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Keyair · 07-01-2011, 10:56 AM

I spotted this in the Summit Catalog...
I am gonna get one, and maybe this will help you too!
A Radiator Cap with a Thermometer built in!

Mr. Gasket 2471S - Mr. Gasket Thermocap Radiator Caps - Overview - SummitRacing.com

"These Mr. Gasket Thermocap radiator caps combine a high-pressure radiator cap with a thermometer element; just check the integrated temperature gauge, and you will know when it is safe to remove the cap. They are manufactured from aluminum and are available in your choice of red, blue, or silver anodized finishes. The Mr. Gasket Thermocap radiator caps read temperature in both Fahrenheit and Celsius to suit any vehicle's needs. No tools or modifications are required; just remove your old stock cap and replace it with one of the new Thermocaps. No more guessing games about whether or not it is safe to remove the radiator cap--with one of these Mr. Gasket Thermocap radiator caps, you will be safe each and every time."

Keyair · 07-01-2011, 11:28 AM

A little warning story...
My waterpump on my Suburban started to weep, so I replaced it, and put also put on a new Viscous Coupling that I had in my spares box..
As soon as I replaced it I noticed that I had a slight vibration, that was not there before, but as I drive it pretty gentle, I planned to investigate the next week.
My 19 year old son asked to borrow the Suburban a couple of days later..
He jumped in it and proceeded to drive at speed on the freeway....
Later, when I asked how fast he was going he said "about" 80mph... which means in Teenage boy speak "at least" 80!
He said teh vibration got worse and worse as he drove... but naturally he never slowed down!
Suddenly there was a loud bang, smoke, steam and the motor died.
An Autopsy revealed the truth...
I think the VC was stored on its side, and the fluid pooled at one end, which is not good... this caused an out of balance condition, that caused wobble, that finally bent the main shaft of the VC... allowing the fan to touch stuff....
This destroyed the Water Pump, VC, Fan Blade, and Radiator.
Another casualty was the Alternator, which was damaged when a piece of the fan chopped thru the cable and the loose end WELDED itself to the engine bracket!
Pics:

Splitrock · 07-01-2011, 11:51 AM

How does a Viscous Coupling work? Where's it go? What's the fluid? What's the fluid do? Is this a clutch?

Keyair · 07-01-2011, 12:04 PM

VC, Viscous Coupling, Fan Clutch... many names, same thing.
Its the cast aluminum thing in my last post first pic.
Its filled with silicon fluid, and this causes it to slip or grip dependant on temperature..

More info here:
Fan clutch - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Splitrock · 07-01-2011, 12:57 PM

Oh, I see how it works. It's pictured laying down in the radiator picture. The hub goes through the center hole on the fan and the fan bolts to the clutch. The fin part spins on the shaft that's bolted to a part of the engine that turns. The clutch slips at high speeds according to resistance from the fan. Thanks for the explanation.

Keyair · 07-01-2011, 02:03 PM

You got it!
In the case of the Chevy 454, it bolts to the nose of the water pump... thats why when mine went wrong, and bent the flange, the fan hit the radiator!

Myrtle lynn · 07-01-2011, 04:45 PM

Ok. Cool. Thank you. I am taking it in next Tuesday.

Myrtle lynn · 07-01-2011, 04:48 PM

That was what my mechanic said it probably was. The vc.

ROBERT CROSS · 07-01-2011, 05:46 PM

If the fan free wheels when you spin it by hand, you need a clutch.

There should be stiff resistance running at 220.

DON'T TRY THIS AT HOME!!! IT"S STRICTLY A KNUCKLE BUSTER TRICK!!!!!!!!

YouTube - ‪Newspaper fan clutch test‬‏

Myrtle lynn · 07-02-2011, 08:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ROBERT CROSS

If the fan free wheels when you spin it by hand, you need a clutch.

There should be stiff resistance running at 220.

DON'T TRY THIS AT HOME!!! IT"S STRICTLY A KNUCKLE BUSTER TRICK!!!!!!!!

YouTube - Newspaper fan clutch test ‏

My brother told me to put electric fans on it. Feedback?

ROBERT CROSS · 07-02-2011, 09:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Myrtle lynn

My brother told me to put electric fans on it. Feedback?

On my 454 Burb I put a larger auxiliary electric fan in front of the radiator.

It came stock with an aux fan that came on with temp or when the AC was turned on. The aftermarket was much more efficient.

I wouldn't completely trust an all electric system.

IMHO..I would repair the fan clutch (if needed) and consider a high output aux fan to help when needed. The 454's benefit from all the cool air they can get.

POI...inspect water pump at the same time. Complete cooling system BACK-FLUSH wouldn't be out of order either.