciate the education.

[Don L.]

Re: Schwitzer fan clutch rebuild

Mark------


On a Corvette discussion board when one mentions 1969 L-89, I think most folks would reasonably assume that one was referring to a Corvette.

In any event, for the Camaro application the fan clutch was a GM #3946050 and that fan clutch was never used on any Corvette. Ever. However, the GM #460742, which was used on some 1972-79 Corvettes is virtually identical except it has a slightly longer shaft.

And, yes, the example you picture looks very good and demonstrates very fine workmanship and attention to detail. Except for one thing: the shaft and flange of Eaton fan clutches was black phosphate finished and typically not nearly as glossy as this one appears. And, of course, with a restored clutch, "it's what's inside that counts".

Interesting point about GM460742 being used on some 1972-79 Corvettes. Is there any information as to break point or other traceable information on when/why this part number was used in 1972? My '72 AIM calls for a different number than 460742.

[Christopher R.]

Re: Schwitzer fan clutch rebuild

Advance Auto sells one for $36. Made by Imperial. P/n 215012.

http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/imperial-fan-clutch-7-thermal-regular-duty-215012/6015956-P?navigationPath=L1*14922%7CL2*15022%7CL3*15944

Autozone sells one for $27.

http://www.autozone.com/autozone/par...7_829538_3018_

And there's always discount coupons.

[Michael G.]

Re: Schwitzer fan clutch rebuild

Advance Auto sells one for $36. Made by Imperial. P/n 215012.

http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/imperial-fan-clutch-7-thermal-regular-duty-215012/6015956-P?navigationPath=L1*14922|L2*15022|L3*15944

Autozone sells one for $27.

http://www.autozone.com/autozone/par...7_829538_3018_

And there's always discount coupons.

Thanks Chris but that clutch is more than likely made my Hayden. Your right I could buy new. In the case of the Hayden 2711, which is model applicable for my '63 allows the use of the original fan. However the shaft is around 5/8" shorter than the original Schwitzer. Meaning I have to run a 5/8" spacer between w/p pulley and fan clutch to get the fan positioned up into the fan shroud.