C2 Clutch Fan Question

[Eugene B.]

Members,
Is there a way to evaluate a fan clutch that is not installed on a vehicle? Mine is on the bench - no water pump and no fan attached.

Thanks,
Gene

[Joe L.]

Re: C2 Clutch Fan Question

Gene-----

About all that you can "bench check" them for is looseness in the bearing or excessively rough operation in the bearing. As far as a functional check goes for performance, I know of no way to accomplish it.

[Joe L.]

Re: C2 Clutch Fan Question

Gene-----

About all that you can "bench check" them for is looseness in the bearing or excessively rough operation in the bearing. As far as a functional check goes for performance, I know of no way to accomplish it.

[Eugene B.]

Re: C2 Clutch Fan Question

Joe,
Thank you for your reply. The bearing is tight and smooth running when rotated by hand. No sign of wobble.

What should I expect to happen if I heat the front of the clutch with a heat gun? Trying to simulate what happens when the engine temperature goes up. I would expect the clutch to "lock up" and the become more difficult to rotate.

PS - Is it true that clutch fans must/should be stored in the upright (as mounted on car) position, or is this a myth?

Thanks and best regards,
Gene

[Eugene B.]

Re: C2 Clutch Fan Question

Joe,
Thank you for your reply. The bearing is tight and smooth running when rotated by hand. No sign of wobble.

What should I expect to happen if I heat the front of the clutch with a heat gun? Trying to simulate what happens when the engine temperature goes up. I would expect the clutch to "lock up" and the become more difficult to rotate.

PS - Is it true that clutch fans must/should be stored in the upright (as mounted on car) position, or is this a myth?

Thanks and best regards,
Gene

[John H.]

Re: C2 Clutch Fan Question

Gene -

It never really "locks up", but when the thermostatic element on the front is heated (plate or coil), you may be able to detect some increase in resistance when turning the shaft. Fan clutches should be stored face down/shaft up.

[John H.]

Re: C2 Clutch Fan Question

Gene -

It never really "locks up", but when the thermostatic element on the front is heated (plate or coil), you may be able to detect some increase in resistance when turning the shaft. Fan clutches should be stored face down/shaft up.