[beertracker]

Is there a way to test a fan clutch to see if it's slipping? Can fan clutches be repaired or is it a matter of buying a new one? Car is 70 LeMans 400.

bt

[cobalt327]

Replace if there's an excessive wobble, fluid leakage or if it tends to freewheel even when hot. Or if there is an excessive/over heating problem w/the engine and there is no other explanation. I'd be real surprised if one of the manufacturers didn't have a troubleshooting guide on fan clutches.

If it's OE to the car or you cannot remember ever changing it, it's probably time to replace.

[75gmck25]

As Cobalt327 said, there are directions online about how to check it for freewheeling and lockup. However, as they get older they usually lose fluid and the lockup delays to a higher temp. I have an older clutch that still works, but doesn't fully engage until about 225 degrees. I swapped in a newer one that engages at about 200 degrees and it works much better to keep engine temps stable.

You can also usually buy a clutch for the same vehicle in at least three versions (normal, HD, severe duty). I usually go for severe duty on my truck because I have to deal with 100+ ambient temps with the AC running. You may be able to get by with normal or HD.

Bruce

[beertracker]

I have a non-thermal steel plate face fan clutch (no coil spring) that came with the car. I don't know if it's OEM but I haven't replaced it.

My 180 deg thermostat actually opens at 190. I checked it with a thermometer. The engine has been running at 195 deg after 10 minutes of run time. When I shut the engine off warm and hand rotate the fan it turns with less force than when cold. Not sure if it's time to replace the fan clutch or not? I suppose I could keep an eye on the temp and see if it gradually rises then I can decide on replacement? Car is located in Houston, TX.

In case any one else has the same questions here is a fan clutch trouble shooting guide;

http://www.haydenauto.com/Installati...s/Content.aspx

bt

[75gmck25]

I'd let it go for now, and see what happens when it gets hot. My cooling system is in good shape, and it was fine last year until about July. At that point I saw the idle temp get up to about 220-225 before the fan fully engaged and started bringing it down. That was too high for me to be comfortable that it was not going to keep rising and overheat.

With the new fan clutch and a 195 degree thermostat I can hear the fan clutch starting to engage at about 200, and the temp tops out at about 205-210.

Bruce