Fan Clutch Options - One More Time?

Hi All:

I've read through all of the threads I can find, 5-blade vs 7-blade fans, etc... but I am looking for a consensus on fan clutches.

I am trying to solve an engine fan "roar" not an overheating situation (thankfully, after many years of it running hot). '73 Stage-1.

I'd like to replace the replacement fan clutch in hopes of quieting up the fan noise. It's louder than the exhaust, by far. I am almost positive my Dad installed a serious, heavy-duty Hayden years ago… and it’s been loud ever since. It gets loud long before the engine is up to operating temps...

I’d like to go back to an AC Delco thermal fan clutch. Would this be part number: ACDELCO 1580245? Is there another option, that isn’t the severe duty one for the later year Diesels, but more in between?

Thanks in advance.

 

Mine does this also. I just bought the clutch from Rock auto and guess I got the wrong type.

 

I got a Hayden 2705 Thermal clutch.

This is the description in Rockauto:

"Thermal Fan Clutches operate in response to underhood temperatures. When the engine is cold, the fan is disconnected; when too much heat is generated, the fan is allowed to cool the engine. A bi-metal thermostatic coil mounted at the front of the clutch senses the underhood temperature and operates the clutch accordingly.

Features:

• Varies the fan speed with temperature of the air behind the radiator.
• Engaged (high speed) operation provides maximum cooling.
• Disengaged (low speed) operation provides fuel savings and noise reduction.
• Greater life expectancy than a non-thermal clutch.
• Briefly engaged at cold start-up.
• Engages at about 170° radiator air temperature, (about 30° lower than coolant temperature)."

 

Typical RotAuto description... remember, our sales people are just that, NOT technicians... Buy local. ws

 

This description actually comes from the manufacturer.

 

They heavy duty ones all make that loud noise. These AC Delco ones always worked perfect for me. They are quite as a mouse. I think this number is discontinued but I bet there are a bunch still out there.

 

That AC Delco unit looks like this. They pretty much look the same as the Delco/Eaton units that came new on our cars.

 

This is a Hayden. It and anything that looks like it will make a ton of noise. Like an 80’s Chevy van. Sounds like all fan. Terrible.

 

The Parts Place has the thermal GM fan clutch for $129.

 

I would be skeptical until I saw it. Much GM stuff now repackaged stuff same as Autozone special.

 

so for a non show car do you go with the current model ac delco on the assumption that its better than the discontinued model?

 

...original clutches and blades were engineered for specific applications. My '71 Assembly Manual shows 5 clutch and 2 fan part numbers for our cars. My guess is that over time, we've been reduced to universal fit...

 

I have bought two of them , they are quality parts that have a solid hub. Not slotted and they are quiet. I would have not recommended junk parts to anyone on this forum..

 

There is the standard, heavy-duty, and severe duty clutch in the hayden/four seasons line

 

This is what I just installed, after 2 GM ones puked. Granted they were used an unknown amount of miles...
The Hayden 2705 doesn't sound any louder than the stockers to me . Keeps temp creep in traffic in check. Never over 180* now, with no creep...Jim

 

If you’ve tried it I’m sure it’s good.

 

Thank you all - just the discussion I was hoping would take place. The noise has finally gotten to me, so the fan clutch has moved up the list to "next."

 

Did you install a new one?

I’m also looking. The Hayden looks fine but that AC delco with curved fins looks intriguing to me. Dang Summit shows an AC delco but with straight fins and curved fins for the exact same model number.

If one orders the AC Delco, is it all just generic stuff these days?