C2 New GM Fan Clutches / Fred Oliva Rebuilt

[James W.]

I would like to know how close in appearance the new GM AC Delco fan clutch that can be bought through GM or most of the Corvette vendors compared to the original that is on my 1964 327/300 Corvette convertible.

I was putting on a judging seminal last Friday night at our chapter meet using my car and when I went to check the fan clutch for bearing wobble it had quite a lot of fore and aft play. This is my original fan clucth that Fred Oliva rebuilt/restored for me and it has only 2000 miles on it. I would have expected it to last longer than that! I called and left a messege for Fred on Saturday to see if he can repair it before I leave for the Nationals in Salt Lake City, but I have received no response from him. This is why I want to know how close in appearance the new GM fan clutch is to the original as this looks to be my only choice at this late date.

Any input/comments would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

James West

[John H.]

Re: C2 New GM Fan Clutches / Fred Oliva Rebuilt

James -

The 3916141 Eaton-style replacement differs from the original in that the shape of the reservoir "bumps" on the front face is slightly different (more tapered/rounded), and the shaft is the "short" version used on big-blocks. It also has a "CK" ink stamp on the front instead of the correct "CJ" (for a small-block); the finned aluminum casting portion is identical to the originals. See photo below.

[James W.]

Re: C2 New GM Fan Clutches / Fred Oliva Rebuilt

Is anyone using this "short" big block version on a small small block Corvette? Any cooling issues with it, as in not keeping the car cool? I would think if it is the short version, it would not position the fan in the the fan shroud and would affect cooling?

Any comments?

Thanks,

James West

[Jack W.]

Re: C2 New GM Fan Clutches / Fred Oliva Rebuilt

James - I for one have the 3916141 fan clutch on my 65 SB, and I am surely not the only one. HAve all of last summer and this season thus far of use, no issues with the clutch, I am advised that it (like many modern day fan clutches) engages at a higher temp than the one used on my C2 origianlly, but I haven't noticed any negative impact of that. Got mine from GMPD, it WAS $108.59 plus the GMPD S&H upcharge (in my case, $21) - also be advised that GMPD, at least, may be backordered on this particular item currently - I know of one C2 owner waiting for his order for this item to ship from GMPD in NC (the dirty little secret, GMPD is really Flow Chevrolet )

[Larry S.]

Re: C2 New GM Fan Clutches / Fred Oliva Rebuilt

I just purchased one from gmpd also waited 2 weeks,Allthought I am not in need of one I was under the impression it was being discontinued and figured I better get while the getting was good.