New GM clutch fan

[cncsparky]

As I'm going back together with my P30 project (see in the 'projects' forum), I've read that the clutch fan should be replaced after so many years.  I'm sure that mine is original.  Also have heard not to use aftermarket clutches, only factory.  Does anyone have the current GM part number?  Rock Auto lists an AC Delco # 154949, but not sure if this is a factory one or not, its twice as much $$ so it must be better  i?? :)rotflmao   than the others?.

Here is info on RA's site:

Alternate/OEM Part Number(s): 154415, 154416, 154549, 154593, 154606, 15625457, 15625458, 15963247, 22136844, 22149527, 88961767

[DaveVA78Chieftain]

1988 Chevy P30 Chassis OEM Cooling System Parts

Dave

[GONMAD]

Hi Guys,  I have the OER clutch for this application. To be frank it sucks...compared to the Clutch fan unit from a 427 Corvette. It has a dual thermostat temp controller & is not noisy like the original. I took it off used & it lasted about two years before I replaced it with the stock unit. I wish I'd bought the Corvette unit instead. Just a thought for your ponderance.  Have a good day all. GONMAD

[cncsparky]

Thanks Dave.  Looks like the AC Delco is a replacement for the original pt# 88961767.  Its available from Rock Auto for $115, the orignal number 88961767 is $135 from GM parts direct.  My guess is they are the exact same part.  ??

[Stripe]

So, what electric fan would work to replace the clutch fan?

[Oz]

Do a message search on electric fan, Fredric.  That's a different creature and Tim Daley put up an excellent post about it.

[Stripe]

Ahh, I thought they were talking about replacing theirs with an electric and was wondering if they found one.

[cncsparky]

I will keep the clutch for now.  Have heard of retrofitting some factory dual fan setups that work well on other vehicles, don't know about an RV.

[tiinytina]

Gone's failed a couple years ago... put on a "heavy duty" clutch fan on her... keeps her cool but the only thing I don't like is that it kicks in every time I hit the gas from a stop for a few seconds... loud.  I'd have to check on the part number. Also replaced the thermostat etc same time.... and temp sensor....  Gone has almost 80K on her it failed about 75k on her....  and when it fails it fails in the ON position... so when running down the road she sounded like a jet plane about to launch... but would start to over heat at idle...

Tina

[bluebird]

Check amazon. They have G M parts too. I used one from O'Reillys on my 80 Itasca, never had a problem with it.

[cncsparky]

This might come in handy later.

http://midamericachevelles.com/tech/fan_clutch_adjust.pdf

[Rickf1985]

Keep in mind that there are two different types of clutch fans, centrifugal and thermal. You definitely want the thermal since the centrifugal is on all the time at high RPM's. When you are at high RPM you are moving down the road and ramming air through the grill so it is not needed then. I have never found a reasonable use for a centrifugal fan clutch.

[cncsparky]

More interesting reading.  An oily substance is around the spring on my clutch.  According to this it is a sign of clutch failure.

http://www.haydenauto.com/upload/HaydenAuto/Documents/Cat_Hayden/Fan_Clutch_Operations_TS_6980012.pdf

[Lefty]

Oil around the clutch is a definite sign of failure. That is the viscous silicone fluid that provides the transfer from locked to unlocked. Without it, the clutch in the fan cannot engage.

[ClydesdaleKevin]

I managed to replace mine without removing the radiator.  Pics are in one of my project threads, somewhere...lol!

I cut the plastic fan shroud enough to gain clearance to get the old fan clutch out from the top.  I worked from the top laying on my belly and tied my wrenches to my wrist and was VERY careful with the nuts and bolts.  I then used a properly contoured piece of plastic from a garbage can lid that fit exactly over the fan shroud piece I removed, and bolted it place.  Actually looks pretty good, and allows me to revisit it in the future if necessary.

Kev

[cncsparky]

Tied wrenches to your wrists     Kevin you are full of neat tips     

[cncsparky]

I ended up buying a Hayden severe duty #2797 clutch.  Searched on several forums and found that many have good luck with the Hayden's.  Its half price of the factory unit and comes with a lifetime warranty from O'reillys.  So if it fails sometime in the future it can be replaced free. 

Also, since I have removed a bunch of crap from the top of my engine I believe the fan assý will install from that way.  I will post a pic in my P30 project soon. 

[Stripe]

Sweet, how much was the clutch again??

[cncsparky]

O'Reilly price was $62.99.  Might find it cheaper online, but they gave a lifetime warranty on it.  Not sure if that is a Hayden warranty or from O'Reilly. 

[DonD]

Make sure you check the length of the fan clutch assy. compared to the original. I got one years ago from O'Reilly (Checker then) and it turned out to be a bit longer and when the engine RPMs got to a certain point, the fan flexed enough to eat the radiator. They would not cover the rad. A very expensive reason I never buy from them.
They agreed the unit was longer but insisted the damage was due to bad motor mounts which I had just replaced! O'Reilly...Oh really 

[Stripe]

Ouch...

Thanks sparky..

[cncsparky]

Thanks for the tip Don, I will check that out  before installing.