Chevy Fan Clutch

[Nick1994]

I have a 1996 Chevy C1500 Truck with a 5.7L. Spinning the fan by hand it seems fine, hardly spins and has good resistance. But when running and I rev it, it doesn't roar much. Also when I shut it off it spins about 7 full spins. Is it any good ?

 

[bullwinkle]

It should initially "roar" when revved up cold-if it doesn't, it's likely time for a new one.

 

[2oldtommy]

A bi-metalic spring controls the flow of silicone fluid to allow it to operate at a given temp. Hot weather, A/C on: lots of air. At 60-70F it free wheels unless you have stopped moving. Not to worry, you are seeing normal operation IMO. FWIW--Oldtommy

 

[SwampSurvivor]

It sholdn't spin when you turn it off, especially if the engine is warm.

The fan clutch on my Cherokee was bad and, although it had resistance and spun when the engine was running ... it was bad.

 

[OVERKILL]

Originally Posted By: Miller88
It sholdn't spin when you turn it off, especially if the engine is warm.

The fan clutch on my Cherokee was bad and, although it had resistance and spun when the engine was running ... it was bad.


If the engine isn't hot enough to lock the clutch it will.

 

[SteveSRT8]

Originally Posted By: Miller88
It sholdn't spin when you turn it off, especially if the engine is warm.

The fan clutch on my Cherokee was bad and, although it had resistance and spun when the engine was running ... it was bad.


Many later model fan clutches are thermostatic with a near freewheel when cool enough. You first need to determine if yours is run by temp or is simply supposed to let go at a higher rpm.

Both are available for our fleet trucks, and the aftermarket has bigger and more durable models in our application.

 

[Rhymingmechanic]

Are you having temperature problems, or just wondering?

If the fan clutch is bad, your engine temp will get hot in traffic and then go down when you can cruise on the highway. A/C not cooling in traffic but working at speed would probably be another indicator.

 

[wtd]

How many miles on the clutch? If this clutch is original to the truck and has quite a few miles on it, more than likely it is bad. I replaced the original fan clutches on both of my 98 chevy trucks at around 100,000 miles and could tell a difference. On the K1500, I went with an AC-Delco replacement and on the K3500 I went with a Torqflo from Autozone. That thing roars like an airplane. The symptoms that Rhymingmechanic described are spot on.

Wayne