While sitting on the floor during the engine rebuild process, I noticed the clutch fan assy. was leaking a SMALL amount of fluid near the shaft. It was sitting upright on the floor at the time. Is this normal or does it need a rebuild? The unit appears in good shape but I have no way of testing the operation of the clutch. Does anybody know of a shop that does fan clutch rebuilds? Thanks.
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Re: Fan Clutch Leaking
John----
If by "upright" you mean the same orientation that the clutch would occupy in the car, and the fan clutch leaks, then the fan clutch needs to be replaced or rebuilt. If you mean any other orientation, especially with the large (front)surface facing downward, many clutches will leak if placed in this position. The probelem is, even if the clutch is otherwise ok, the clutch contains very little fluid to begin with. If even a little leaks out, operation of the clutch will be impaired.
If your fan clutch is known to be the original unit that came with the car, your best bet might be to have it rebuilt. The ONLY source that I know of for a rebuild is NCRS member Fred Oliva. You will find some of his posts in the archives and can get his e-mail address thusly. If your clutch is not the original, I'd recommend replacement with a new GM (NOT DELCO)unit. Many current Delco-supplied clutches are not similar to OEM configuration. Virtually all aftermarket clutches are not similar to OEM configuration.In Appreciation of John Hinckley -
Re: Fan Clutch Leaking
Joe,
I have to ask... What is the part number for a new GM fan clutch? When I ask the GM parts people around here they just tell me we don't have a clutch for a 68 BB.
Thanks
-SteveComment
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Re: Fan Clutch Leaking
Steve-----
Part number for 68 fan clutch is 3916141. It is still available and is nearly the same as the original fan clutch in configuration. GM list for this part is $155.00. This is a very high quality unit manufactured by Eaton, one of the original suppliers for Corvette assembly line fan clutches. Switzer Clutch and AC-Delco were the other two.In Appreciation of John HinckleyComment
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Re: Fan Clutch Leaking
Joe,
You're correct. Clutch p/n 3916141 is still available, however the current version has some cosmetic variations from the original.
Also, I don't not believe that this clutch was ever nominally used on a Corvette. By 'nominally' I mean under normal production conditions.
The '6141 clutch was used in production during the 68-9 model years according to the AIM's. It was installed in various Chevrolet passenger cars other than the Corvette. After this, it was available over-the-counter.
Sorry for the long time in responding to this. I had some trouble getting a post out (read this as operator error :) )
Hope this helps, Fred OComment
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Re: Fan Clutch Leaking
Joe,
You're correct. Clutch p/n 3916141 is still available, however the current version has some cosmetic variations from the original.
Also, I don't not believe that this clutch was ever nominally used on a Corvette. By 'nominally' I mean under normal production conditions.
The '6141 clutch was used in production during the 68-9 model years according to the AIM's. It was installed in various Chevrolet passenger cars other than the Corvette. After this, it was available over-the-counter.
Sorry for the long time in responding to this. I had some trouble getting a post out (read this as operator error :) )
Hope this helps, Fred OComment
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Re: Fan Clutch Leaking
Fred----
Yes, I definitely agree; the 3916141 fan clutch was not originally used on Corvettes. I only intended to point out that Eaton, manufacturer of the 3916141 fan clutch, was an OEM supplier to Corvettes during the late 60s-early seventies period. I generally try to point that out to folks after I mention how much the 3916141 unit costs so that they understand the price difference from "parts store" clutches which often service Corvette applications for $40 or less.In Appreciation of John HinckleyComment
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Re: Fan Clutch Leaking
Fred----
Yes, I definitely agree; the 3916141 fan clutch was not originally used on Corvettes. I only intended to point out that Eaton, manufacturer of the 3916141 fan clutch, was an OEM supplier to Corvettes during the late 60s-early seventies period. I generally try to point that out to folks after I mention how much the 3916141 unit costs so that they understand the price difference from "parts store" clutches which often service Corvette applications for $40 or less.In Appreciation of John HinckleyComment
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