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I am pretty sure the fan clutch I removed from my 66 327/300 is not original. The only visible markings say "Patented in the US, Canadian Patent Applied for 1961, Other Patents Pending" on three lines. The face has a metal strip that rests on a button rather than a coiled spring. Can anyone confirm that this is an aftermarket unit (possibly centrifugal type)? Also noted a bad water pump bearing. For car number 107066 built in 11/65, how can I determine whether the pump is likely to be original or at least correct? Thanks for you input.
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Re: Fan Clutch/Water Pump
Frank-----
Your fan clutch sounds like it may be an original unit. The clutch that you describe is a thermal type, OEM unit manufactured by Sweitzer Clutch. These were used on many 60s Corvette engines, especially small blocks. It may have a date code stamped into the edge of the fan clutch hub (where it attaches to the water pump/pulley). If it's not an original clutch, then it's an early SERVICE replacement. The Sweitzer clutches were replaced about 25 years ago by the Eaton, coil thermostat type for 1960-70 SERVICE.
Your water pump should be a casting number 3782608. It may or may not be dated. If dated, and dated within 6 months of your car's build date, then it may be the original pump. If it's within several days of the engine's casting date, then it likely is the original pump. In any event, the 608 casting is the correct unit for your application.In Appreciation of John Hinckley -
Re: Fan Clutch/Water Pump
Frank-----
Your fan clutch sounds like it may be an original unit. The clutch that you describe is a thermal type, OEM unit manufactured by Sweitzer Clutch. These were used on many 60s Corvette engines, especially small blocks. It may have a date code stamped into the edge of the fan clutch hub (where it attaches to the water pump/pulley). If it's not an original clutch, then it's an early SERVICE replacement. The Sweitzer clutches were replaced about 25 years ago by the Eaton, coil thermostat type for 1960-70 SERVICE.
Your water pump should be a casting number 3782608. It may or may not be dated. If dated, and dated within 6 months of your car's build date, then it may be the original pump. If it's within several days of the engine's casting date, then it likely is the original pump. In any event, the 608 casting is the correct unit for your application.In Appreciation of John HinckleyComment
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Re: Fan Clutch/Water Pump
Thanks Joe. The original type unit I have does not have any play in the bearing (turns our it's the water pump making the noise). Should I just re-install it on the new pump or is there some degradation in performance due to age that is not obvious? The car never has had any overheating problems. The car is a nice older restoration that I believe in driving daily so I am trying to determine whether I should have the fan clutch re-built or not.Comment
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Re: Fan Clutch/Water Pump
Thanks Joe. The original type unit I have does not have any play in the bearing (turns our it's the water pump making the noise). Should I just re-install it on the new pump or is there some degradation in performance due to age that is not obvious? The car never has had any overheating problems. The car is a nice older restoration that I believe in driving daily so I am trying to determine whether I should have the fan clutch re-built or not.Comment
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Re: Fan Clutch/Water Pump
Frank, sounds like you have a correct pump. Get it rebuilt by Fred Oliva in Fla. and it will be done right and will be a correct unit. good luck mikeComment
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Re: Fan Clutch/Water Pump
Frank, sounds like you have a correct pump. Get it rebuilt by Fred Oliva in Fla. and it will be done right and will be a correct unit. good luck mikeComment
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Re: Fan Clutch/Water Pump
Frank------
If the fan clutch is relatively tight and you experience no overheating at prolonged idle, then I'd say that it's in very good shape for its age. I think that I'd be strongly tempted to keep it in service as-is. These things definitely gradually degrade, but, if it still cools well, it should be well within its useful life.In Appreciation of John HinckleyComment
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Re: Fan Clutch/Water Pump
Frank------
If the fan clutch is relatively tight and you experience no overheating at prolonged idle, then I'd say that it's in very good shape for its age. I think that I'd be strongly tempted to keep it in service as-is. These things definitely gradually degrade, but, if it still cools well, it should be well within its useful life.In Appreciation of John HinckleyComment
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