Slammed tailpipe, dropped muffler, vapor locked then idiot light came on...

It's probably best to just get a new fan clutch, they're not very expensive. But if you can spin the old one and it keeps on spinning then it's junk. Also check it to be sure the bearing isn't wobbly.

Briz, you're descibing my experience almost exactly. I now have the stock shroud, 18" 7 blade fan and a new clutch. I also have a high flow 160 thermostat and aluminum radiator. We're only about 3 hours apart so your weathe rover there is probably the same as ours and it started early this year with almost unbearable July and August heat and humidity begining the first of June. My car now runs an average of around 170 and rarely gets over 180 even with the a/c running, and I don't have to drive with one eye on the voltmeter. I'm much happier with the old setup than I was with the electric fan.

 

Spinning it by hand gets a couple revlolutions but there is some drag that stops it. Any other way to test it before installing it on the car?

I saw that Summit carries them. Anyone know at what temperature the Summit clutches engage?

Now I need to either patch the fan shroud enough so that it does not look Mickey Mouse or find another. I purchased the 160 degree thermostat from Summit. (Robert Shaw/Stewart)

Thanks again for all of the excellent information!