'61 Fan Clutch

[Art B.]

I believe the fan clutch on my '61 may be defective. It has the same characteristics whether it is hot or cold. I note that the GM replacements in the catalogs are on the expensive side. Does anyone know if these things can be repaired and who does it?

[Richard E.]

Re: '61 Fan Clutch

Repairable/restorable - yes. Our expert member, Fred Oliva does both _ www.foliva@gate.net. Probably be in the range of $130 or so. Not 100% sure of his email address, but it's in the archives, or Driveline. He's done my 62 and a host of others. Regards....Dick

[mikemccagh]

Re: '61 Fan Clutch

Agree with dick in that fred olivia is best source for "restoration" of you 61 fan clutch, esp. if you're gonna have it judged. BUT, if yous is a driver, i'd order a service replacement fan clutch for a 67 vette which will work in your 61 and be much more likely to function at all temps and rpms than a restoration fan clutch. Safer too. mike

[Joe L.]

Re: '61 Fan Clutch

Art-----

I agree with Mike. I would definitely save and/or have Fred Oliva restore your original clutch (if it's, indeed, original) and keep it for show purposes. It's not that hard to change it out for show.

For driving, I'd use a new GM #3916141. This is an Eaton manufactured unit whhich is similar in configuration to the original, but certainly not exactly the same. This unit is expensive; it currently GM lists for about $190. However, you should be able to purchase one for about $140, or less, from discount GM dealers.

Aftermarket is much less expensive, but the units are configured COMPLETELY different than the originals and often don't work as well. If you do decide to go aftermarket for driving, at least get a thermal-variety clutch and stay completely away from the cheap non-thermal type.

[Ray C.]

Re: '61 Fan Clutch

Hi! Art

I replaced my 65-fan clutch with an after market from NAPA and it works fine. It was around $ 46.00. I will be sending the original to Fred Oliva for restoration. When I called Fred Oliva in reference to rebuilding the fan clutch he suggested that I verify it was defective. His instructions are: After your engine is at full temp have someone else turn the engine off and the fan should not rotate more that four to five revolutions.

Hope this helps!
Ray

[Jack H.]

One contrary comment.....

Some have recommended belts & suspenders (use Vintage Automotive Research to restore your original fan clutch but use it only for show) based on the thought pattern a fresh/new fan clutch is more reliable than a restored original 'show' clutch. Well, I've now clocked 65K miles on my '71 SB A/C roadster with a VAR (Fred Oliva) restored fan clutch doing the NCRS Founders Award four times and it works like a hose. This included the x-country trek to the Galveston National meet where daytime ambient temperatures hit 107F....

Guess I'm saying (sample size of one), I don't see the need for belts & suspenders. The $$$ you pay VAR to restore your fan clutch are equivalent, in my book, to paying GM for a fresh/new clutch which deviates in visual construction from your original.

I'll also readily add that all bets are off if you're altering the power plant much beyond its factory stock profile. 1961 was the first year for fan clutch as a basic engine component and you are stuck with the inherent design limitations of that early Eaton part....

[William C.]

Re: '61 Fan Clutch

I agree with Jack, my Oliva restoration in my '62 has performed without problem for several years now, longer than some "new" fan clutches.

[Gary B.]

3916141; $130.31 inc. S&H from gmpartsdirect.com *NM*