Clutch Fan Help
Thread Starter
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New User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
From: Maryland
Clutch Fan Help
Hello. I am considering converting my 1970 360 fixed belt driving fan to a thermal clutch fan. Im not sure if I should buy new equipment or pull the parts from my local junkyard. My truck is used only for part time driving and almost never used for heavy work. Just looking to pick up some MPG and HP. Hope someone here can help me out, thanks.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 5,130
Likes: 8
From: Brea CA
Clutch Fan Help
Hi and welcome to FTE!
I'd pull the clutch fan from the yard and buy a new clutch for it.
Personally I don't think you'll see much of a difference though, if you do let us know please.
Hey enjoy the site!
Barry
I'd pull the clutch fan from the yard and buy a new clutch for it.
Personally I don't think you'll see much of a difference though, if you do let us know please.
Hey enjoy the site!
Barry
Elder User
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 940
Likes: 0
From: LAT 46.55501° & LON -122
Clutch Fan Help
If you use your existing fan, you will need to drill a large (somewhere around 2" diameter) hole in the center for the pilot and 4 holes (about 5/16) to bolt the fan to the clutch. Otherwise, you need to get a fan that is made for a clutch.
Mileage and power change will be minimal; maybe 1/4-1/2 MPG extra if your mileage doesn't allready vary that much. What you will probably notice most is a decrease in noise, most noticeable when downshifting or driving in lower gears at higher RPM's, moving slow.
Also, check the pilot on your water pump drive to make sure you get the right clutch. Some were 5/8 diameter, others were 3/4.
Mileage and power change will be minimal; maybe 1/4-1/2 MPG extra if your mileage doesn't allready vary that much. What you will probably notice most is a decrease in noise, most noticeable when downshifting or driving in lower gears at higher RPM's, moving slow.
Also, check the pilot on your water pump drive to make sure you get the right clutch. Some were 5/8 diameter, others were 3/4.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 1,048
Likes: 22
From: Lacey, WA
Clutch Fan Help
Hi,
As others have said, go to the salvage yard and pick up a fan and clutch. Trash the clutch and buy a new one. I was told that the clutches come in 2 flavors. Thermal activated or RPM activated. I chose thermal. The new one I purchased had a 3/4 inch pilot hole but came with a steel bushing to reduce to 5/8. I would not recommend trying to use the existing fixed fan. If it was like mine it is a 4 blade fan and the one for a clutch type is a 5 blade.
When I made this switch I also had to get a replacement spacer to go between the pump pulley and clutch. If I remember correctly the spacer from the fixed fan set-up was to long. I ended up buying mine from a site on the net. You could probably just go ahead and get the one from the donor at the salvage yard. Try to get a spacer that will put the clutch no farther than 1 inch from the back of the radiator surface.
Finally, a shroud is a must for proper air flow.
Take care and good luck,
As others have said, go to the salvage yard and pick up a fan and clutch. Trash the clutch and buy a new one. I was told that the clutches come in 2 flavors. Thermal activated or RPM activated. I chose thermal. The new one I purchased had a 3/4 inch pilot hole but came with a steel bushing to reduce to 5/8. I would not recommend trying to use the existing fixed fan. If it was like mine it is a 4 blade fan and the one for a clutch type is a 5 blade.
When I made this switch I also had to get a replacement spacer to go between the pump pulley and clutch. If I remember correctly the spacer from the fixed fan set-up was to long. I ended up buying mine from a site on the net. You could probably just go ahead and get the one from the donor at the salvage yard. Try to get a spacer that will put the clutch no farther than 1 inch from the back of the radiator surface.
Finally, a shroud is a must for proper air flow.
Take care and good luck,
Thread Starter
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New User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
From: Maryland
Clutch Fan Help
Thanks for the replies. Im going to pull a 5 blade fan from the yard. After I check the size of the pilot hole I will buy a new thermal clutch and spacer. I will let you all know how it all turns out..Thanks.
Elder User
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 520
Likes: 1
From: california
Clutch Fan Help
check out the fan for any cracks. One of my blades flew off under RPM. It punched a small hole in the hood "framing", bounced down and cracked my fuel pump. The engine shook like crazy. Needless to say, I never stand in the line of fire of any fans.
Thread Starter
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New User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 18
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From: Maryland
Trending Topics
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 307
Likes: 0
From: Antioch,CA
What size is your shroud? And Fan?
My 1970 F250 shroud is 21" and fan is 19" if I measured right.
My 1970 F250 shroud is 21" and fan is 19" if I measured right.
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