Fan clutch stuck on

[ExplorerTom]

so my next chapter of fan related issues takes me to the engine fan.

I was driving home yesterday, going up the eastern approach to the Eisenhower Tunnel while running 4000 rpms and 70 mph for most of that run. It's a steep, 2000 foot climb over just a couple miles- 9100 feet to 11,100 feet.

Then I basically coasted down to Idaho Springs- because it's all downhill....... Anyway, once back on the gas to climb Floyd Hill near Denver, the roar of the engine fan was super loud and engine/transmission temps were within normal ranges. I figured it might "reset" itself once it was parked overnight. Nope. And it sat all day at work and is still super loud on the way home.

I replaced the fan clutch with a heavy duty clutch almost 2 years and 38k miles ago. It was a Hayden 2917.

On a typical day, the clutch would stay engaged until I got above about 30 mph, then it would disengage and really I'd never hear it again.

Anyone had a similar experience with their fan clutch?

I'm thinking of doing an e-fan conversion. It should free up some power/torque and could improve economy. Any thoughts on this?

 

[ChrisOIFdoc]

I think it's a great idea. I would like to do the same. Don't like the power loss I feel when I'm off-roading and the fan clutch kicks in. I'll need some schooling on what fan to go with. Please advise if you go that route.

 

[ExplorerTom]

Update: clutch seems to have “unstuck” itself during the morning commute. All is normal for now.

Still may entertain the electric fan thing. Flex-a-lite has a kit. Decent reviews on summitracing.com. Kinda pricey at $530 though.

 

[ChrisOIFdoc]

That is pricey. I might have to wait a while for that one or check the wrecking yards.

 

[ChrisOIFdoc]

The more I read about e fans off road the more I lean towards mechanical. May look at a larger radiator.

 

[ExplorerTom]

What have been your findings regarding offroad use with e fans?

 

[1955moose]

Tom theirs a vendor on Ebay that's selling the model 470 dual fan your thinking about. He's selling at $495.00 delivered. Not a huge savings, but hey $35.00 is a half tank of gas. You supposedly gain 15 horsepower, and 1-2 mpg increase. We have the same Suv, mine gets 10mpg city, so a little bump in grade pulling, and $7.00 to $10.00 at fill up ain't bad. Would make up for the $500 clams you fork out up front. Anyway saw it trolling EBay. Free shipping too!

Sent from my N9131 using Tapatalk

 

[ChrisOIFdoc]

What have been your findings regarding offroad use with e fans?

Kinda mixed with a stronger lean towards mechanical for reliability. Here's a link to a forum on the topic. http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/chevy/1745745-mechanical-vs-electric-fans.html
I may still try it and carry the mechanical as a back up.

 

[ExplorerTom]

Update: clutch seems to have “unstuck” itself during the morning commute. All is normal for now.

May have spoke too soon. Clutch was re-engaged for drive home. It never released.

 

[ExplorerTom]

Kinda mixed with a stronger lean towards mechanical for reliability. Here's a link to a forum on the topic. http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/chevy/1745745-mechanical-vs-electric-fans.html
I may still try it and carry the mechanical as a back up.

Yeah, I did some of my own digging and found similar results (opinions). I ordered a new clutch from NAPA.