FeedVaal

I popped for a thermo style to replace my torque limiting clutch which had seized up and was roaring at highway speeds. I used to run at a steady 180 without my front spoiler on. Now I'm running at 200 with the spoiler installed.
Is this new unit just not working or is it designed to put less strain on the engine than the other style? I'm not real concerned at 200 degrees right now but SUMMER'S coming.

Shark Racer

My 78 with a good working fan clutch runs at 200 almost all the time. I bet if your fan were set to run at 180 it would run nigh all the time.

In the summer, when the weather hits 105-110, my vette only sees about 205 at most. What's your thermostat?

-Steve

FeedVaal

180. Maybe this style doesn't lock up until beyond 200?


[Modified by FeedVaal, 1:44 PM 3/19/2004]

Shark Racer

Quite possibly. I wouldn't worry about 200. I doubt it'll run any hotter in the summer- you're using the same fan with a different clutch, right?

How hot did it run with the old clutch in the summer?

FeedVaal

This engine has run rock steady at 180 year round for years until I swapped to the thermo style clutch. I've heard the engine runs better a little warmer but the other day I got run on when I shut it down. I'm thinking either this particular unit is not funtioning properly or the whole design is not as good at cooling as a torque type. Need a little more feedback from those running the thermo style to see if I need to send this thing back.

SHAKERATTLEROLL

Hey there Yellow Jacket. There was someone that posted information on this awhile ago and I was lucky enough to save it. If you like I can send it to you via e mail. The problem is they raised the lock up temp on the new clutches because of the fan noise that some people did not like. And it works fine on the newer cars just not our old cars since they were not designed for such high temps. In this information is how to modify both style of clutches as to lower the temp for the clutch to fully engage thus resulting in lower temps for your car. :)

shoptek

FeedVaal,

Just a thought.....You mentioned that you had "run on" when you shut down. That could be a sign of your timing being a little over advanced, which would cause a slightly higher operating temp.
Again, just a tought, and hopefully others will chime in.
Good luck :cheers:

SHAKERATTLEROLL

FeedVaal the info is on its way to you Via E mail it might take a bit to load but worth it. :). This should help if not it will give you lots of info for any future problems you might run across for Fan Clutches. :)

ShopTech He meant the fan would keep turning after shut down not the engine. :).


[Modified by SHAKERATTLEROLL, 10:51 PM 3/19/2004]

Aflac

I just changed my old one out for a new oem replacement one and with a 165 stat, it runs 165 all the time. a little too col but when I pull the radiator i am going to put a 180 in it

FeedVaal

Shake, my email's at work so I'll check it monday. Many thanks for the info.
:cheers:

GDaina

posting to get the thread in synch w/the clock

bigvette1

This is an area that I have experienced also. The org. clutch was not making it, but cooled to about 205-210 on a BB on a hot day. Bought a "GM remake" from a Vet dealer. It does not seem to kick in until 205 instead of the rated 180 or so. Hence, the engine get HOT! Went to an Autozone basic one made by Imperial and it worked great. "Clutched" at about 190 and kept the engine at about 190-200. It started leaking so I got a new Heavy duty from AutoZone as part of the warranty for life. So far it keeps the engine in the 190-200 range, but need to wait for hotter weather.

Moral - the thermostatic units are not all the same. The clutching temp based upon the bi-metal strip is diferent. Try an Autozone Heavy duty and see if there is a difference. Neat thing is they are about $30 so all is not lost.