Tweet
As some of you might know from my previous posts, I am having trouble with overheat at idle. The clutch fan has the same resistance cold or hot. as a matter of fact, it was too hot to even hold with no change. It is the GM replacement thermo clutch from Eaton. I have had two now, neither of which changes resistance. I was told that they can be adjusted by tightening or loosening the spring on the front by moving it to a different position. Anyone have any ides/experience on this?
-
-
Re: clutch fan adjust?
It's probably not the FAN CLUTCH that is alowing your car to overheat, usually the radiator. Bite the bullet! -
Re: clutch fan adjust?
It's probably not the FAN CLUTCH that is alowing your car to overheat, usually the radiator. Bite the bullet!Comment
-
Re: clutch fan adjust?
The fan clutch tension is controlled by the temperature of the radiator exit air via the bimetal spring. I'm not aware that it is adjustable. If the radiator tubes have a lot of deposit buildup, heat transfer is limited and the exit air won't get hot enough to tighten up the clutch. This could be your problem.
DukeComment
-
Re: clutch fan adjust?
The fan clutch tension is controlled by the temperature of the radiator exit air via the bimetal spring. I'm not aware that it is adjustable. If the radiator tubes have a lot of deposit buildup, heat transfer is limited and the exit air won't get hot enough to tighten up the clutch. This could be your problem.
DukeComment
-
Re: clutch fan adjust?
Bit that bullet, and a lot of others. Its a brand new Dewitts alum. top tank rad. New waterpump, new thermostat, new block, new everything. Second new fan clutch. Do no notice any resistance hot or cold.Comment
-
Re: clutch fan adjust?
Bit that bullet, and a lot of others. Its a brand new Dewitts alum. top tank rad. New waterpump, new thermostat, new block, new everything. Second new fan clutch. Do no notice any resistance hot or cold.Comment
-
Re: clutch fan adjust?
Thx Duke.
You had responded to my overheat posts 2 weeks ago with some suggestions. I have a new alum rad from Tom DeWitt. New everything incl block, waterpump, etc. The only thing left that I did not replace from the original 519 engine(which was from a '61 Owens boat!!yecch) was the oil pan and rods. The fan clutch has the same resistance hot or cold. This is the second one(new from GM repl.)Comment
-
Re: clutch fan adjust?
Thx Duke.
You had responded to my overheat posts 2 weeks ago with some suggestions. I have a new alum rad from Tom DeWitt. New everything incl block, waterpump, etc. The only thing left that I did not replace from the original 519 engine(which was from a '61 Owens boat!!yecch) was the oil pan and rods. The fan clutch has the same resistance hot or cold. This is the second one(new from GM repl.)Comment
-
Re: clutch fan (spring) adjust?
Don --- Yes, you can sort of adjust the thermostatic spring-type fan clutches; you slide the outside end of the spring out of its slot by pulling it forward. Then, you rotate the spring until it comes to a stop against (not in) the opposite tab. It's been a while since I did this, but I believe you turn it clockwise as viewed from the driver seat (but it could be the opposite). This tricks the clutch into acting as if max temp situation exists. I used to do this on hot days, and it got to be quite automatic (stop, lift hood reach in front of fan, etc. -- took about 20 seconds and I was on my way again).Comment
-
Re: clutch fan (spring) adjust?
Don --- Yes, you can sort of adjust the thermostatic spring-type fan clutches; you slide the outside end of the spring out of its slot by pulling it forward. Then, you rotate the spring until it comes to a stop against (not in) the opposite tab. It's been a while since I did this, but I believe you turn it clockwise as viewed from the driver seat (but it could be the opposite). This tricks the clutch into acting as if max temp situation exists. I used to do this on hot days, and it got to be quite automatic (stop, lift hood reach in front of fan, etc. -- took about 20 seconds and I was on my way again).Comment
-
Re: clutch fan adjust?
If you have a new radiator and two fan clutches did not perform, it's possible they are both defective. Could be a defective lot. It happens, and based on my own experience, the QC on service parts is not the same as parts for production line cars. The lousy GMPD bumpers are a case in point.
DukeComment
-
Re: clutch fan adjust?
If you have a new radiator and two fan clutches did not perform, it's possible they are both defective. Could be a defective lot. It happens, and based on my own experience, the QC on service parts is not the same as parts for production line cars. The lousy GMPD bumpers are a case in point.
DukeComment
-
Re: clutch fan adjust? *TL*
As Wayne posted the fan clutch can be adjusted - sort of. The flat bar type can also be adjusted by filing a pin that is under the bar. Go slow - a little bit goes a long way.
I recall reading that the current fan clutches are built to come on at a higher temperature than our old cars like to run. They are built for cars equipped with 195 degree thermostats. Are you by chance using a 180 or lower thermostat? If so the system will have to get quite warm before the fan clutch begins to pull any air.
I also remember Joe Lucia posting the part number of a heavy duty clutch that he stated was quite effective. I believe the configuration is not much like the original - at least original earlier than late 1970s - but this may be a function rather than looks situation.
TerryComment
-
Re: clutch fan adjust? *TL*
As Wayne posted the fan clutch can be adjusted - sort of. The flat bar type can also be adjusted by filing a pin that is under the bar. Go slow - a little bit goes a long way.
I recall reading that the current fan clutches are built to come on at a higher temperature than our old cars like to run. They are built for cars equipped with 195 degree thermostats. Are you by chance using a 180 or lower thermostat? If so the system will have to get quite warm before the fan clutch begins to pull any air.
I also remember Joe Lucia posting the part number of a heavy duty clutch that he stated was quite effective. I believe the configuration is not much like the original - at least original earlier than late 1970s - but this may be a function rather than looks situation.
TerryComment
Comment