-
Hello there guest and Welcome to The #1 Classic Mustang forum!
To gain full access you must Register. Registration is free and it takes only a few moments to complete.
Already a member? Login here then!
radiator fan, clutch or no clutch?
- Thread starter 65-408
- Start date
I started to go clutch with Shag but for some reason I reconsidered and I went no clutch as I have done with the 65 and I'm
very happy. Maybe I just didn't want to deal with a clutch going out? Yes, they say going direct is noisier, but based upon
the difference, who cares?
very happy. Maybe I just didn't want to deal with a clutch going out? Yes, they say going direct is noisier, but based upon
the difference, who cares?
O
opentrackerSteve
Guest
clutch is more efficient when it works, if you're gong to use a belt driven fan. Most efficient is electric.
AzPete
Well-Known Member
Is the electric really more efficient based on the drag of the larger alt. needed for the elec?
I prefer the direct drive fan, then elec.....never cared for the clutch type.
I prefer the direct drive fan, then elec.....never cared for the clutch type.
Pete, I'll burp to that!
Sluggo
Active Member
Straight fan. Clutch is just anoth 5 lbs hanging on the front bearing of the pump.
B67FSTB
The NorCal dude from Belgium
My opinion on this is : clutch or electrical.
Straight brings too much load on the waterpump any time.Every time you rev the engine , you have load on the waterpump.
A fan shroud together with a fan clutch is in my opinion the best economical way to have an efficient way of cooling the engine.
A fan shroud is a must have ( either mech or electr ) to have the best cooling performance.
IMHO. :bowdown
Straight brings too much load on the waterpump any time.Every time you rev the engine , you have load on the waterpump.
A fan shroud together with a fan clutch is in my opinion the best economical way to have an efficient way of cooling the engine.
A fan shroud is a must have ( either mech or electr ) to have the best cooling performance.
IMHO. :bowdown
Jonk67
Well-Known Member
I'm with Bruno and went thermostatic clutch, 6 blade fan with a shroud and upgraded from a 20" rad. to 24".
As mentioned you'll probably need a larger output alt. with electric as they draw a lot of amps to get them spinning 35A-60A I've seen mentioned depending on cfm/fan size. I have a 100A alt. already but prefer the thermo clutch that will only be on when the temp requires it, otherwise it freewheels.
What part of the country are you in and what are the high temps?
Jon
As mentioned you'll probably need a larger output alt. with electric as they draw a lot of amps to get them spinning 35A-60A I've seen mentioned depending on cfm/fan size. I have a 100A alt. already but prefer the thermo clutch that will only be on when the temp requires it, otherwise it freewheels.
What part of the country are you in and what are the high temps?
Jon
If your car runs hot, your choices are narrowed already. Only the best quality electric fans will come close to putting out the air flow that a direct drive, belt-driven fan will. Most will fall short. To my knowledge the clutch fan wont multiply RPM to the fan and the best it will ever do is 1:1, same as a direct driven fan.
If cooling is not a problem, then maybe you have some room for efficiency. I wonder though if the gas or HP saved by either a clutch fan or electric fan is something you would ever realize?
If cooling is not a problem, then maybe you have some room for efficiency. I wonder though if the gas or HP saved by either a clutch fan or electric fan is something you would ever realize?
When my engine builder came over to fire up the Cleveland for it's first time, he said to dump the clutch fan and go direct. He also told me to replace the reproduction stock radiator and get an aluminum one.
B67FSTB
The NorCal dude from Belgium
I think we also have to consider in what kind of climate we do operate our cars.Cold , medium or hot climate.
And if the car is equipped with AC to determine which setup is proper.Although the direct way isn't my favorite .
And if the car is equipped with AC to determine which setup is proper.Although the direct way isn't my favorite .
O
opentrackerSteve
Guest
I believe it is more efficient - why would soooooo many cars have it if it wasn't? Remember, it's not on at most speeds...
I have a clutch fan and I love it. I went from a solid fan (w/shroud) to a flex fan, then quickly dumped that and went to a clutch fan. The clutch is MUCH quieter, frees up some power, and cools just fine. It's not quite as efficient as a good electric fan, but it's more than enough for most vehicles, and it doesn't require charging system upgrades.