A quick reminder...

[dgouge773]

I've had problems with how my '86 GM was running when I first bought it. I've tuned it up, changed the fuel filter, cut the muffler off, inspected every vacuum line and cleaned and replaced some sensors. It is now running near perfect but it has the common problem of having a 302 which feels more like a smaller V6 with slow throttle response and has been drinking gas uncontrollably. The one thing I always forget to look at on these cars is the fan clutch. I took it to a friend to see if he can free up some power, he tried to turn the fan, and had to push pretty hard to turn it over. This thing was close to being locked up completely. I had no clue since the car ran smooth for the most part and started easily in -20 degrees a couple days ago. I'm getting the new clutch installed tomorrow afternoon and I will be sure to report back with the results. But for others who are having power loss problems, remember to check your fan, it should spin pretty freely.

[ald872000]

really? spin freely, I thought it meant the clutch part is broken?


Mine is brand new an has a bit of a fight to it when I try to spin it.
hmmm.

[dgouge773]

I would guess it's not supposed to spin with absolutely no resistance since it is able to engage and disengage as needed and has some weight to it, but trying to turn my fan was like trying to open a sealed jar.

[Archangel]

Ya wanna hear something odd? My Lincoln has had its factory fan and clutch, then a flex fan with no clutch, then a factory fan with no clutch, and finally a 351 Bronco fan and clutch, and there was absolutely no difference in how she ran or how much fuel she drank - no difference, none whatsoever!

[dgouge773]

The clutch I ordered is also used on 70's Fords along with some Chevy trucks and other cars. I could have taken one off an f150 or Silverado or Gran Torino etc.. as long as it was spinning correctly but I didn't want to waste time since my car's taking up space in my friend's garage right now.

[1980c10]

I hate hate hate clutch fans lol, I throw them in the trash and put electric fans on stuff as soon as I get it.

[Outlaw440]

I hate hate hate clutch fans lol, I throw them in the trash and put electric fans on stuff as soon as I get it.

Same here, lol. But if i don't have an electric fan handy, a clutchless flex fan still seems to do better than the stock clutch fan setup

[Archangel]

Idk, on a mostly stock engine they should all perform about the same, at least that was my observation.

[CheeseSteakJim]

Eh? I always thought it spun freely when cold and began to completely lock up as it got hot... that's the way a thermal fan clutch works, and that's what these cars have, isn't it?

[dgouge773]

I test drove the GM today after the new fan clutch was installed and I noticed a big difference. The throttle response is quite a bit better and it is a lot easier to stay at a high speed without having to keep on the gas at all times. It even seems to shift smoother, I don't know if that's related to the new fan or not. I'll look into the electric fans once I can get some more income though. I also clipped my ac/smog pump belt today and the pulleys spun really well except for the ac. It turned halfway around easy and for the second half it was hard and had a slight grinding feel to it. I'm satisfied with the results and I'm probably pretty lucky I got this taken care of when I did. Hopefully my mpg's will go back into the mid 20's..