Fan clutch

[gbarrett]

This week I've replaced the radiators in BOTH GW's, and now I need to replace the fan clutch in my Waggie. When I called Discount Auto, the young lady asked if I wanted thermal or non-thermal. I didn't know what to ask for. If it makes any difference, here in SW Florida, it's been 85 degrees and the A/C keeps getting warm in this stop and go traffic. So, what do I need? If I go electric fan(s) what do I get?

Thanks,

Greg

[RWC]

No no no . . . Just replace the clutch. No reason to spend the money on the electric fans, unless you have other reasons to switch to electric fans. I personally prefer the non-thermal clutches. The thermal ones have a little thermo-couple style element on the front. When it hits a certain temperature, it switches something internally on the clutch to either help it engage or cause it to engage more. The problem is that if the element gets plugged with mud and/or engine shmeg, then they don't get an accurate reading. The non-thermal kind doesn't have the element, and is just engaged at whatever rate it's always engaged at (plus they're cheaper).

RWC

[Stolen76]

go for the non-thermal if you are near the beaches. mine was corroded and gunked up from salt spray and sand, and didn't work very well on the gulf coast.

if you go electric, look into one of the longer threads, I remember seeing a couple of guys/gals with them listed in their tag lines.

[Bob Barry]

Whatever you do, I would go with a Heavy-Duty (one step below the Severe-duty) thermal clutch fan, which seems to be necessary to keep our trucks cool at idle.

[David Simon]

Greg, if you have an Auto Zone near you they should have one. That's where I got mine, thermal, heavy-duty, and haven't had any problems from it in a year. I'm 35 miles inland though, so I'm not sure about the corrosion problems.

[McBain]

In Florida I would go wth the NON-thermal fan clutch (always engaged). There isn't much to be gained with the thermal set up for a Jeep. The miniscule gain in horsepower and economy wouldn't even be noticed. As for electrics make sure you get one that pulls enough cfm if you go this way. I have seen guys hook these up to their rigs and have over heating problems mainly because of not enough flow. Also you should get something that works with a shroud so that you get maximum benefit from the eletric.

[jeepbob]

If you do not have a fan shroud then definetly go with the non thermo. If you have a fan shroud then I would still go with the nonthermal as it is always engaged at low speeds.

[Sgt. Dave]

Well, I would run a proper fan shroud and a thermal clutch. For the $ difference, it's worth it. Why risk cooking off the engine by using the "get by" part instead of the proper part?

[ January 30, 2002: Message edited by: Sgt. Dave ]

[ January 30, 2002: Message edited by: Sgt. Dave ]</p>

[Lindel]

I'm running a SuperDuty, like Bob Barry refered to. Cost $100, but here in Dallas, on the 100+ days, I can sit in traffic, a/c on, and still be cool, truck hasn't gotten over mid scale in 2 years, and the clutch is still tight, with no leaks.

Part no. is Hayden 2797, IIRC. Super Duty for a 454 equipped motor home. If you get it, you'll have to open up the holes to get it on the truck, but you'll see what needs to be done with it.