Schwitzer fan clutch rebuild

[Michael G.]

Good Sunday evening all. The fan clutch (Schwitzer) on my '63 is not locking up like it use to causing temp flucuations. Most likely time for a refresh. Anyone care to share their experiences having one rebuilt? Who are they? Functionality when rebuilt? Appoximate cost? Thanks.

[Mark D.]

Re: Schwitzer fan clutch rebuild

Dan Kirkconnell
(813) 477-6217
k63vette@msn.com

Whatever he charges is reasonable and his turn time is unmatched.

[Michael G.]

Re: Schwitzer fan clutch rebuild

Dan Kirkconnell
(813) 477-6217
k63vette@msn.com

Whatever he charges is reasonable and his turn time is unmatched.

Could you elaborate on your comment?

[Jim D.]

Re: Schwitzer fan clutch rebuild

Could you elaborate on your comment?

His price can't be beat and the turn-around time is very quick. Other rebuilders take up to 1 year, Dan takes less than 2 weeks. He did mine and it's flawless.

[Steve B.]

Re: Schwitzer fan clutch rebuild

His price can't be beat and the turn-around time is very quick. Other rebuilders take up to 1 year, Dan takes less than 2 weeks. He did mine and it's flawless.

I agree, he just completed mine and it looks great and functions as new. Total cost was 245.

[Mark D.]

Re: Schwitzer fan clutch rebuild

He just finished this one for my 69 L89 and did a fantastic job...

[Edward J.]

Re: Schwitzer fan clutch rebuild

Mike, its nice to have a original part rebuilt, But I Think I would only use for judging reasons only,You may get lucky and still be able to find a Delco or GM replacement one they are starting to get scarce.

[Jim D.]

Re: Schwitzer fan clutch rebuild

Mike, its nice to have a original part rebuilt, But I Think I would only use for judging reasons only,You may get lucky and still be able to find a Delco or GM replacement one they are starting to get scarce.

Using that logic, you must install a crate motor except when you're being judged. There's no reason NOT to run a rebuilt one.

[Edward J.]

Re: Schwitzer fan clutch rebuild

Jim, I have seen some of the rebuilt fan clutches short lived. It seems there life span is not as good as a new ones. I see where your coming from. I just had a friend that had one rebuilt and it lasted about a two years(about 1500 miles) and starting leaking oil. its not a cheap part to rebuild, and how many times can they be rebuilt.

[Jim D.]

Re: Schwitzer fan clutch rebuild

Jim, I have seen some of the rebuilt fan clutches short lived. It seems there life span is not as good as a new ones. I see where your coming from. I just had a friend that had one rebuilt and it lasted about a year and starting leaking oil. its not a cheap part to rebuild.

I guess it depends on who's doing the rebuilding. I've never had a problem/leak with Dan's work. I'd say they are as good, if not better, than new. As far as using a new Delco, being that they are coming from China or Mexico, I'd put more faith in a rebuilt American original one.

[Edward J.]

Re: Schwitzer fan clutch rebuild

Jim, the Eaton replacements are made in the USA I believe. and there are some still out there . I brought one for 99..00 a couple of years ago. from a GM dealership I have heard that they are not making them any more but some venders may have some??

[Terry M.]

Re: Schwitzer fan clutch rebuild

Aside from the configuration issues for judging, there are functional issues with the new fan clutches. The new fan clutches are designed to "lock up" at over 200 degrees. They are designed for use with 195* thermostats, while older (pre-emissions) Corvettes are designed with a 180* thermostat. The old clutches are designed to "lock-up" at a lower temperature. There are ways to modify the temperature lock-up, at least for the units with the flat bar on the front, and those have been well publicized. There may be modifications for the one with the coil in front as well, but I am less familiar with them. All that means that the new clutch is not necessarily a bolt it and forget it situation.

All this may or may not be significant to you and your Corvette. If the cooling system is robust it may not make a difference, but if the cooling system is marginal it may make all the difference.

[Edward J.]

Re: Schwitzer fan clutch rebuild

Terry, I think you are correct the replacement Eaton is a functional replacement from GM. for judging reasons its not going to get 40 percent of the points allowed. My 63 has a Eaton replacement and a 180 thermostat, and temp on the hottest day and in traffic does not go above 190's and moving down the road with air flow about 170ish. with out any mods. to the clutch,The Eaton clutch has a spring and my understanding is it to can be altered to lock up earlier.

[Dan H.]

Re: Schwitzer fan clutch rebuild

FWIW, there is a Schwitzer reproduction small and big block configuration coming out from a vendor out by me. I have a prototype on my work bench now. Waiting for a minor change to it's studs then will road test it. It will be distributed through the major vendors etc. It has been tested and locks up and spins as original design. I'll let you know when I run it on my 64 FI.
Dan

[Michael G.]

Re: Schwitzer fan clutch rebuild

Thanks all for the input. My concern at this stage is more so on functionality, not cosmetics nor judging. I want to have some measure of assurity fan clutch will function at it should as well look nice. Currently the clutch appears to lock up as the system heats up.