Sweitzer Clutch ops check

[Chuck B.]

My unrestored bar type fan clutch functions correctly (engine doesn't overheat). Because of apparent play in the clutch bearing I can wiggle the tip of the fan blade about 1/8". There is no play in the water pump bearing. I have no intention of using this clutch for every day driving, but would it pass a operations check so long as the engine cooled correctly? Would the Ops judge say this was a safety factor?
Thanks, Chuck Banks

[Terry M.]

Re: Sweitzer Clutch ops check

I can't recall seeing an operations judge grab a fan and wiggle it, but I can't/won't tell you it will never happen. Of course if the fan blades move around during operation, THAT might be noticed. You defiantly do not want the clutch to come apart during operation. Very bad things can result. The least of your problems will be the resultant points deduction.

On the other hand that is a standard part of PV (Performance Verification) check, and there it would be a fail.

[Ray G.]

Re: Sweitzer Clutch ops check

Hello;
Seems my '67 fan clutch gets checked each time for lateral(forward and backwards) movement, during OPS check.
1/8" (.125) would not be cause for alarm in my meager opinion.
Didn't find a spec. in manuals.
Maybe someone else knows of a specification.
Hope this helps.
Ray

[Mike M.]

Re: Sweitzer Clutch ops check

Good point, Terry,
the first hood louver I saw as a kid was on a '50 Oldsmobile.
Obviously, located diagonally just behind the radiator on the driver's side. It was about 3/8's of an inch wide and about 4-1/2" inches long.
Could not have been neater if it was done with a can opener.
HaND

[Joe L.]

Re: Sweitzer Clutch ops check

My unrestored bar type fan clutch functions correctly (engine doesn't overheat). Because of apparent play in the clutch bearing I can wiggle the tip of the fan blade about 1/8". There is no play in the water pump bearing. I have no intention of using this clutch for every day driving, but would it pass a operations check so long as the engine cooled correctly? Would the Ops judge say this was a safety factor?
Thanks, Chuck Banks

Chuck-----

Actually, I think that 1/8" observed at the fan blade tips is quite normal. The design of these fan clutches is such that a small amount of "end play" is inherent.

[Chuck B.]

Re: Sweitzer Clutch ops check

Joe, Thanks for your reply. I had been told that Sweitzer clutches used a different type of bearing than the Eaton, and that the movement at the fan blade tip was was normal. My concern was due to a comment made by the operations team at a regional meet several years ago that the movement might be a safety concern. Chuck Banks