454 cooling fan clutch ELIMINATOR

[John P]

I’ve replaced the fan clutch a few times on my 1987 345. I am wondering if there is a fan clutch eliminator that just cools all the time. If so I’d appreciate a part number or link. Also, if there are reasons I shouldn’t do this I’d appreciate that information as well. Thanks in advance for your thoughts and information.

[ROBERT CROSS]

If you eliminate the clutch with a direct drive fan you will poop further your already pooped MPG,

Better to replace with a quality HD fan clutch or an electric with thermostat. Ck your application, OEM HD Delco if you can find one

Bob
🇺🇸

[cwf]

I agree with Bob about a HD clutch... there are direct drive as well, but that may put more vibration into the water pump...

If you can, Go electric. With thermostat you can set the “on” temp.. and wire to a relay to switch on when ac compressor turns on. get higher speed air, direct cooling onto the ac condenser whether stoped or rolling.

[Air345Fly]

How do you recognize a bad fan clutch?


I got a bunch of fan clutches from the PO that are
all used but look OK. How can I tell if any are bad?


Thanks.

[ROBERT CROSS]

Well, when the OEM Delco units went bad they usually seized up causing the fan to roar.
They can also freewheel constantly, barely turning at all when the fluid leaks.

They will freewheel until the engine warms up and air flow thru the rad is needed.

Bob
🇺🇸

[Air345Fly]

The ones that I have that are not installed turn by hand but with
a lot of viscus friction. They feel something like the one that
is installed when I turn the fan.


Does that seem OK?

[davejay]

Hey.
I put double 14 inch electrics on the back side of my radiator. Wired as pullers. I have a Fitch fuel injection system on my 454. I can set the fans to come on at any desired temp. I got them set at 200 degrees. Not only are they super quiet they don't t draw off any horse power. No load on the waterpump pulley. And I think they are way more efficient. Almost the whole surface area of the radiator has the fans blades covering it. Make sure you look at the cfm capacity of the fan .the bent bladed fans pull more air than the straight blade ones. They also more expensive. I think you d be happy with this setup. Also. Make sure your shrouded around the radiator is all intact. You want as much wind channeled across the rad surface as possible. Good luck. Dj

[ROBERT CROSS]

You should be able to spin the blade when the engine is off and cold. Some resistance but at least 1/2 rotation. Very little fan noise as rpm's increase.

As the engine warms up the fan will get louder and be noticeably harder to turn.

Good point on the shroud...fans do little if the air isn't directed thru the rad.

Is your engine overheating?



Bob
🇺🇸

[Air345Fly]

No I am not on the road so I don't know if it will overheat.
I am in the middle of a major renovation. I want to make
everything right.

[jeffmc306]

+ 2 on davejay’s electric solution. That fan can consume 5 HP or more plus makes a lot of noise. Dual electrics will have you covered better, especially in stop and go traffic.

I had a ‘19 RAM 1500 with an electric fan and it was so quite. Now I’ve got a RAM 2500 with a fan clutch and it sounds like a semi when you pull away compared to the 1500.

[dadstoy]

If you stay with a mechanical fan, use nothing but an OEM AC Delco fan clutch. NEVER EVER waste your money and time on the Autozone or Napa crap. I replaced mine 3 times. Learned my lesson on crap parts yet again!

[bkahler]

Originally Posted by dadstoy

If you stay with a mechanical fan, use nothing but an OEM AC Delco fan clutch. NEVER EVER waste your money and time on the Autozone or Napa crap. I replaced mine 3 times. Learned my lesson on crap parts yet again!

Yep, what Dean says is the answer.

[tbashin]

Now a days going to a good dual electric fan set up is the way to go. Helps MPG by taking a small amount of strain off the motor.
https://www.google.com/search?q=dual...hrome&ie=UTF-8

[PeterH-350LE]

Originally Posted by davejay

Hey.
I put double 14 inch electrics on the back side of my radiator. Wired as pullers..... Dj

If I am not mistaken your 87 345 came with the AC trinary switch controlled fan in front of the radiator. Did you leave that in place when you added the 2 puller fans on the back side ?

[mikesSE]

Try a Kennedy Brand severe duty fan clutch.Its specs are better than the GM.